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Best Places In LA To Watch The Sunset

Venice Beach Celebrates Its 108th Birthday This Weekend
(credit: David McNew/Getty Images)

As the weather starts to cool off the City of Angels at the end of every day, those in the know head for their favorite spots to arrive in time to watch as the Southland's extraordinary scenery explodes into all kinds of hues that appear in a blaze of amazing color. If you haven't found the perfect location from which to witness this daily dose of Mother Nature at her best or if you simply are looking for more options to explore, don't worry. Consider the following places, all of which are ideal for watching the alluring sunsets no other city than Los Angeles has to offer.

Griffith Observatory
(credit: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Griffith Park Observatory
2800  E. Observatory Road
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(213) 473-0800
www.griffithobs.org

Unlike the way James Dean behaved in the legendary movie that was shot here, be contrary and become a rebel with a cause. Whether peering through a telescope provided on the premises or simply by peering out into the atmosphere all the way to the Pacific on a clear day using just the naked eye, you'll discover that the Griffith Park Observatory is an ideal venue from which to watch the sun slowly sink in the West. And why is that? Because not only will your perch be high enough to take in a big chunk of the city below as day changes into night, but you'll also be joined by observers who know this iconic Griffith Park sanctuary is the place to visit in order to witness this daily treat.

Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel Up For Sale On Ebay
(credit: David McNew/Getty Images)

Pacific Park
200 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 260-8744
www.santamonicapier.org

If you're a multi-tasker and you want to see the sunset while doing something else that is at least equally as thrilling, opt to head over to the Santa Monica Pier's Pacific Park on time to ride on this seaside wonderland's oceanfront Ferris wheel just as the sun starts to dip. This amusement park gem will give you the high and the low of the occasion, showing you different angles from a moving chamber that displays a sensational sunset that seems to be reserved just for you.

US-WEATHER
(credit: JOE KLAMAR/AFP/Getty Images)

Hotel Shangri-La
1301 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 394-2791
www.shangrila-hotel.com

Martinis anyone? After a stressful day, what better way to decompress while watching the sun go down than from a sensational rooftop bar? An ideal place to pursue this super recreational opportunity that screams satisfaction is at the Hotel Shangri-La's Suite 700. Simply hit up this famous celebrity haunt, stationed just across the street from the Pacific, to partake in a refreshing drink (or two) and a nightly show of evening hues, courtesy of a sinking sun, all experienced from this wonderful watering hole.

Related:  Best Outdoor Date Ideas This Fall In LA

Colorado Rockies v Los Angeles Dodgers
(credit: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Dodger Stadium
1000 Elysian Park Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 224-1507
www.dodgers.com

Take yourself out to the ball game. And when you do, expect Dodger Blue action and arguably one of the best sunsets on tap in Los Angeles. This iconic venue sits in the perfect place for witnessing disappearing balls of fire in what is known as Chavez Ravine. That said, the actual venue is an expansive ballpark that some say is the best in the west. Besides being on hand for a thrilling sunset, you'll also be on hand when our team hits it out of the park. There's fun and fantasy for everyone.

View of the sunset on Los Angeles from t
(credit: GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Helicopter Tours
16700 Roscoe Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA, 91406
(877) 335-7038
www.flitelitetours.com

Where else can you see our sprawling spread any better than from the air above this fair city? A motivated whirlybird will move you right along so you can hover over downtown Los Angeles' skyline just in time to watch that familiar ball of fire dip out of sight right when a bevy of skyscrapers' lights turn on from within this urban outpost. Now that's a turn-on that even the most jaded sunset watcher will savor for weeks, and even for years, to come. Be sure to choose the City Lights Tour option from the Los Angeles Helicopter Tours menu if this is the sunset fantasy you want to come true.

Related: Best Playgrounds In Los Angeles

Los Angeles freelance travel writer Jane Lasky, contributes to publications such as Travel + Leisure, Vogue and Esquire. Her weekly sojourning column ran in 40 newspapers for 20 years. Jane is anything but an accidental tourist. Check out her articles on Examiner.com.

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