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By Brigitte Najarian-Mier: updated on November 5, 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.
To find out why our coast puts on such a show this time of year, I caught up with local photographer Daniel Beauvoir, who’s been capturing sunsets across Ventura County for more than a decade.
“Fall is my favorite season to shoot,” he told me. “The light is softer, the air’s cleaner, and the clouds sit higher; that’s what gives you those crazy layers of color. If I see high nimbus clouds in the afternoon, and a clear view of the islands, that is when I know it’s going to be one of those stunning nights.”
Beauvoir also uses a tool called the Sun Seeker app, which helps him plan his shots.
“It shows me exactly where the sun will drop, hour by hour,” he said. “If I’m at the harbor, I can line up the sun with the boats’ masts, or if I’m at Serra Cross, I’ll position my tripod so the light spills right over the mountains. It’s important to know that you don’t need a fancy camera or equipment, just knowing where the sun’s going makes all the difference.”
Channel Islands Harbor
Head to Oxnard and experience the premier destination for boating, sportfishing, and more. Rent a kayak from Hopper Boat Rentals and paddle out just as the sun dips low. “That harbor light is unreal,” Beauvoir said. “It’s calm, it’s warm, and if you catch a little bit of cloud cover, the water mirrors the sky.”
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, photo by chino23s
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.
Danny’s tip: “Winter sunsets downtown are all about timing and angles,” Beauvoir explained. “The sun drops behind the hills around 7:00 p.m., but I set up an hour earlier to catch that soft pre-sunset glow. If you’re shooting or just watching, stand on the east side of Main Street, the light hits the storefronts and makes everything look like it’s glowing from within.”
📷 Sunset along in Downtown Ventura offers spectacular photo ops, photo by @J_Sand_Photog
Serra Cross
For a more panoramic view, hike up to Serra Cross. The spot overlooks the entire coast, from the ocean to the mountains, and feels especially peaceful at sunset. Pack a small picnic and watch as the sky transforms from sherbet orange to deep indigo.
Danny’s tip: “From Serra Cross, you’re about 240 feet above sea level, which gives you a longer window of light,” Beauvoir said. “Because of the elevation and how the coastline curves, the sun lingers a few extra minutes before dipping below the horizon. I like to stay about 15 minutes after sunset, that’s when the real colors show up. The trick is patience; the best hues come after the sun disappears.”
📷 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, photo by @photosandplanes
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.
📷 Example of high clouds painting a picture perfect sunset behind Santa Cruz Island during late fall at Surfer’s Point in Ventura: photo by Ventura County Coast staff
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, photo by @dat_dude_andres
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!
📷 Sunset at Solimar Beach, photo by Ventura County Coast staff.
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!
