“California Henge”: San Francisco’s Natural Light Show (September 1-2)

California Henge, San Francisco’s twice-yearly solar spectacle, is taking place September 1-2, 2025.

Twice a year, San Francisco puts on a dazzling celestial show known as California Henge. In this phenomenon, the rising or setting sun aligns perfectly with the city’s street grid, casting a golden glow down California Street and illuminating the Bay Bridge in the distance.

What Is California Henge?

California Henge occurs when the position of the sun aligns with San Francisco’s east-west oriented streets, most notably California Street. As the sun rises or sets, it beams directly down the corridor framed by skyscrapers, creating a dramatic interplay of light and shadow. The effect is particularly striking when one of the Bay Bridge towers is silhouetted in the sun’s path, creating an iconic photo opportunity.

This phenomenon is named in homage to Manhattanhenge, a similar event in New York City, where the sunset aligns with the Manhattan street grid. Other cities with similar events include Bostonhenge and Chicago Henge, but California Henge has its own West Coast flavor, framed by the rolling hills, Victorian buildings, and a clear line of sight to the Bay Bridge.

When and Where to See It

In 2025, the fall California Henge is expected to occur September 1-2, 2025, according to a post by Bay Area-based photographer Pankaj Bhargava, @punksworld on Instagram.

The best viewing spot is near the top of Nob Hill, looking east down California Street toward the Bay Bridge; one popular spot is at California St & Gough St. Early risers and sunset chasers alike gather here, hoping for clear skies and the perfect alignment. Aim to get there about 6:40 am.

What to Expect

• Golden Light: As the sun rises or sets, the warm light reflects off buildings and glides down the street like a spotlight.
• Photographers Galore: This is a popular event among photographers; many bring long lenses, tripods, and ND filters to capture the fleeting alignment without overexposure.
• Crowd Energy: Expect to share the view with locals and tourists alike. While not as crowded as New York’s Manhattanhenge, the event is gaining popularity every year.

Tips for Viewing

• Arrive early to claim a good vantage point, especially on Nob Hill.
• Check the weather – clear skies are essential for the full effect.
• Use a zoom lens to compress the view and bring the Bay Bridge tower into sharp relief behind the urban canyon.
• Stay safe if you’re in or near traffic while trying to get the perfect angle.

When is California Henge happening?

In 2025, the spring California Henge took place April 8-10, when the sun aligned with San Francisco’s grid at sunrise, casting a golden beam down California Street toward the Bay Bridge.

The autumn California Henge follows the equinox alignment, and this year the best viewing window is around September 1 to 2, 2025, when the rising sun lines up with California Street and perfectly frames the Bay Bridge through the city’s canyon of buildings.

After this fall’s event, the next California Henge will take place in early April 2026.

 

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A post shared by Pankaj Bhargava (@punksworld)