LOS ALAMITOS, CA — The sun sets in the background as seniors reflect on their high school experiences and the memories that they’ve made. They feel as though the end of high school is bittersweet, as they will be leaving for college soon, but they are also excited to start the next chapter of their lives. 

Senior sunset is tomorrow, May 24 at Seal Beach Pier at 7 p.m. This end-of-the-year tradition takes place on the north side of the pier, and seniors can expect an evening of memories and celebration for ending their high school journey.

Senior sunsets provide a sentimental closure with your fellow graduating class, and it is an evening that will represent the end of senior year. It is a time for graduating seniors to feel closer than ever before they go their separate ways. 

What should I bring?

The idea of standing on a pier and watching the sunset might not be appealing if you don’t have something to do with your friends. 

Be sure to plan what you want to do with friends beforehand to get the best possible experience at senior sunset. Jordan Shen, a Los Alamitos High School senior, plans to attend with friend and fellow senior Claire La. 

“Before [senior sunset], we’re going to this Italian place on Main St. and getting ice cream,” Shen said. “We’re going to bring a speaker to listen to music too.”

La also added to their plans by explaining that they will be going to BCD Tofu House and having a sleepover after senior sunset. Going along with these pre-senior sunset activities, here are some ideas of what to bring to have a great time. 

Dress and pack warm

The beach is always cold because you are close to the water, so it might be beneficial to bring a sweatshirt and wear warm pants, such as sweats or jeans. Even if you don’t want to wear warm clothing, senior sunset will likely last most of the evening, and it will gradually become colder and darker. You’ll thank yourself if you put in the time to dress warm. 

“We’re going to take a blanket to stay warm and sit on the beach. We’re also taking pictures and we’re bringing snacks from Trader Joe’s,” Shen said.  

Additionally, bringing a fuzzy blanket to put around you and friends as it gets colder is a great idea. It also could be a great photo moment to snap a picture of you and your friends watching the sunset while cuddling together under a blanket. 

Isabella Martinez, another senior, is also planning on going to Trader Joe’s to get snacks before senior sunset, then to get ice cream at Bruster’s Real Ice Cream to eat on the beach.

“I’m going with Sineem Majeed, Reanne Robinson, and a few friends from ASB,” Martinez said. “We’re [also] going to watch the sunset and take pictures.”

Bring a board game or cards 

While watching the sunset is a great memory, senior sunset would not be complete without proper entertainment. A board game is a great way to encourage competitiveness and pass the time. It also can become a great core memory for seniors as they close out their last year. 

Great board game options are Sorry, Monopoly, chess or checkers, Battleship, or even Candy Land. It might be hard to find these board games, but by digging through your garage, basement, or cabinets, you should be able to find at least one of these games. Other options could be Jenga or card games such as Slap Jack.  

Seniors, cherish these last few days of senior year! Make sure to make great memories with friends and take pictures so the memories will last a lifetime.