“California Henge”: San Francisco’s Natural Light Show (April 8-10, 2025)

Big thank you to Stu Berman for sharing with us details about California Henge: San Francisco’s twice-yearly solar spectacle.

Twice a year, San Francisco puts on a dazzling celestial show known as California Henge—a phenomenon where 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, California Henge is expected to occur April 8–10, according to a post by San Francisco-based photographer Stu Berman on Instagram. These dates align with the spring equinox window, one of two times each year (the other being around the autumn equinox in late September) when the angle of the sun lines up with the street grid.

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.

Looking Ahead

If you miss the spring edition, don’t worry—California Henge happens twice a year. A second opportunity typically occurs around September 20–22, near the autumn equinox. Mark your calendar, and bring your camera—you won’t want to miss this uniquely San Franciscan blend of nature and urban design.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, California Henge is a reminder of how the sun, architecture, and perspective can transform an ordinary street into a stage for celestial drama.

 

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A post shared by Stu Berman San Francisco (@stuinsf)