By: Sara Barnes | Student Life Editor & Geoff Osuna | Photographer
Many people dream of coastal living, where getting a tan and sun-kissing your hair can be achieved simply by trekking a few miles to the sand. When people think of beach bum towns, they imagine blonde surfers and a relaxed mood all around. However, one of the coolest parts about living on the coast is not often the first thought someone has. Once you experience the sun setting perfectly over the ocean, making the water’s surface shimmer, you understand why being able to see gorgeous sunsets nightly is one of the best treasures of living seaside. Surprising to many people, one of the best months to view an awe-inspiring sunset is February. During the second month of the year, coastal sunsets are magnificently beautiful, with every one unique in its coloring, ranging from deep oranges to pastel pinks. The weather in February also contributes to the brilliance of the sunsets, because sunsets are often the most vibrant and picturesque right after a light rain, as long as the clouds have mostly cleared up.
Of course, one of the most romantic ideas for a date is to watch the sunset together, and there is nowhere better to do that than the backyard of Casa Romantica. Not only is it a great place to view the sunset change color around the pier, making it look even more like a perfect candidate for a painting, but the bench you sit on happens to be right in the middle of a garden. Looking around and seeing wildflowers growing around your ankles, while gazing off the cliff side down to the water makes the wet-suited surfers look just like small ants floating in an endless sea, and adds to the beauty of the sky changing colors right before your eyes. In addition to being a great spot to watch the sunset, you can make being at Casa Romantica into an afternoon event by touring through the house itself and learning some history about our little beach town.
If a significant other is not who you want to be watching the sunset with, friends are a great substitute. When you are cruising around town with nowhere to go, head up Salvador until you reach the top of the hill, and park alongside the curb, where no houses block your view. You can relax as you watch the sun go down, with music playing in the background, making the whole situation feel like a movie. Maya Howie (11), a Top of the World enthusiast, raves that “top of the world is the best place to see the majestic light in the sky fall down in to the shimmering abyss that we call an ocean. It’s unbelievable to think that at the same time our sun is rising somewhere else, like in China or something.” Another way to watch the sunset at Top of the World is to find a friend with a truck, fill the trunk with pillows and comforters, bring some snacks and a speaker and just chill in the truck bed while the sky fades to black. It also is great for watching the stars once the sun has set.
Whether you are a morning person or night owl, this next location provides a great spot to catch the sun rising or setting. If you are more athletic and prefer spending time with your dog rather than friends or a significant other, head down to the outlet mall, where just across the street a trail through the new housing development leads to a great view. Following the dirt path down to the edge of the cliff, there is a bench placed perfectly for watching the sky change, whether the day is just beginning or coming to an end. Junior Jess Hunt commented on the trail experience, saying “I love watching the sunset from the mall trails. I feel like I’m working out and blowing my mind at the same time. When the sunset hits my eyes a soft, slow tear rolls gently down my cheek. ‘Its just so beautiful’ I resonate deep in my soul.” Take Jess’ advice, put on some running shoes, leash up your dog, and make this viewing experience into a beneficial exercise, which will either begin or end your day right.
Living in San Clemente is a luxury that many people wish they had, so it is important to cherish the small things this little town has to offer. Along with going to the beaches, and enjoying the parts of it that are still quaint, such as Del Mar, it is important to stop every once and a while to observe the stunning sunsets, it will surely make you appreciate how beautiful it is to live on the coast.
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