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By Brigitte Najarian-Mier on October 8, 2025
You’ve seen a sunset, but have you ever seen a Ventura County Coast sunset during the fall or winter? It’s truly a sight to behold. My husband and I visit Point Mugu State Park often just to watch it descend over the water. The colors bring out a symphony of purple, pink, red, and orange, painting the sky like a scoop of sherbet ice cream.
I chatted with local photographer Daniel Beauvoir and got the inside scoop on which Ventura County Coast spots are the best at dusk during these colder months.
For sunset chasing, he said, “ I use a sun tracker app called Sun Seeker. It shows me which direction the sun’s going to set and it gives me hour-by-hour updates.”
Channel Islands Harbor
Head to Oxnard and experience the premier destination for boating, sportfishing, and more. Hopper Boat Rentals rents out kayaks so you can hit the water and capture the perfect shot. Don’t forget to use the Sun Seeker app Danny recommended! When you’re done, warm up with a slice from Toppers Pizza (my favorite place) and get the Hot Honey.
📷 Sunset along Channel Islands Harbor’s Silver Strand Beach
Main St., Ventura
Head to downtown Ventura and catch the sunset over Main Street. You’ll have plenty of shops and restaurants to explore! A ton of annual events should be ramping up this time of year like the farmer’s market. Tip from Danny: “During the winter, I set up at 6:00 PM and wait for the sun to set at 7:00 PM. This area looks beautiful year-round.”
📷 Sunset along in Downtown Ventura offers spectacular photo ops
Serra Cross
Hike up to this local staple that boasts panoramic water views. San Buenaventura was ninth in the series of California Missions founded by Spanish missionary Father Junipero Serra and this site isn’t far from where he first blessed the land. Take a picnic and wind down after seeing the sights.
📷 Sunset at Serra Cross in Ventura. Photo by Samantha Judd
Camarillo
Take a drive along Las Posas Road and watch the sunset over the farmlands. This area is an agricultural mecca and the Santa Monica mountains provide a stunning backdrop. When you’re done, stroll through Old Town for the best soft serve ice cream, Mister Softee. Don’t forget to pack a sweater! It’ll get a little chilly.
Daniel’s pro tip for the best pictures: “If I see a bunch of clouds in the sky, I know it’s going to be a good sunset.” Clouds at sunset? Won’t that ruin the view? That’s what I thought, but there are a ton of environmental factors that enhance the beauty of these natural wonders during fall and winter.
📷 A colorful sunset at Camarillo Grove Park
High Clouds
High altitude clouds catch sunlight after the sun dips below the horizon. Then they reflect and scatter that light back down, acting as a canvas for the sunset colors to really shine. See, Daniel really knows what he’s talking about.
📷 Example of high clouds painting a picture perfect sunset during late fall at Surfer’s Point in Ventura
Lower Sun Angle
Since the Earth’s motion around the sun changes, it moves faster during winter and we’re closer to the sun during wintertime. This makes our twilights last a little bit longer from late fall to early winter.
📷 Sunset at Ventura Harbor
Dryer, Cleaner Air
Water vapor clings to particles in the air like dust and pollen, blocking sunlight. But cold air has less water vapor and it comes from areas like the Arctic where there’s less pollution. That crisp, fresh breath of air you love so much is the perfect recipe for a breathtaking sunset.
You have to see these Ventura County sunsets for yourself, and I’m not just saying that because I’m a local. We often do staycations and book a hotel for the weekend so we can decompress near the end of the year. The best part is it’s the ideal time to reserve a room. Rates are lower than usual during this time since it’s the offseason. That means fewer crowds and quieter moments to enjoy all the vibrant colors. Stay and find a cozy spot you’ll love!
