Sunset spectacle: 'Scrippshenge' dazzles beachgoers at Scripps Pier
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- San Diego’s skies delivered a showstopper Thursday night as the much-anticipated "Scrippshenge" phenomenon returned to Scripps Pier — drawing photographers, sunset chasers, and curious locals to the La Jolla shoreline.
As the sun sank low on the horizon, it aligned perfectly with the iconic concrete pilings of Scripps Pier, casting a golden beam straight through its center. The brief but stunning alignment happens only a couple of times a year — and last night’s display didn’t disappoint.
From smartphone snapshots to full-frame time-lapses, the beach buzzed with excitement as onlookers captured the reoccurring natural marvel. Some staked out ahead of time to secure the perfect view — and ideal photography angle.
That included UC San Diego photographer Erik Jepsen, who snapped the stunning display. Here's a look at some of his captures from Friday evening:
"The crowd wasn’t too bad, a lot less people than normal, but still a lot of excitement upon seeing the sun shine through Scripps Pier," Jepson told FOX 5/KUSI. "You'll definitely hear lots of 'woah' [sounds] from the crowd."
The biannual event, nicknamed “Scrippshenge” in a nod to England’s Stonehenge, occurs when the setting sun aligns just right with the orientation of the pier. The result: a fiery glow framed by the pier’s symmetrical pillars — a shot made famous by local photographers and social media over the years.
Though the alignment only lasts a few days, weather and timing have to be just right. Thursday night’s clear skies gave spectators the perfect conditions to witness the spectacle in full, while Jepson said Friday proved to be too cloudy.
If you missed it, you'll have to wait until May 2026 to see this rare alignment again as the “Scrippshenge” sunset only occurs twice a year, typically in May and August. This spectacle is just one more reminder of why San Diego sunsets are truly something special.
