Unspecified/General

On the rugged Pacific shoreline of the Point Loma peninsula about six miles west of downtown San Diego, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park preserves nearly a mile and a half of dramatically eroded sandstone cliffs along one of the most picturesque stretches of coastline in southern California. The 68-acre park was established in 1983 and is managed by the San Diego Parks and Recreation Department, with the surrounding Sunset Cliffs Boulevard providing one of the most scenic coastal drives in the city. The cliffs themselves rise some 60 to 100 feet above the rocky Pacific shoreline, displaying the characteristic dramatic erosion patterns of southern California's ancient marine sandstone bluffs. Wave action over millennia has carved a continuous succession of small coves, sea caves, sea arches, sea stacks and tide pools along the base of the cliffs, with several of the most photogenic features visible only at lower tides when the receding water exposes the otherwise submerged formations. The park's name comes from its westward orientation, which places the cliffs directly facing the Pacific sunset throughout the year. The result is one of the most heavily photographed sunset locations in the western United States, with the daily evening crowds of photographers, surfers, joggers and casual visitors lining the cliff-edge walking path along the boulevard. A continuous coastal walking path runs along the cliff tops, with several small viewing areas providing the most popular sunset vantage points. The path also provides access to several of the small natural staircases and informal trails that descend to the base of the cliffs at the more accessible points, allowing tide-pool exploration during the low-tide morning hours. The cliffs are an internationally known sea-cliff sport-climbing destination, with the soft sandstone supporting dozens of established climbing routes of varying difficulty levels. The base of the cliffs also offers some of the most consistently challenging surfing in the San Diego area, with several long-established surfing breaks attracting steady local crowds. Free to access at any hour, with paid public parking along the boulevard and at small dedicated lots at several access points. Sunset gatherings draw the largest crowds.

Type: Outdoors

Address: Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, San Diego, CA, United States

Telephone: 619-235-1100

Website: sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/sunset

Opening Date: 01/01/1983