The Best Sunset Spots to End Your Full-Day Private Tour of Los Angeles

social5010
Nov 5
6 min read

There’s something magical about ending a full-day private tour of Los Angeles with a spectacular sunset. After exploring the city’s iconic neighborhoods, coastlines and hills, the last stop—the one where you pause, breathe in the view, and share a moment—often becomes the highlight that guests remember most. When you plan your itinerary with that in mind, you give your clients a “high note” finish, a moment of calm, awe and reflection after a lively day.

Top 3 Best Sunset Spots to End Your Full-Day LA Private Tour

Here are three outstanding sunset locations to consider for that perfect ending. Each brings a distinct vibe, unique photo opportunities, and practical logistics to fit a private‐tour schedule.

1. Griffith Observatory (in Griffith Park)

Perched high on the south‐facing slope of Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory offers one of the most panoramic and dramatic vantage points in Los Angeles. You’re looking out over the city basin, toward downtown, across to the Pacific on a clear day, and you’ll even capture the iconic Hollywood Sign framed in the golden light.

Why it works so well for a sunset finish

After a full day of touring neighborhoods, landmarks and maybe even coastline, arriving here gives the sense of “we’ve seen Los Angeles, now we elevate above it.”
It’s accessible by car, meaning you don’t need to end the day with a long hike—ideal for private‐tour guests who may prefer comfort.
The vantage point is broad and sweeping, which means great photos, memorable views and a sense of closure.

Practical tips for your tour

Arrive about 30 to 45 minutes before the actual sunset time. That gives you time to pick a good spot, let the light settle, and then watch the magic happen. Parking fills up, so consider leaving from your earlier stop with enough buffer. Once the sun dips, the temperature up on the hill can drop sharply—bringing a light jacket is wise. And while you’re there, let guests linger a little: that after‐sunset glow is often the most beautiful.

2. Santa Monica Pier & the adjacent beach

For a more relaxed, beach-ending vibe that captures the quintessential West Coast sun-setting moment, Santa Monica Pier is hard to beat. You’ll watch the sun dip over the Pacific, see the silhouette of the Ferris wheel, hear the waves, and feel the transition from day’s adventure into evening ease.

Why this is a great choice for a private tour ending

Guests feel like they’re truly experiencing “California”: oceanfront, sunset, boardwalk ease.
It pairs naturally with a tour that’s already moved toward the coast—Venice, Santa Monica itself, perhaps even Malibu.
After the sunset, there are options for a stroll, a casual drink or dinner right by the beach—letting the group wind down comfortably.

Practical tips for your tour

Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset. This gives time to find a good spot on the sand or pier, and to take in the changing sky. The west-facing view means the sun will drop into the ocean—so get that camera ready. Parking in Santa Monica can be busy toward golden hour, so plan accordingly. And afterwards, you might suggest a brief casual stop—maybe a drink at a beachfront lounge—so the day ends on a smooth, unhurried note.

3. El Matador State Beach (Malibu coast)

If your tour has taken you further afield—to Malibu, the Pacific Coast Highway, or more scenic, off‐the-beaten-path stops—then finishing at El Matador State Beach offers something truly cinematic. Expect sea-stacks, rock arches, cliff paths and the sun dipping into the ocean in wild beauty.

Why this works as a special, memorable finale

It shifts the tone from “city” to “nature”—giving the feeling of a reward after a full day of sightseeing.
It’s visually dramatic, making it ideal for clients who want standout photos and an “experience” rather than simply a view.
The relative serenity compared with more touristy beach spots adds a touch of exclusivity and intimacy.

Practical tips for your tour

Be sure your transportation allows you to get there with adequate time before sunset: depending on traffic, the drive out to Malibu can stretch. The path down to the beach can be steep and uneven, so if you have guests with mobility concerns, pick a vantage point up on the bluff instead. Parking is limited and fills up on weekends, so plan for that. Once you’re there, allow for 15–20 minutes of extra time so guests can relax, take in the after-sunset glow, and soak in the moment rather than rushing.

Choosing the Right Sunset Spot Based on Your Tour

When deciding which sunset location to include at the end of your private tour, it helps to match it to the flow and theme of your day. Consider these three scenarios:

If your itinerary has been city-centric (Hollywood, downtown Los Angeles, neighborhoods, iconic landmarks), finishing at a high vantage point like the Griffith Observatory feels natural. It elevates you out of the bustle and gives a sweeping view of the city you just explored.
If your day has involved coastline, beach neighborhoods or a west-ward move (Venice Beach, Santa Monica, beach drives), then wrapping up at Santa Monica Pier offers the perfect beachside sunset moment—relaxed but visually confident.
If your tour has included a scenic drive, luxury detour or a focus on nature and coastline (Malibu, Pacific Coast Highway), then finishing at El Matador gives you a show-stopper, a distinct shift from urban tourism into nature’s theater.

Tips for Seamless End-of-Day Energy

Ending a long day of touring requires more than just picking a nice spot—it’s about creating the right pace and vibe for your guests.

Time it right. Look up sunset time for the day (Los Angeles sunset times vary by season). Plan arrival so you’re there before the sky begins its color transformation.
Build in buffer. After a full day, guests may be tired. Build in a little unscheduled time so they’re not rushed. At the same time, you want to arrive with enough margin to find parking and a good viewpoint.
Optimize comfort. If the last stop is at height (Griffith) or involves some walking (El Matador), make sure guests are prepared—jacket, comfortable shoes, water. If it’s a beach situation, a light breeze can sneak in as the day cools.
Let them soak it in. Use the time at sunset not just for photos but for reflection. Encourage group silence or quiet conversation—let the beauty of the moment speak. It gives the tour a meaningful close.
Include a soft after‐event. Especially if you finish at Santa Monica or Malibu, consider recommending a casual dinner, a beachfront drink or a walk after the sun sets. That helps transition from guided touring to relaxed evening mode.

Why This Matters for Your Guests & Your Brand

From a guest perspective, that final sunset becomes part of their memory of Los Angeles—not just the landmarks, beaches or houses of celebrities, but how they took it all in and where they ended the day. It’s that moment when the group stops moving and simply watches. That pause gives emotional weight. It creates that “I want this photo, I want this moment, I want to remember this” sentiment.

From a brand perspective (particularly if you’re operating as a tour provider), including a thoughtfully chosen sunset location shows you understand the guest experience in depth. It reflects planning, insight, and a desire to deliver more than just a checklist of places. It says you care about how the day ends, not just what was seen.

SEO‐wise, when you craft content around “best sunset spots in Los Angeles” and highlight these locations with rich descriptions, practical tips, and vivid imagery, you’re hitting on what searchers want: a great place to watch the sunset in L.A., accessible tips, and how to match that with a full-day tour. Using keywords like “sunset spots Los Angeles”, “Los Angeles sunset view”, “Griffith Observatory sunset view” helps search engines connect your content with user intent.

Final Thoughts

Ending your private tour with a carefully chosen sunset spot transforms your day from good to unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for sweeping urban panoramas, relaxed beachfront charm, or wild coastal drama, each of these three recommended spots has its own strengths.

Choose based on the flow of your day, plan the timing and logistics, and allow your guests the time to simply be. That moment of stillness, of golden light dropping, of the sky shifting colours—it becomes the closing chapter of a great tour. And when your clients look back, it will be that moment they remember.