Sunsets in San Diego- Tara Romoff

Tara Romoff is an avid Rambler and world explorer. She was born in England, lived in Portugal as a young child, and then moved to Toronto, Canada, where she lived during her school years. After marrying her high-school sweetheart, she relocated to Chicago, USA, and raised her two kids. 

Perhaps because I’m a Cancer—a true water baby—the lure, the pull, the need to be close to the water is simply part of who I am. It’s my happy place. Maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to coastal cities.

My husband and I have been dabbling—okay, more than dabbling—with the idea of moving to San Diego, an awesome city in Southern California on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, with gorgeous sunny weather, a phenomenal coastline of white sandy beaches, jagged cliffs and coves, and a fairly laid-back lifestyle.

We’ve been coming to San Diego every year for the past six years—sometimes for just a few days, other times for two to three months. Each time, we rent a place in a different part of the city to get a feel for where we might want to land one day.

We’ve stayed close to the water, within walking distance of sweeping cliff-top views or the beach and its long boardwalk—always busy with a wild array of characters. We’ve also stayed near San Diego’s incredible Balboa Park, both north and south. Each spot has its own appeal—whether it’s proximity to coffee shops, restaurants, and bars; the history, gardens, and museums of Balboa Park; or simply the ability to put your feet in the sand on a whim.

One constant in all our exploring is that each day ends with our ritual of watching the sunset. Did you know San Diego is known for having some of the best sunsets? Not over high-rises or strip malls—but over the open ocean.

Each year, we discover new places to watch the sun disappear and add them to our growing list of favourites: the top of Blacks Beach, perched on high cliffs as the last gliders soar out over the ocean; the staggered beauty of Sunset Cliffs; Windansea, where surfers and photographers capture everything from perfect waves to newly engaged couples; and the wide, white sandy beaches of Coronado, sometimes with a fighter jet soaring overhead.

About an hour before sunset, we pack up our cooler bag—we’ve finally found the perfect one, gifted as swag from an event—with our cocktail of choice (whatever suits the day) and a light snack. If we have visitors, we elevate things a bit with a cheese and charcuterie board, which we unveil to their delight.

Then we set off. During the pandemic, we used to laugh that no matter where we went, it only took 15 minutes. Now it’s closer to 25—but still completely doable. We arrive 30 minutes to an hour before the main event, find the perfect perch, set up our beach chairs, pour our drinks, bring out the snacks, and settle in as the show begins.

Over the years, we’ve discovered that the best part often comes after the last sliver of orange dips below the horizon. That’s when the sky comes alive—glowing in magnificent hues of pink and orange. And if the clouds are just right, it looks like cotton candy drifting across the sky.

As we pack up, we compare this sunset to others, talk about how good it was, and remind each other that this nightly ritual is completely free. We smile, knowing we’ll have another chance to do it all again tomorrow.

And then there are the Rambles—those walks that somehow hold all of it differently.

This past one felt especially meaningful. Our last coastal Ramble in San Diego for a while—walking through Point Loma and Ocean Beach, feeling deeply grateful for all the amazing walks under the sun’s warm embrace, breathing in the salty sea air, and soaking up the phenomenal views.

It felt different. Maybe it was knowing it would be the last for now, or maybe it was the way the light hit the water just so, but there was a quiet awareness in every step. The kind that makes you pause a little longer, look a little closer, and take it all in just a bit more deeply.

Point Loma and Ocean Beach gave us everything: endless blue horizons, that gentle coastal breeze, and the kind of scenery that reminds you how lucky we are to be able to move our bodies through places like this.

Grateful for every step, every view, every shared moment. Until next time, San Diego. 

PS: If you’re ever heading to San Diego, I’d be happy to share our favourite sunset spots—or, if we’re in town, join you for the show. It’s the perfect way to end a day.

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