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Scenic Viewpoints in San Diego County, California

9 scenic viewpoints in San Diego County. Every location page has sunrise and sunset azimuths, a monthly golden hour table, Milky Way windows and nearby spots.

Top scenic viewpoints

Chaparral View Between Coastal Trail StaircasesScenic Viewpoint
Chaparral View Between Coastal Trail StaircasesSan Diego County
Coastal Trail Southern Clearing ViewScenic Viewpoint
Coastal Trail Southern Clearing ViewSan Diego County
Coastal Trail View of Shaw’s Agave PatchScenic Viewpoint
Coastal Trail View of Shaw’s Agave PatchSan Diego County
Coastal Trail View of the Kelp ForestScenic Viewpoint
Coastal Trail View of the Kelp ForestSan Diego County
Scenic Viewpoint
Encinitas Viewpoint ParkSan Diego County · 44 m
Scenic Viewpoint
Kenyon Overlook TrailSan Diego County · 589 m
Scenic Viewpoint
Mescal Bajada OverlookSan Diego County · 451 m
Scenic Viewpoint
Swordfish PointSan Diego County · 19 m
Scenic Viewpoint
Lantern PointSan Diego County · 20 m

Map

How to photograph scenic viewpoints

Overlooks are about the sweep of the land, so low-angle light matters most: side-light at sunrise or sunset reveals ridges and texture that midday sun flattens.

  • Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunrise or sunset to find a composition before the light peaks.
  • Use a telephoto (70–200 mm) to isolate layered ridges and light rays instead of shooting only wide.
  • Check the sun azimuth for your date: front-light, side-light and back-light give three different pictures from the same rail.
  • Haze builds in summer afternoons; mornings after a cold front are often the clearest.
  • Stay behind barriers — many overlook edges are undercut or crumbly.

Season: Clear, dry air in autumn and after winter storms gives the longest views; summer adds wildflowers but also haze.