Sunset State Beach, California: Camp, Surf, and Soak in the Views

Sunset State Beach, California: Camp, Surf, and Soak in the Views

Sunset State Beach, in Santa Cruz County, California, near Watsonville, is a scenic coastal destination along Monterey Bay, featuring sandy shores, dunes, and a laid-back atmosphere. Sunset State Beach is a gem for those seeking a serene coastal escape, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, relaxing beach activities, and stunning sunsets, all while being close to the city of Santa Cruz. Below is an overview covering day use, camping, reasons to visit, and nearby points of interest.

Sunset State Beach Day Use

The beach offers 3 miles of coastline for beachcombing, picnicking, kite flying, and fishing (starry flounder, surf perch, sardines, and striped bass; a fishing license is required). Two picnic areas, Upper and Lower Ramada, provide tables and grills with ocean views. Beach bonfires are allowed in designated fire rings, but alcohol and glass containers are prohibited in day-use areas.
Beach Accessibility: The park features a ramp to the beach, making it accessible for individuals with mobility needs or those using wheelchairs or wagons. Wheelchair-accessible facilities are available.
Beach Restrictions: Dogs are not allowed on the beach (except service animals), and drones are prohibited to protect wildlife.

Swimming & Surfing

The beach at Sunset State Beach provides all of the usual attractions you expect at a beach. However, the possibility of strong rip currents cautions against going very deep for anyone but strong swimmers. The Pacific current that sweeps along the California coastline keeps the water relatively cold, so wetsuits are recommended for surfers or those who will be in the water for an extended period.

Sunset State Beach Camping

The campground offers 91 sites across three loops—South Camp, Pine Hollow, and Dunes—suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 31 feet in length (no hookups or dump stations are available; the nearest dump station is located at New Brighton State Beach. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings with grills, food lockers, and access to restrooms with flush toilets and coin-operated showers. South Camp is open year-round, while Pine Hollow and Dunes close from October to mid-March.

Sunset State Beach History

Rancho Era: From the 1830s to 1870s, the land was part of the Rancho San Andreas and Rancho Bolsa del Pajaro. In 1903, Port Watsonville was built for steamship service but went bankrupt. In 1931, the state acquired 159 acres for the establishment of Sunset State Beach. At the entrance to Sunset State Beach, you will see buildings that were part of the Van Laanan dairy farm. Mr. Van Laanan purchased the land for the dairy farm in 1938. A redwood farmhouse built in the early 1900s, which visitors pass by today, was among the buildings on the ground he purchased.

Day Use Fees – Camping Reservations

Day-use visitors pay a $10 vehicle fee, which covers one vehicle and a towed trailer. Discounts are available for seniors.
Camping Reservations: Reservations are recommended, especially during the summer, and can be made up to six months in advance via ReserveCalifornia.com

Location

Only 16 miles from Santa Cruz, California, and within easy day-trip reach of San Francisco and Monterey, Sunset State Beach offers a diverse range of experiences. Sunset State Beach has something for everyone, whether you want a picnic on the beach, play in the sand, explore the coastal habitats, or kick back and relax. Here’s hoping you have the time to visit there soon!

Nearby Points of Interest

New Brighton State Beach

New Brighton is a nearby beach campground that offers a variety of beach activities. The shoreline at New Brighton State Beach is located inside a protected cove, resulting in smaller waves compared to other areas of Monterey Bay. This gentle wave action is one of the attractions of New Brighton. Because the waves are mild, the beach is ideal for activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and even surfing, particularly for beginners.

Rent A Kayak at Moss Landing

Ten miles down the coast from Sunset State Beach is Moss Landing, a charming seaside town known for its fresh seafood and kayak rentals. Monterey Bay Kayaks offers guided tours of Elkhorn Slough, which you can enjoy, followed by a delicious lunch or dinner at Phil’s Fish Market. For hiking enthusiasts, approximately five miles of trails are available. While some of the terrains can be challenging, they provide beautiful scenery and fresh air, making it a wonderful way to exercise outdoors.

Monterey Bay California

Once the capital of California, Monterey is renowned worldwide for its pristine beaches, famous golf courses, the internationally acclaimed aquarium, and the historic Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. Recognized as one of the top tourist destinations in the state, Monterey Bay is an exquisite gem along one of the most untouched sections of California’s coastline. It offers visitors a distinct experience compared to California’s larger northern cities.