One of my favorite places to watch the sunset, this magic corner of Sutro Heights is often overlooked. But don’t worry, I won’t spoil your adventure by telling you exactly where it is. Below are just enough details to make the search fun 🙂.
If you are interested in learning about more locations like this one, check out my guide to Secret San Francisco Photo Spots!
- Nearby – Sutro Heights Park
- Expect – a small, moderate trail leads to the “sunset pad”
- Hint – dense forest lies between you and the pad
- Bring – a picnic blanket
- Best time of day – sunset
This local family of four was looking for a spot that felt like home, but also somewhere they could relax and enjoy a sunset without the usual weekend crowds. On a sunny afternoon in San Francisco, that’s not easy to find.
We settled on Sutro Heights Park for the variety of environments and the space it offered for their preschooler to run around. I am quite familiar with Sutro Heights and have photographed many families here over the years. But this time I had something special in mind – a secret little corner that I had discovered a few weeks before.
We started in the typical Sutro Heights photo spots, but once I felt we had what we were looking for, I suggested going for a little adventure. Just as I had hoped, my new “secret sunset pad” was empty. A large level area, covered in wood chips, shaded by gnarled old coastal cypress trees, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the setting sun – perfect!
I hope this inspires you to explore Sutro Heights and try to find my “secret sunset pad.” Above are enough clues to get you started. Enjoy the search.
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Thanks for being here. I’m David Enloe, a San Francisco family photographer. I make soul-stirring pictures for families that find adventure around every corner. Want to learn more about the person behind the camera?
