Sunset State Beach
Latest News
The parking lot is open. The campground is closed effective Dec. 17. Visitors must wear masks at the kiosks for day use entry in accordance with Santa Cruz County health order. • A limited number of campsites are available by reservation on a first-come, first-served basis.About
Here are some guidelines for people visiting Sunset State Beach:
- Restrooms are partially reopened.
- Visitors must wear masks at the kiosks for day use entry in accordance with the Santa Cruz County health order. Credit card payments are encouraged.
What is currently closed at this park?
- Campground
- Picnic tables and gathering spots
- Special events and tours continue to be canceled
Get more information on the California State Parks response to COVID-19 here.
The historic Van Laanen farm provides the backdrop for this large park at the south end of Santa Cruz County. Surrounded by fertile farmland, Sunset State Beach features a wooded campground, picnic area, group campground and 200-foot high dunes (the largest in the country) built up in front of coastal bluff. The beach itself stretches down to where it meets the mouth of the Pajaro River, giving 3 miles of unobstructed and spectacular shoreline.
Visitors enjoy broad vistas of the Monterey Bay from two main overlooks. During the summer and autumn, it is possible to see large groups of bottlenose dolphins. The beach features pine trees, mountainous sand dunes and ocean side picnic spots.
Learn more in the California State Parks brochure.
Directions
The beach is 16 miles south of Santa Cruz. Take Highway 1, exit on San Andreas Road, and follow signs south.
Things to do
Picnic AreaTo reserve two large ramadas for special events at Sunset State Beach, call (831) 464-6290.
Beach AreaVisitors enjoy swimming, surfing, windsurfing, fishing and boating.
FishingSurf perch, sardines and striped bass may be caught. A sport-fishing license is required.
Hiking TrailsExplore the dune area and the campground.
BonfiresBeach fires are allowed in park-provided fire rings.
AccessibilityBeach wheelchairs are available for use. Reservations are recommended. Contact the State Park Special Events Office at SCD.specialevents@nullparks.ca.gov or 831-335-8487, Monday to Thursday excluding holidays, between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. Email is preferred.
Fees and Passes
Parking is $10 and supports the park. Visitors must wear masks at the kiosks for day use entry in accordance with the Santa Cruz County health order. Credit card payments are encouraged.
Annual State Parks passes also are available to purchase at the entrance kiosk.
Services
- Picnic tables and barbecues
- Fire rings
- Camping areas (including large group camping)
- Restrooms
- Showers (Camping showers are 25 cents; bring quarters.)
- Interpretive programs
- Beach wheelchairs are available to borrow for day use. Contact the State Park Special Events Office by email or 831-335-8487, Monday to Thursday excluding holidays, between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. to make a reservation. (Email is preferred.) Learn more in this FAQ.
Camping
Campground sites in Santa Cruz County will temporarily be closed starting Thursday, Dec. 17, due to the critical need to stop the #COVID19 surge. Affected reservation holders will be contacted by ReserveCalifornia via email. Cancellations & refunds will be automatic.
The campground is open year-round. There are 91 camping sites, one bicycle site and one group site. Call 800-444-7275 or go online for reservations. South Camp (sites 1-37) are open year-round. Dunes and Pine Hollow camps (sites 38-90), as well as the Group Camp, are open March 15-Oct. 31.
Maximum trailer and camper/motorhome length is 31 feet.
Regulations
- Alcohol is not allowed on the beach or in day-use areas.
- A fishing license is required.
- Dogs are not allowed on the beach. They are allowed in campsites, on leashes no longer than 6 feet.
- Do not feed or leave food out for wildlife.
- Fires must be confined to fire rings provided.
More Info
(831) 763-7063
