Your TL;DR Guide to this San Diego Wonder
TL;DR: Sunset Cliffs features an enchanting view of the ocean, with stretches of rugged cliffs and coastal bluffs. With free parking and no admission costs or reservations required, Sunset Cliffs is a must-visit. Perfect for picnics and seaside-walks, Sunset Cliffs can be enjoyed by solo-travelers, families, friends, and more. However, parking can fill-up and crowds get larger closer to sunset. Pack some food and plan to either arrive early to secure a spot or walk from the neighborhood. Exercise caution and adhere to safety-signs during your visit.
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- What Makes Sunset Cliffs Special?
- The Logistics
- How to Enjoy Your Time at the Cliffs
- The Verdict: Is Sunset Cliffs Worth Your Time?
- Explore More Coastal California
When I lived in San Diego, one of my favorite things to do was grab some food and picnic out by the ocean. In fact, San Diego’s outdoors are incredibly accessible in my experience (when you consider parking options, cost, locations, etc). In a place known for it’s beautiful natural landscape (the unofficial slogan for San Diegans is “we live where you Spring Break”), it’s hard to imagine that just one place in particular can stand out. However, Sunset Cliffs truly has a special charm.
A stretch of cascading cliffs at the edge of Point Loma, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a popular place for locals and tourists to relax. While (as its name suggests), Sunset Cliffs is one of the best places to catch a seaside sunset, you can really enjoy this area at any point during the day. However, before you head out, read on for a few of my tips on how to make the most of your adventure to the coast.
What Makes Sunset Cliffs Special?
A jewel of San Diego, Sunset Cliffs is a collection of cascading rocks and sand at the edge of Point Loma. The waves crashing along the cliffside provide a beautiful landscape for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Officially designated in 1983, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a treasure trove of sea caves, bluffs, trails, and more. Many people flock to the coast to catch Sunset and enjoy a peaceful time with the ocean breeze.
The Logistics
Address: Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego (located south of Ocean Beach Pier)
Parking: Free (street parking and several limited lots)
Cost: Free
Bathrooms: Limited Portables
Food Stations: None
Where to Park For Sunset Cliffs?
As I mentioned above, accessing the coast in San Diego is so much easier than in the neighboring Orange and Los Angeles Counties. Parking is free and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Option 1: Preferred
Ideally, the best place to park is in small lots, located cliffside, along Sunset Cliffs Blvd. For the best experience, arrive early and back into your spot (if you have a spacious trunk).
Option 2: Second-Best
Since Option 1 is the most preferred, the lot spots tend to fill up first. There are also a few street spots located along Sunset Cliffs Blvd that offer convenient access to the coast.
Option 3: A Good Alternative
Should those fill-up, I recommend driving down the side-streets and finding parking in the neighborhood. It’s a fairly easy walk, just be mindful when crossing the Boulevard.
What is the best time to visit Sunset Cliffs?
Like its name suggests, Sunset Cliffs is the ideal spot to enjoy the lovely San Diego sunset. And even visiting at higher-traffic times, I’ve never had difficulty finding a spot on the rocks to relax. However, finding parking can be difficult as cars begin to fill-up the lots closer to sundown, especially during weekends. That being said, if you’re planning to come during a peak time, I recommend either planning to park on the street or arriving a few hours earlier to secure your car’s spot. Pack some picnic food, wear comfortable shoes to walk along the coastline, and enjoy an early dinner (or late lunch) with the free seaside view.
Or, if you want to skip the crowds, come during the week or earlier in the day.
Safety & Accessibility at Sunset Cliffs
People of all ages can enjoy a relaxing view at Sunset Cliffs. However, to have a safe and enjoyable experience, please adhere to the safety signs and stay away from the actual cliff edge. It’s also ill-advised to try to scramble/climb along the cliffside and the different rock areas.
Exercise some caution and stick to the main areas away from the cliff edge (there are benches, walking paths, and plenty of flat space on the ground). During my last visit, I saw plenty of children, babies in strollers, and families with multiple generations enjoying the cliffs. It’s a fantastic place for everyone, as long as people adhere to some safety considerations!
While a majority of the walkable areas of Sunset Cliffs are flat, a few portions have some loose sand or rocks that can be difficult for those with different mobility-needs. If you or any member of your group is concerned, I recommend arriving early and aiming for Option 1 parking.
How to Enjoy Your Time at the Cliffs
There are several things to do while at Sunset Cliffs. Personally, I like going to the cliffs to read or picnic, but it’s also a fantastic place to photograph. In addition, the coastal views provide the perfect backdrop for anyone looking to take a stroll or go for a run.
Plenty of people also like to stop by for surfing or to check-out the tide pools (at Garbage Beach). However, I recommend doing these last two options ONLY if you are well-prepared as the tide and slippery rocks can make this more dangerous and less-accessible for most people. In fact, this portion of the Cliffs, Garbage Beach is considered one of the most-difficult beaches to access in California (according to CaliforniaBeaches.com). And as someone who lived in San Diego, I can confirm that it has a reputation for being challenging among locals. For you experienced surfers out there, I recommend checking out Surfline’s guide for more information before you head out.
The Verdict: Is Sunset Cliffs Worth Your Time?
Yes – Sunset Cliffs is definitely worth a visit. One of San Diego’s most captivating natural wonders, Sunset Cliffs is a picturesque setting where people can really soak in the beauty of the coastline. Whether you are traveling solo or with loved ones, this location has something for everyone. In a city known for its beaches, Sunset Cliffs uniquely captures the essence of San Diego’s coastal charm. Have you visited Sunset Cliffs? Where’s your favorite place to catch the sunset in San Diego?
TL;DR Travels 
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