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
