8 Places to Watch the Sunrise in the Bay Area
Sunrise at Bair Island in Redwood City. (Courtesy of @dzdukes)

8 Places to Watch the Sunrise in the Bay Area

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Instead of watching the sunset, switch it up!

The Bay Area is filled with quiet places to catch daybreak. Hope for a fog-free morning and head for our favorite spots.


Tank Hill

You already know that the walk up the wooden steps to the top of Tank Hill, near Twin Peaks, promises epic city views over the tops of all those Victorian houses. Go early in the morning to have the vista to yourself. // Clarendon Ave & Twin Peaks Blvd (Cole Valley); sfrecpark.org

Pier 14

Obviously eastern views are where it's at if you're expecting a sunrise snap worthy of Instagram. At Pier 14, capture the glow with the Bay Bridge and Treasure Island in the foreground. // Mission St & The Embarcadero (Embarcadero); sanfranciscobay.com

Indian Rock Park

If you live in the East Bay, Berkeley's Indian Rock Park is a go-to spot for taking in views, especially for Cal students. But college students aren't known to be early birds, so you'll find peace and quiet in the a.m. // 950 Indian Rock Ave (Berkeley); cityofberkeley.info

Wildcat Canyon Regional Park

Lesser known, the East Bay's Wildcat Canyon Park has unforgettable views from the summit with an added bonus of an excellent morning hike. // 5755 McBryde Ave (Richmond), at the top of the Clark-Boas Trail; ebparks.org

Bair Island State Marine Park

Unlike many of the places on this list, this spot doesn't require any climbing. Enjoy the fauna and flora of Redwood City's Bair Island, where the 3.3 mile trail guarantees sunrise views almost every step of the way. Leave your pup at home. // 808 Seal Pointe Dr (Redwood City); yelp.com

Hawk Hill

You know Hawk Hill as the spot for ogling the Golden Gate Bridge; but wouldn't that view be so much prettier at sunup? Park along Conzelman Road on the Marin side of the bridge. // Conzelman Road, Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Marin Headlands); parksconservancy.org

Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve

Overlooking Tiburon, Ring Mountain is often forgotten, but remains beloved by dog lovers who take their pups here to trail run. Head to the top via the Phyllis Ellman or Loop trails for unobstructed views of the entire Bay Area. // Phyllis Ellman Trail & Paradise Dr (Corte Madera); yelp.com

Laguna de Santa Rosa

In Wine Country? The nearly two-mile Laguna de Santa Rosa trail offers hikers, bikers, and horseback riders the chance to see the sunrise over the water and through the trees. // 6303 CA-12 (Santa Rosa) for a walk on the trail and High School Rd (Sebastopol) to watch from your car; parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov

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