There’s something about an amazing sunset that brings peace to the soul. Northern California is known for her skyline masterpieces, each one exquisitely different than the last. In our part of the state you have a smorgasbord of backdrops to choose from. The Pacific Ocean may be your first thought, but don’t forget all the mountain ranges, rivers and lakes that deserve a sunset look.
Check out some of our favorites. Focus on a few these and you’ll be relaxed before you know it!
- South Lake Tahoe
flickr/christian arballo The most incredible of lakes is our precious Lake Tahoe. She’s a beauty anytime of day, but her bedtime hour is spectacular. Don’t ya think?
- San Francisco
flickr/daniel hoherd The Pacific Ocean touches a lot of San Francisco. It’s not too often we get to see her sans the Golden Gate. So here ya go. She deserves a shout out for her sunset, right?
- Klamath Lake
flickr/ michael AKA Molk A sherbet of pinks and oranges splash across the sky. We all need a little sunset therapy. A reminder to regroup and exhale all the anxiety coursing through our veins. This would be the perfect spot!
- Squaw Hill
fickr/ denise o’brien Squaw Hill likes to show off its ability to use the night sky as its glorious canvas. Spread out a blanket and lay beneath an old oak tree. What better way to appreciate this splendor?
- Ft. Bragg
flickr/adrienne adams Heaven doesn’t seem so far away from this vantage point. From the beginning of creation a sunset has been the period at days end. How sad to see this one go.
- Lincoln
flickr/david bouknight You don’t need to travel to Texas to enjoy some Big Sky moments. You have to love a person who pulls over to snap a few photos of a sunset moment. We can appreciate that.
- Cottonwood
flickr/focusingonlife Reflection is imminent here. A reminder to take life one day at a time - every day. No two days are alike and neither are the sunsets.
- Freel Peak
flickr/christian arballo One of the highest peaks in Tahoe. Named after James Freel, a settler in this part of Northern California. You get two sunsets for the price of one here. We’ll take it!
- Stockton
flickr/Tiocfaidh ár lá 1916 It’s like therapy - the setting sun over the boat slip. What a lovely spot to have a glass of wine and watch the sun disappear over the horizon. Your sunsets are redeeming you, Stockton.
- Sly Park Lake
flickr/latha b Discover this gem in Pollock Pines. It’s not just the glory of this sunset that overwhelms the sense; it’s the incredible pine tree air. Breathe deeply here and you’ll never want to leave.
- Folsom Lake
flickr/lisa oulette This lake borders the City of Folsom and El Dorado Hills in El Dorado county. The recent drought brought this favorite lake to the lowest water levels in years. But now she’s back in the game. Kayaking, camping, skiing - we give this place a thumbs up for all of the above. Sunset would be the perfect time for any of those, by the way.
- Point Reyes Lighthouse
flickr/aepg The day bids adieu to the coast. A reminder to the lighthouse that its almost time to begin its shift. What an illusion how the sunset makes Point Reyes look like a dollhouse town. Light is a spectacular magician.
You don’t need a week-long vacation to enjoy a spectacular sunset. The best part about being from Northern California is the kind of weather that permits us to pull out a lawn chair and sit anywhere outside. We have a front row seat opportunity every evening to be witness to a miracle.
flickr/christian arballo
The most incredible of lakes is our precious Lake Tahoe. She’s a beauty anytime of day, but her bedtime hour is spectacular. Don’t ya think?
flickr/daniel hoherd
The Pacific Ocean touches a lot of San Francisco. It’s not too often we get to see her sans the Golden Gate. So here ya go. She deserves a shout out for her sunset, right?
flickr/ michael AKA Molk
A sherbet of pinks and oranges splash across the sky. We all need a little sunset therapy. A reminder to regroup and exhale all the anxiety coursing through our veins. This would be the perfect spot!
fickr/ denise o’brien
Squaw Hill likes to show off its ability to use the night sky as its glorious canvas. Spread out a blanket and lay beneath an old oak tree. What better way to appreciate this splendor?
flickr/adrienne adams
Heaven doesn’t seem so far away from this vantage point. From the beginning of creation a sunset has been the period at days end. How sad to see this one go.
flickr/david bouknight
You don’t need to travel to Texas to enjoy some Big Sky moments. You have to love a person who pulls over to snap a few photos of a sunset moment. We can appreciate that.
flickr/focusingonlife
Reflection is imminent here. A reminder to take life one day at a time - every day. No two days are alike and neither are the sunsets.
One of the highest peaks in Tahoe. Named after James Freel, a settler in this part of Northern California. You get two sunsets for the price of one here. We’ll take it!
flickr/Tiocfaidh ár lá 1916
It’s like therapy - the setting sun over the boat slip. What a lovely spot to have a glass of wine and watch the sun disappear over the horizon. Your sunsets are redeeming you, Stockton.
flickr/latha b
Discover this gem in Pollock Pines. It’s not just the glory of this sunset that overwhelms the sense; it’s the incredible pine tree air. Breathe deeply here and you’ll never want to leave.
flickr/lisa oulette
This lake borders the City of Folsom and El Dorado Hills in El Dorado county. The recent drought brought this favorite lake to the lowest water levels in years. But now she’s back in the game. Kayaking, camping, skiing - we give this place a thumbs up for all of the above. Sunset would be the perfect time for any of those, by the way.
flickr/aepg
The day bids adieu to the coast. A reminder to the lighthouse that its almost time to begin its shift. What an illusion how the sunset makes Point Reyes look like a dollhouse town. Light is a spectacular magician.
How about you – where in Northern California have you seen the best sunsets?
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