01 Apr Let’s Do Sunset

Let’s Do Sunset.

“Let’s Do Sunset” is one of my favourite things to say. There’s something slightly magic about catching the last of the day’s sunshine, even though you inevitably end up chilly and fumbling your way back in the dark once it’s disappeared. This is especially true in San Francisco, I think, because there is almost always this strange, hazy, not-quite-fog-but-not-a-clear-sky-either quality to the air which makes the city look like a painting. Having spent a huge amount of my time in San Francisco chasing sunsets I’ve managed to put together a list of the best places in the city to watch the sun go down, and I think it’s only fair to share it. Here goes…

1. The Moraga Steps

My first spot is at 16^th and Moraga in the Sunset district. (I actually live in the Sunset, so please be aware that I am going to be biased towards my neighbourhood. Besides, it’s called Sunset for a reason!) It was a community project that started in 2003, and over 300 volunteers came together to decorate the 163 steps. The staircase leads to a viewpoint which overlooks most of the western side of the city, including the Richmond district and Golden Gate Park. It’s definitely worth the climb, which really doesn’t feel all that long because you’re looking at all the locally-sponsored, handmade tiles as you ascend.

2. Land’s End

Land’s End is one of my favourite places in the whole city. The Mile End viewpoint has a brilliant view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the whole bay before you and Sutro Heights behind you. Somebody, who deserves a medal, has built a labyrinth of pebbles so you can amuse yourself if you’ve arrived a little early for the big show. The only issue with this as a sunset spot is the huge amount of stairs you have to climb before you can get back to civilisation, so do yourself a favour and don’t stay until it goes completely dark (unless falling off the edge of a cliff sounds like a fun time for you).

3. Sutro Baths

Technically, this is part of Land’s End, but it deserves its own mention. If Land’s End is my favourite place in the city, it’s because of this derelict swimming pool by the sea. There’s a cave at the lowest point, which is fun to explore, but for the final sinking of the sun you really need to be at the top to appreciate it. The pools of water left in the baths are like mirrors, and it makes the whole cove a patchwork of oranges and reds and all that beauty.

On the subject of honourable mentions, if you’re here you need to pop into Louis’. They do a lovely omelette.

4. The Cliff House

Again, this is just down the road from Louis’ Diner. There is a reason all these spots are so close; they’re all to the west, and a sunset is just better on the sea. (When I lived in Barcelona, sunset was never a thing, because the sun always set inland and it’s just not as impressive. Sunrises were spectacular there but, please, I’m a student. How many times do you think I saw a sunrise?) Anyway, I actually ate at the Cliff House on New Year’s Eve, and the sun got a round of applause as it took a bow, which was fun. Obviously, eating here isn’t the most budget-friendly way to do sunset, but it’s a worthy one every now and again.

5. Anywhere along Ocean Beach.

At the bottom of Taraval Street there are some lovely places to sit, but by persona favourite way to do an Ocean Beach sunset is to get there early enough to claim one of the fire pits near Fulton Street. Just make sure you don’t bring any glass bottles of beer, it’s an instant and expensive ticket if the police catch you.

6. Twin Peaks

This is one place I haven’t actually been at sunset. However, it’s beautiful by day and even more so by night. Doesn’t it make sense to do both and see the transition? Of course it does!

7. Driving Across the Bay Bridge

If you’re driving to Oakland in the early evening always, ALWAYS look behind you. The skyline becomes this gorgeous, dusty pink colour. I wouldn’t make this an event in itself though, because just driving across a bridge isn’t the most thrilling activity. Go on the first Friday of the month and check out the street fair in Oakland, because that is.

8. The 18-46^th Avenue bus

A bus? I know, I know. But I take the 18 every day from SFSU towards Legion of Honour, and if I catch it at exactly the right time of day it’s really quite beautiful as it takes you around Lake Merced. It would be a better viewing experience if the windows were cleaner though…

9. Three Fish Studios

On the first Sunday of every month, local bands set up in the back yard of this charming printmaking studio at 46^th and Irving Street for ‘The Sun Sets’ (get it? Punny, right?). There’s beer on tap and you’re welcome to bring wine (or anything really), and Eric (the artist in residence) makes a free poster for you to take away with you. The only cost is a donation, and it’s a lovely little event.

If you’re in the area, it’s worth popping in throughout the month. The artwork is beautiful, and Eric & Annie usually have a cup of coffee on offer. Check them out at www.3fishstudios.com.

1. And lastly…

Home is always a welcome sight at the end of a long day, and especially when it looks like this!

Enjoy the sunset!