Best Places In Sacramento To Watch The Sunset
It's been a good day. Time to wrap it up with the sunset. Where do you go? Take your pick of places sprinkled about the area that all have spots to watch the beauty of the setting sun. Keep your camera charged and ready, you'll need it.
Mather Regional Park
4103 Eagles Nest Road
Mather, CA 95655
(916) 875-6336
www.regionalparks.saccounty.net
For the long views, this is the place. This retired Air Force base is wide open, and the park is part of it. Watch the mountains to the east fade away, and to the west, watch the sun offer great changing colors as it dips below the horizon. It's easy to get to with plenty of parking and picnic facilities are available. The view on a clear day is unlimited. Go early and watch the whole show.
California State University Sacramento
6000 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 278-6011
www.csus.edu
The CSUS campus is beautiful. Just about anywhere on campus would be okay to watch the sun set. However, the Guy West Bridge would be one of the best spots. This faithful replica of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco was named after the first president of the university. The bridge spans the American River from the campus. Pick a spot in the middle of the bridge, which is also the middle of the river, and relax as the sun makes a graceful exit over the horizon. The gentle sounds of the river, the beauty of the campus and the setting sun are a perfect mix.
El Dorado Hills Town Center
4364 Town Center Blvd.
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
(916) 933-6699
www.eldoradohillstowncenter.com
Take a short drive to El Dorado Hills and look to the west. This little bit of elevation will give you a great view down into the valley. The shops here are a beautiful backdrop for your sunset-viewing experience. Watch the sun fade out and then enjoy a meal or dessert at one of the eateries that dot the center. It's a fine way to see the day dip below the horizon.
Related: Best Spots To Spend A Summer Day With Your Family In Sacramento
Beal's Point
7806 Folsom Auburn Road
Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 988-0205
www.parks.ca.gov
Beal's Point is part of Folsom Lake. It offers camping, picnicking and fantastic views over the lake. Spend the day relaxing at the lake, break out the picnic dinner, sit back and watch the sun make its exit. The light changes, the lake grows calm and your sunset venture is assured to be a good one. Stay a little longer and you'll get a great star canopy to watch.
Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area
45211 Chiles Road
Davis, CA 95618
(530) 757-2461
www.yolobasin.org
Just across the Yolo Causeway is this wide open wildlife area. Named after Vic Fazio, a California legislator, the views here are from horizon to horizon. The Sacramento skyline, the levies and the extensive bypass area are all part of the view. Listen to the changing sounds of the wildlife as the sun gets lower in the sky. The extraordinary horizon to the west will light up and change, as will the east view, as old Sol takes his leave. This spot is peaceful, wonderful and a sure bet to put your camera through its paces.
Related: Best Places To Take Your Out-of-Town Visitors
Charles Ferris is a freelance writer who has lived in the Sierra, halfway between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, for the last 37 years. In 2010 he retired from teaching after 36 years . He and his wife hike, kayak, cross country ski, snow shoe, ride mountain bikes and road bikes, year round. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
