09 Jan 2025

Best Spots this Winter to Watch a Sunset in San Diego

By mkellogg

Discover the magic of San Diego's coastline, where vibrant skies and breathtaking views are endless. The city’s iconic skyline and 70 miles of coastline offers some of the most stunning sunsets in Southern California, painting the horizon with a dazzling display every evening. Winter often brings some of the most vivid sunsets, thanks to the crisp, clear air and dramatic cloud formations that enhance the sky’s colors.

During your winter getaway, make the most of these incredible sights near your stay with us at Humphreys Half Moon Inn. Our laid-back, resort-style hotel combines tropical charm with modern amenities, putting you just minutes from the top sunset spots in San Diego. Sip on poolside cocktails, groove to live music at Backstage LIVE, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our lush surroundings—all while soaking in the gorgeous golden hour hues that make every evening in our coastal city extraordinary.

Shelter Island Shoreline Park (0 Miles From Hotel)

Enjoy pastel-lit sunset skies from a cozy bench at the Shelter Island Shoreline Park this winter for an amazing San Diego skyline viewpoint. Conveniently located just outside of Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn, this popular outdoor spot is the perfect place to enjoy unobstructed views of the sunset and skyline each night, no matter the season. You can’t beat these amazing views right from your San Diego hotel!

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park (2.8 Miles From Hotel)

Perched along the dramatic coastline of Point Loma, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park offers an unparalleled front-row seat to nature’s most mesmerizing light show. True to its name, this stunning spot provides unobstructed views of the sun dipping into the endless Pacific Ocean, painting the sky with a breathtaking palette of warm, vivid hues. The cliffs themselves form a natural amphitheater, perfect for savoring this nightly masterpiece. Bring a blanket, find your favorite perch, and let the beauty of the sunset take your breath away.

Ocean Beach Pier (3.4 Miles From Hotel)

Stretching proudly into the Pacific, the Ocean Beach Pier—one of the longest concrete piers on the West Coast—offers an unforgettable vantage point for sunset lovers. Just a short drive from our Shelter Island hotel, this iconic spot provides sweeping views of the ocean as the sun dips below the horizon. Stroll along the pier, listen to the soothing waves below, and watch as the sky ignites in a stunning array of colors. Whether you’re snapping photos or simply soaking in the moment, the Ocean Beach Pier is a must-visit destination for sunset seekers.

Sunset Point Park (4.8 Miles From Hotel)

Located on Mission Bay, Sunset Point Park is the perfect location to spend during sunset hours. Plan the perfect evening along the California coast as you relax and toast marshmallows with friends, catch a great, romantic dinner at a local restaurant with views, or do a little seaside shopping at the local shops and boutiques at the park. All while you bask in the glow of a Southern California sunset – one of the best views in San Diego!

Kate Sessions Memorial Park (7.7 Miles From Hotel)

Nestled high above the city, Kate Sessions Park is a local favorite for unforgettable sunset picnics. Just a quick trip from our Shelter Island hotel, this serene spot offers panoramic views of Mission Bay, downtown San Diego, and the sparkling Pacific beyond. As the sun begins to set, spread out a blanket, enjoy your favorite picnic fare, and watch the sky come alive with vibrant hues. Known for its peaceful ambiance and breathtaking vistas, Kate Sessions Park is the perfect setting to unwind and savor San Diego’s natural beauty.

(Photo: @meganhealytv)

Mount Soledad (10.1 Miles From Hotel)

Standing 823 feet tall, this popular memorial offers mountaintop, breathtaking views of the sunset and San Diego skyline. Enjoy one of the best views in San Diego from Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial, which is surrounded by palm trees, ocean and coastline scenes, as well as views of the area's most popular city landmarks. Take in the amazing San Diego sunsets from the sky and take some of the most amazing photos of your life from one of the best San Diego viewpoints in the area.

(Photo: @mccleanphotography)

La Jolla Cove (12.5 Miles From Hotel)

Also called Seal Beach, La Jolla Cove is one of the best San Diego viewpoints for sunset views and observing marine life, including the ever-popular seals along the Cali coast. The beautiful clear water in La Jolla Cove, its ruggedly handsome coastline, the unique sea caves, and unobstructed sunset views make this a popular sunset spot with locals and visitors of the area. Take a stroll along the beach or venture up to the cliffs for the most amazing San Diego sunset spots!

Windansea Beach (12.7 Miles From Hotel)

If you are looking for an unforgettable San Diego skyline viewpoint to take in the beautiful coastal landscape, Windansea Beach is a unique and stunning place to soak it all in. The unmatched naturally sculpted rock formations are like no other, making it one of the most popular places to catch a sunset in the state of California! The perfect place for a romantic date night or an evening with friends for great views, Windansea Beach is an utterly unique place that you will not soon forget once you watch the sun set over the ocean from this popular San Diego beach!

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (18 Miles From Hotel)

Adventure seekers will enjoy chasing sunsets at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and will not be disappointed when visiting this popular San Diego skyline viewpoint. Hike the scenic trails for the adventure of a lifetime that includes gorgeous sunsets, amazing wind-carved cliffs, never-ending ocean views, and some of the best views in San Diego as the sun sets each night.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Winter Trip to San Diego with a Sunset View?

