Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach, CA
Sunset Beach is a genuine local surf spot in the small community of the same name, with parking right in the median of Pacific Avenue rather than a formal lot. It's a low-key stretch between Surfside and Bolsa Chica, the kind of beach regulars keep to themselves.
A real neighborhood surf spot with easy free parking, low-key enough that it rarely gets mentioned alongside its bigger neighbors.
How we score beachesMedian parking along Pacific Ave. is free and usually easier to find than the fee lots at the bigger beaches nearby.
Free parking in the median of Pacific Ave.
Dogs are not allowed on the sand at Sunset Beach, but leashed dogs can use the paved beach path along the coast.
Cool water into early summer, most comfortable for swimming and surfing from August through early October.
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