Orange County beach and ocean sunsets are one of my favorite ways to bring an outdoor day to a close. We have lived in places far from the coast, including the mountains of Colorado and the Piedmont region of North Carolina, so I never take these ocean views for granted. There is something special about watching waves roll onto the shore while the sun slowly disappears behind Catalina Island.

We make an effort to catch an ocean sunset at least once a week, and whenever possible, we try to see even more. One year, my son even chose “watch more sunsets” as his New Year's resolution.

Southern California has countless places where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. I will probably add more locations over time, but these are a few wonderful places to begin.

Inspiration Point in Corona Del Mar

Inspiration Point was our favorite sunset destination when we were attending UCI. We would leave the car along Ocean Boulevard near Marguerite, above the beach, and then choose a spot anywhere along the overlook to watch the evening sky.

Benches stretch along the sidewalk beside the bluff, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the scenery. Another option is to walk down to the beach, take a leisurely loop along the sand, and then return via the ramp at the southern end.

My favorite place for sunset viewing is actually around the middle of the ramp leading back toward Inspiration Point. From there, you get an excellent combination of ocean, beach, and evening sky.

If you're visiting with children, make sure to look toward the rocks below. There is a little statue surprise hidden down there that can make the outing even more exciting for kids.

Strand Vista Overlook in Dana Point

Strand Vista Overlook is another excellent location for taking in the sunset. It is located off Selva in Dana Point, close to the residential development on the Dana Point Headlands.

The area also lends itself well to a scenic walk. You can make your way down the stairs near the funicular, follow the beach walkway toward the south, and then return along the winding path.

The route provides several opportunities to pause and admire the coastline, so you can enjoy more than just the sunset itself. The changing perspectives along the walk make this a particularly pleasant place to spend an evening outdoors.

Browns' Park in Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is home to a tiny hidden gem that I absolutely love. Browns' Park is one of my favorite places anywhere, even though I have only visited it once.

To find it, walk uphill in the direction of the Wyland Gallery from the Main Beach Playground. Along the way, you'll pass the Wyland Gallery, and I believe the little park is just beyond the Aviation Art Gallery.

The park itself is narrow and easy to overlook, which is part of what makes it so charming. I'm deliberately leaving out too many directions because discovering this small spot is part of the experience.

Simply walk toward the far end of the park, find a place to stop, and enjoy the view. Sometimes the best sunset locations are the little places you discover for yourself.