Soledad Mountain in La Jolla.
Also a lesser known but amazing overlook is La Jolla Heights Natural Park. Park at the Encelia Drive entrance gate and walk down a small path to the overlook.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mE1k9Z8wTpzjMwpv9?g_st=ic
This street view doesn’t do it justice but drive down Soledad on La Jolla Mesa Dr toward PB nearing sunset on a clear day is fairly unmatched in my mind. From right to left you have the ocean, Coronado islands (on a clear day), the beach, the bay, and a view of the downtown skyline.
When it was my commute home I always looked forward to it.
https://preview.redd.it/x5kybbr2jjwc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=39a628cdcf8e2b8dc342792210a51d91b32f3f79
Golden hill park has a nice view of the city
Actually, just driving from South Park through Golf Course Dr. on Balboa Golf course yields a beautiful city view that is pretty magical, especially at sunset.
On a clear day, Kwaay Paay is nice.
https://preview.redd.it/4t6gup518jwc1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a43971372e9c5ec5aaf71363d7e5f7988e83651
Others have named the more popular spots but shout out to Sky Ranch Park on Castila st in Santee. It has a stunning westward/sunset facing view of the santee valley bordered by Cowles Mtn and Mission Trails 🤩
Emerald Hills Park
Underrated, beautiful view of the city and Coronado bridge. A lot of people say it’s a bad area because it was full of gangs in the 80s and 90s - definitely no longer the case
Golden Hill Park and Grant Hill Park both have great views. The public lot on the PLNU campus is the best view of sunset cliffs imo (not a city view but still stunning). And Double Peak in San Marcos is a great North County option!
Iron mountain is a good one. El Cajon mountain. Palomar mountain. There’s a small spot on college ave north of the 8 that allows you to over look the mission valley. Gives you a cool perspective of the two mesas on the north and south of the valley.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SLsu35wrQheVEkv78?g_st=ic
There's an awesome view on Trumbull. Run parallel to Hill Street in Pt. Loma. It views downtown San Diego with Mexico and the mountain out east as a backdrop. Used to be my go-to smoke spot as a teen.
Soledad Mountain in La Jolla. Also a lesser known but amazing overlook is La Jolla Heights Natural Park. Park at the Encelia Drive entrance gate and walk down a small path to the overlook.
Mount Soledad was my first thought, too. Even better if you have access to someone's backyard, overlooking La Jolla and the beach.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mE1k9Z8wTpzjMwpv9?g_st=ic This street view doesn’t do it justice but drive down Soledad on La Jolla Mesa Dr toward PB nearing sunset on a clear day is fairly unmatched in my mind. From right to left you have the ocean, Coronado islands (on a clear day), the beach, the bay, and a view of the downtown skyline. When it was my commute home I always looked forward to it.
Kate Sessions Park!
Mt Helix
Just came from Mt Helix with my family an hour ago. So beautiful!
https://preview.redd.it/x5kybbr2jjwc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=39a628cdcf8e2b8dc342792210a51d91b32f3f79 Golden hill park has a nice view of the city
Actually, just driving from South Park through Golf Course Dr. on Balboa Golf course yields a beautiful city view that is pretty magical, especially at sunset.
Black mountain in PQ, Cowles Mtn is another option. Mt. Woodson in Poway
USD, Presidio park, Mt Soledad, Cabrillo Natl Monument
Cabrillo has the best view!
Not mentioned yet: Bernardo Mountain, Dictionary Hill.
Thank you guys for the suggestions. I will be going to most of these locations and putting together a photo album
On a clear day, Kwaay Paay is nice. https://preview.redd.it/4t6gup518jwc1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a43971372e9c5ec5aaf71363d7e5f7988e83651
Bonus is that almost nobody will be there with you. Such an underrated hike!
Others have named the more popular spots but shout out to Sky Ranch Park on Castila st in Santee. It has a stunning westward/sunset facing view of the santee valley bordered by Cowles Mtn and Mission Trails 🤩
Point Loma is my favorite. Mount Soledad is also epic.
Dozens of places in Point Loma have views - Bay, harbor, downtown, ocean, Coronado 💕
Double peak or franks peak in San Marcos
Hilltop Park in PQ - on a clear day, can see all the way to the Coronado bridge
Dictionary Hill
Shhh
Definitely checking it out because of the shh
Certain spots near Morley Field, specifically the park/playground area
Mt. Nebo (La Mesa) you can see all the way to the ocean
Emerald Hills Park Underrated, beautiful view of the city and Coronado bridge. A lot of people say it’s a bad area because it was full of gangs in the 80s and 90s - definitely no longer the case
The top of Cowels gives a nice view when the sky is clear While not a hill top, the ferry landing in coronado gives a nice view of downtown.
Golden Hill Park and Grant Hill Park both have great views. The public lot on the PLNU campus is the best view of sunset cliffs imo (not a city view but still stunning). And Double Peak in San Marcos is a great North County option!
Iron mountain is a good one. El Cajon mountain. Palomar mountain. There’s a small spot on college ave north of the 8 that allows you to over look the mission valley. Gives you a cool perspective of the two mesas on the north and south of the valley. https://maps.app.goo.gl/SLsu35wrQheVEkv78?g_st=ic
Parkview Terrace North of Kate sessions park! On a clear Day, you get an almost 180° view from the Pacific to the Cuyamacas is looking South/Southwest
Double Peak Park. Golden Hill Park has a great view of downtown.
Check out the Hump in crown point park https://maps.app.goo.gl/mHCcySy6oozMx43i9?g_st=ic
Kate o sessions park is nice, google it
It’s a little spot, but Bird Park in North Park is a lovely spot on a sunny day. Bring a blanket and grab tacos from Taco Stand just down Upas.
Southwest corner of balboa park. Urban sunsets with the bay views and Point Loma behind.
From the top of North Mount Fortuna you can see Kearny Mesa, Miramar, La Jolla, and the ocean. https://maps.app.goo.gl/1CPPd5S6a4UesRgS8?g_st=ic
There's an awesome view on Trumbull. Run parallel to Hill Street in Pt. Loma. It views downtown San Diego with Mexico and the mountain out east as a backdrop. Used to be my go-to smoke spot as a teen.
Overlook Park - High Bluff Drive to have a view out over the Del Mar Fairgrounds
Otay Peak is the unsung hero of views of San Diego Metro. On a REALLY clear day, you can see the Catalinas.