The 10 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in San Jose

In a city full of scenic viewpoints like San Jose, there are countless places to pick if you want to enjoy the sunset.

Don’t worry about trying to narrow down your options. Here’s a list of the top places to watch the sunset in San Jose.

The Best Places to Watch the Sunset in San Jose

1. Alum Rock Park

Alum Rock Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who prefers being in nature that’s been left to be a little wild.

Coincidentally, this rugged aspect of the park also lends itself to creating a pretty spectacular sunset viewing experience.

Though the park is found within the Alum Rock Canyon, you still get a dazzling show of colors as the sun dips behind the mountains over the horizon.

Whether you’re surrounded by trees or in one of the park’s clearings, you’re in for a dusk treat you’ll remember for years to come.

2. Sierra Road

If you have a car and love going for drives, make sure to take the trip along Sierra Road while you’re in San Jose.

The road takes you from the Berryessa area into the San Jose Hills. The entire drive is scenic and relaxing. However, once you’re in the hills, you get an irreplaceable view of the city.

Sunsets on the road are particularly beautiful, with the red, orange, and purple sky contrasting well with the glimmering city lights below. Just drive carefully, parts of the road can be particularly steep.

3. Communications Hill

If you tell San Jose locals you’re looking for Communications Hill, you’ll want to be specific. You’re not looking for the neighborhood but the actual hill that gives the area its name.

Located south of Downtown San Jose, Communications Hill can be seen towering over 100 feet above the territory like a lookout.

That’s where you’ll be spending your sunset. The 252-step climb may seem daunting, but it’s worth it.

The panorama is particularly breathtaking at night when the sky changes color. Just make sure to watch your step on the way back down.

4. PayPal Park

PayPal Park is primarily San Jose’s soccer stadium, but it doesn’t matter whether or not you’re a sports fan, you’ll want to jump at any chance to go into the park in the evening.

Even if you’re sitting practically on the field, you’ll still have a fantastic and unobstructed view of the sky that will seem to catch fire during the sunset.

You may not see the sun dip over the horizon, but the shadows it creates inside the stadium are dramatic and still absolutely worth seeing at least once.

5. Communications Hill Grand Staircase

We’ve already mentioned Communications Hill on this list, but this entry is for you if the idea of racing to the hill’s peak was a little too daunting for your taste.

Aim for just catching the sunset from the staircase for a more calm and relaxed viewing experience that still incorporates the excellent view from Communications Hill.

Known as the Grand Staircase, you don’t have to reach the top to feel like you’re towering over the rest of the city due to its number of steps. So, you can save your legs some walking.

6. Groesbeck Hill Park

If you’re looking for a more laid-back place to watch the sunset that will have you feeling like a local, Groesbeck Hill Park is the place to go.

At East foothills, this 26-acre park still overlooks much of the Downtown San Jose area. So, you get to be removed from some of the hustle and bustle of the city.

The park itself is very calming and offers plenty of opportunities to walk around and enjoy nature for a bit while you wait for the sunset.

Watch the sun bathe the city in colors from up high.

7. Calero County Park

Calero County Park is the perfect place for nature lovers to watch the sunset while in San Diego. Thanks to its diverse flora, fauna, and landscape, the park sets itself apart from the other parks in the area.

There are plenty of places to scope out for the perfect sunset view, including 2 easy hiking trails.

The park is also the city’s best-kept secret for now and doesn’t see a huge influx of tourists. You’ll mostly encounter fellow nature enthusiasts and locals while you’re there, so it won’t feel too crowded.

8. Fowler Creek Park

A family-friendly sunset viewing experience is right around the corner if you decide to head to Fowler Creek Park.

This park sits on 9.5 acres of land, giving you and your loved ones plenty of room to stretch out and run around for the day. With playground and picnic areas as well, you can easily spend morning to night here having a fun day outdoors.

When the sun starts going down, don’t rush to leave. Instead, sit back and enjoy the views of the sunset while everyone else hurries to get home.

9. Mount Hamilton

The California Diablo Mountain Range found in Santa Clara County is famed throughout the state. No matter where you decide to hike, you’re in for some great scenery.

However, if you ask locals where on the range you should go for the best sunset, most of them will direct you to Mount Hamilton.

With a peak of 4265 feet, this mountain towers over the entire county.

Though you likely won’t make it all the way to the top, you’ll still be guaranteed a near-perfect sunset viewing experience even from lower down on the mountain.

10. Japanese Friendship Garden

The San Jose Japanese Friendship Garden isn’t an underrated site in the city. If you go on a nice weekend during the spring and summer, you’re likely to encounter many locals and tourists.

However, most tourists don’t know that the garden starts to come alive for a few moments when the sun sets.

The bridges, lakes, and perfectly curated garden areas become bathed in beautiful orange sunlight, making the entire area look like a picture.

Since it’s a 6-acre park, you’ll have plenty of places to admire the sunset.