Bay Street
beach
intermediate
Bay Street is the more powerful section of Santa Monica Beach.
Beach facing
SW-facing (233°)Golden hour
Evening access
Walk down Bay Street to the beach. Enter near the breakwater for the best peaks.
Sunset sessions in Santa Monica
Santa Monica, California
Sunset and golden hour times for planning your evening session.
After-work glass-offs in Santa Monica can rival dawn patrol on good days. Afternoon thermals die, the crowd thins, and these 3 west-facing breaks catch the last clean sets of the day.
Sunset
4:54 PMGolden Hour: 3:54 PM – 4:54 PM
Day length: 10h 31m
-1 min vs yesterday
Sunrise
6:24 AM
First light: 5:54 AM
Sunset
4:54 PM
Last light: 5:24 PM
Data from Bay Street · Updated daily
7-Day Sun Schedule
| Day | Sunrise | Sunset | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Today(Today) | 6:24 AM | 4:54 PM | 10h 31m |
| Tomorrow | 6:25 AM | 4:53 PM | 10h 29m |
| Fri, Nov 13 | 6:26 AM | 4:53 PM | 10h 27m |
| Sat, Nov 14 | 6:27 AM | 4:52 PM | 10h 26m |
| Sun, Nov 15 | 6:27 AM | 4:52 PM | 10h 24m |
| Mon, Nov 16 | 6:28 AM | 4:51 PM | 10h 23m |
Today(Today)
Sunrise
6:24 AM
Sunset
4:54 PM
Day Length
10h 31m
Tomorrow
Sunrise
6:25 AM
Sunset
4:53 PM
Day Length
10h 29m
Fri, Nov 13
Sunrise
6:26 AM
Sunset
4:53 PM
Day Length
10h 27m
Sat, Nov 14
Sunrise
6:27 AM
Sunset
4:52 PM
Day Length
10h 26m
Sun, Nov 15
Sunrise
6:27 AM
Sunset
4:52 PM
Day Length
10h 24m
Mon, Nov 16
Sunrise
6:28 AM
Sunset
4:51 PM
Day Length
10h 23m
Best sunset surf spots in Santa Monica
Featured Beaches
3 spots
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Featured Beaches(3)
Sunset session picks in Santa Monica
West-facing beaches with golden hour potential and evening access.
Santa Monica Beach
beach
beginner
Santa Monica Beach near the iconic pier offers a wide, forgiving beach break.
Beach facing
SW-facing (212°)
Evening access
Use marked beach access and stay clear of crowded pier-adjacent lanes.
Will Rogers State Beach
beach
beginner
Will Rogers State Beach offers a gentle, forgiving beach break.
Beach facing
SW-facing (207°)
Evening access
Use official beach access and watch posted lifeguard guidance.
Sunset session tips
- West-facing beaches for stunning sunset views
- Often cleaner afternoon conditions
- Golden hour photography opportunities
- After-work session favorites
Surf Guides for Santa Monica
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
About surfing in Santa Monica
- The best sunset sessions in Santa Monica are at Bay Street, Santa Monica Beach, Will Rogers State Beach. These spots offer stunning golden hour views while you ride.
- Yes! Afternoon often brings cleaner conditions as morning onshore winds die down. Plus, the golden hour light and fewer crowds make for magical sessions.
