Sunset Beach Activities

Santa Cruz County

Sunset Beach, Santa Cruz County, California
Sunset Beach, Santa Cruz County, California

Sunset Beach Activities

Santa Cruz County


Exploring Sunset State Beach

Natures Walks on the Dunes

During peak season at Sunset Beach there are nature walks through the dunes, along with family and children's programs. Check the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks website for information about upcoming programs.
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks



Swimming and Surfing

Most surfers prefer Manresa State Beach just to the north of Sunset. At Sunset the waves are best at low tide with western swells. Swimmers are cautious of the dangerous rip currents at Sunset Beach. Still, body surfing, skim boarding, and boogie boarding are popular there.

Standup Paddleboarding and Kayaking

Waves at Sunset Beach tend to be rugged, making launching any type of paddle craft a challenge. Experienced kayakers and paddleboarders who know how to time the waves make it beyond the surf break and find gentler water. Beginners would do much better at Capitola Beach or New Brighton Beach.

Remote Control Gliders

Sunset Beach is popular for slope gliders. When the wind comes in off the ocean and hits the 200-foot-high bluff at Sunset, the air is forced to rise. This rising air lifts slope gliders (and seagulls). Gliders can then fly parallel to the shore indefinitely on the rising currents.

Junior Ranger Program, Ages 7-12

Play games, hike trails, create your own animal, discover tracks, observe wildlife, all while making friends your own age in some of the best places in California!

Junior Ranger Program for children ages 7 - 12 covers topics such as geology, ecology, history, safety, plants, and wildlife. The Program can take place over several days, or you can start at one park, and then at another time go to a different park. Children should plan to spend about an hour at each activity.

The Junior Ranger Program is offered free of charge to visitors who have already paid park entrance or camping fees.
California State Parks Junior Ranger Program

Stairs from campground down to Sunset State Beach, Santa Cruz County, CA

Overlook and Stairs to Beach from Campground


Picnicking

A low row of dunes separates the picnic area from the beach, serving as a buffer from coastal winds. A large ramada and a row of smaller picnic areas are spread along the leeward side of the dunes. Several of the picnic sites have shade structures. The ramada can be reserved for group activities.

Sunset State Beach, Santa Cruz County, CA

Sunset Beach Picnic Area


Birding

Birders at Sunset Beach are rewarded with an assortment of waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds. Look for Snowy Plovers nesting in the dunes. Watch above for white tailed kites and red-tailed hawks. Other birds likely seen at Sunset are Whimbrel and Long-billed Curlew. The campground area offers a great place for birding in the morning.
Santa Cruz Bird Club



Fishing

Summer surf fishing at Sunset Beach can produce sardines, surf perch, and striped bass. A sport-fishing license is required.
YouTube - Fishing for Striper Bass at Sunset Beach

Nearby Activities, Attractions, and Events

Watsonville
Strawberry Festival

August TBA, 2024
11 AM - 7 or 5 PM
Food, carnival rides, entertainment, and strawberry treats. Usually held in early August. Free Admission. Downtown Watsonville
Watsonville Strawberry Festival

Watsonville
Wetlands Trail

800-acre freshwater wetland, 6 miles of paved trails. Free. Over 200 species of birds. Wildlife includes muskrats, bobcats, and tree frogs.
Watsonville Slough Trails Map

Specialized Aviation
Whale Spotting Tours

40-minute helicopter tours.
Watsonville Airport
(831) 763-2244
Specialized Aviation

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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety