LOCATION:
South of Ocean Beach along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, from the foot of Adair Street to Point Loma Nazarene College [Map It]

HOURS:
Accessible 24 hours a day; no camping

PARKING:
Several free public lots on ocean side of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard [More on parking]

PHONE:
619/221-8899

FACILITIES: [Legend]

Beach Information

Special Comments: Sunset Cliffs Park is an excellent location for viewing — you guessed it — the sunset. There are some excellent walking paths along the cliffs, especially at the southern end of the park south of Ladera Street. Be sure to heed the signs warning of unstable cliffs and other hazards. There are three beaches here: Garbage Beach, No Surf Beach and New Break Beach. Only the first has clear-cut access.

If you choose to visit any Sunset Cliffs beaches, know that you do so at your own risk, be careful not to overestimate your ability and once again pay attention to the signs.

Be aware that access to Sunset Cliffs beaches is usually limited to low tide, so check tide tables. Though City of San Diego beaches are accessible 24 hours per day, camping is prohibited. Pay close attention to parking lot hours and the posted laws regarding dogs and alcohol consumption.

The only beach that features an established manmade access is Garbage Beach. The access is a steep, precarious set of stairs built into the cliff at the foot of Ladera Street. Once you reach the bottom of the stairs you must scramble over rocky shelves and large round boulders for about 100 yards to the south before you reach the beach.

Don't let the beach's uninviting name scare you off, though. Though the canyon above Garbage Beach was once used as the local landfill by Ocean Beach and Point Loma residents, the area has long since become one of San Diego's more pristine outdoor recreation areas.

Once again, access to this beach is limited to low tide. You may still get through at high tide but there is a good chance you will get wet ... which may not be so bad in hot weather.

There are at least two other beaches within the park that are true jewels but have no established access. Armed with local knowledge there are trails that will get you to both, or a sea approach by kayak on small-surf days may have the makings of a great adventure.

One is No Surf Beach located between Hill and Froud streets along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and the other is New Break Beach south of Point Loma Nazarene College. If you find your way to either of these you are guaranteed the feel of a remote wilderness beach in the middle of one of America's largest cities.

Parking: At the north end there are four small lots on the west side of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard between Adair and Froud streets. In addition there is ample street parking along both sides of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard for most of its distance.

South of Ladera Street (the end of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard) there is a large public lot accessed three blocks east on Ladera Street at Cornish Drive. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle in this lot. It is a notorious site for break-ins.

Finally, there is a public lot on the Point Loma Nazarene College campus. The campus entrance is on Lomaland Drive. Ask for direction to the public lot at the campus entrance booth. The public lots are closed from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Food/dining: Sea Trader Liquor and Deli is the only place to buy prepared food in the Sunset Cliffs area. The deli produces some excellent sandwiches and is a favorite with the locals.

Restrooms: Restroom facilities are limited to two portable toilets located in the Ladera Street & Cornish Drive parking lot. There is a single free-standing shower located at the corner of Ladera Street and Sunset Cliffs Boulevard.

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