Golden hour in Santa Monica tonight
A middling sunset
Golden hour 6:08 PM–6:41 PM·sunset 6:41 PM
Begins soon
Tonight's sunset score is about 4 out of 10 (estimated).
Morning golden hour6:48 AM–7:22 AM
Why this score?
An average showing — held back by humid, hazy air. — US National Weather Service, today
The sun sets at 265° — W on the compass.
Where to stand
- Directions →
Santa Monica Pier
The Ferris wheel and endless Pacific make the definitive California sunset. - Directions →
Palisades Park
A clifftop promenade above the beach with the sun sinking into the ocean.
Make an evening of itPartner picks
⛵️Sunset cruises & tours nearbyGolden-hour departuresSee times →via Viator🍽Book a patio table for sunsetGolden-hour seatingReserve →via OpenTable📷Golden-hour photo kitCPL filter + travel tripodShop →via Amazon
Partner links may earn a commission — it never changes what we recommend or the free times above.
Go outside. The sky is doing something.
Updated Wednesday, September 30, 2026