Book your room or suite at Humphreys Half Moon Inn this winter for a front row view of all the best San Diego skyline viewpoints! From breathtaking sunset views over the ocean to some of the most stunning San Diego skyline scenes, Humphreys Half Moon Inn is the place to be for all the views! You will also enjoy top-notch resort amenities as you are transported to an island oasis this winter where you will feel worlds away while still in the heart of San Diego. Perfect for business or pleasure, our resort offers everything you need to indulge in the coastal California lifestyle you’ve been craving.

08 Jan 2025

Escape the Winter Chill: Sunny San Diego's Top Winter Activities

By mkellogg

The weather is perfect in San Diego– even in January! The sunny days are here and are ready for you to enjoy during your winter visit to SoCAL. For those looking for an excellent locale for your winter escape, may we suggest live music in San Diego, exciting San Diego winter activities, and a variety of other popular things to do in San Diego this winter? Whether you are looking for an adventure or simply want to take in some local culture, Humphreys Half Moon Inn offers the perfect accommodations, various unique onsite amenities, the best popular San Diego winter activities, and a convenient location in the heart of it all.

Listen to Live Music on the Water (Onsite at Hotel)

Located onsite here at your favorite San Diego hotel, Humphrey's Half Moon Inn, is one of the best venues for live music in San Diego! Our waterfront bar and lounge, Backstage L IVE offers some of the greatest acts in town, amazing bay views, and you even get the opportunity to enjoy a phenomenal dinner and drinks experience with us just a few steps away from the lounge at H umphreys SoCAL Dining & Music. If you want to hear live music in San Diego, Humphreys Backstage LIVE is the place to be!

Enjoy a Winter Sunset (Onsite at Hotel)

Some of the best sunsets can be found right here at Humphreys Half Moon Inn this winter. Gorgeous views from Humphreys SoCAL Dining & Music offers amazing sunset views overlooking the marina. From the rugged coastline of Sunset Cliffs Natural Park to the panoramic views from Mount Soledad, there is nothing like a winter sunset in San Diego. Luckily, there is no shortage of amazing viewpoints around our coastal city to soak in all of the golden hour hues. Here are some of the best places to watch the sunset in San Diego.

Grab a Cozy Coffee Drink (Various Locations)

If caffeine is your thing, San Diego can serve up a great cuppa Joe at one of our endless amazing coffee shops! One of the coziest things to do this winter in San Diego is to cozy up at a local coffee shop and enjoy a house specialty brew. Right here at our hotel, Humphreys SoCAL Dining & Music offers made-to-order espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes. From Bird Rock Coffee Roasters and Portside Coffee & Gelato to Ocean Beach Coffee and Plants and Val’s Coffee Corner, there are plenty of other nearby options to explore!

Go Whale Watching (0.5 Miles From Hotel)

While whale watching season lasts all year in California, the best time to see the whales is during the winter months of November through February in San Diego. The team at Next Level Sailing provides the optimal whale-watching excursions with experienced guides and the best whale-watching tours in San Diego. Catch the boat from Shelter Island, just a short walk away from our San Diego hotel, and be prepared to be wowed by a variety of different types of whales and sea life! Don’t miss one of the top San Diego winter activities during your SoCAL vacation.

Take a Hike (1.8 Miles From Hotel)

One of the most popular San Diego wintertime activities is hiking. Our year-round sunny, warm climate makes winter the perfect time to get out and explore the variety of unique places to hike in San Diego. You will enjoy coastal views as you hike along some of the best beaches in California with no crowds and plenty of amazing photo ops! With so many unique and beautiful trails, choose the one that best suits your adventure level and explore!

Explore Liberty Station (2.0 Miles to Hotel)

Plan a visit to Liberty Station this winter. Enjoy a huge entertainment complex on 360 acres with a variety of restaurants, retail shops, art galleries, hotels, movie theaters, live entertainment, and more! So much to see and do no matter the winter weather in San Diego. Great for families, date nights, rainy days, lunch, dinner, and more! Liberty Station is just minutes away from your suite at Humphreys Half Moon Inn and is the perfect place to play this winter in San Diego.

Visit a Museum (Various Locations)

Discover exciting things to do in San Diego this winter with the popular Museum Month! For 29 days every February, you can explore over 70 museums, historic sites, gardens, zoos, and aquariums across San Diego County—at 50% off admission. It’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture, with special tours, virtual activities, and unique museum experiences available only during Museum Month. Don’t miss out on these exclusive opportunities to make the most of your winter getaway!

Plan Your Winter Escape to Humphreys Half Moon Inn for the Best Winter Activities in San Diego

Escape the cold and embrace a San Diego winter filled with sunshine and endless fun! If snow and freezing temps aren’t your thing, pack your bags and head to California’s coastal gem for the ultimate winter getaway. From whale watching and scenic hikes to immersive museum tours and lively music events, San Diego has everything you need to make this winter unforgettable. Let the sunshine be your backdrop for the season’s best adventures!

Book your accommodations now with us here at Humphreys Half Moon Inn and prepare to spend your winter vacation in sunny and 70-degree weather and plenty of fun things to do in San Diego this winter.