The 68-acre Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in Point Loma is a San Diego gem. This stunning park features dramatically carved coastal bluffs, pocket beaches, tide pools, reefs, and ocean views.
Hikers, surfers, and people who enjoy driving along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard love this pristine natural space. Whether you’re looking for a quick hike or a full day of exploring, it’s hard to find a more spectacular place in all of San Diego. Read this first!
Views
One of the best places to see a San Diego sunset is Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, which features 68 acres of sandstone cliffs along the Point Loma peninsula. It also boasts striking rock formations, caves, a captivating intertidal area, and native sage shrub habitat.
Originally landscaped in 1915 by sporting goods magnate Albert Goodwill Spalding, this park has walkways, palm-thatched shelters, Japanese-style rustic arched bridges, and pebbled steps and stairways, as well as a saltwater swimming pool carved into the natural rock.
If you are a nature lover, this is a great place to take a walk, picnic, and admire the coastal views. You’ll find a number of interesting plants and birds here, as well as several rare reptiles.
You can explore the cliffs at your own pace, but be prepared to take in the breathtaking scenery and watch the sunset over the ocean. This park is a must-visit during any trip to San Diego and is free to visit.
Caves
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a coastal strip on the western shore of Point Loma that consists of carved coastal bluffs, arches, and sea caves. This unique landscape is also the ideal spot to watch a California sunset.
The 68-acre park is free to visit and includes a 1.4-mile clifftop trail (bordered by Adair Street on the north, and Ladera Avenue on the south). Three key highlights along the trail include; Luscomb’s Point, spectacular Luscomb’s Cave, and Sunset Cliffs Beach.
Getting There
The entrance to Luscomb’s Point sea cave is located at the edge of Luscomb’s Point. To get there, you need to drive to that area and park near the large gate.
You’ll then need to walk around the cliff until you reach a small cove. From here, you can scramble down the natural, somewhat rough-looking steps to the entrance of the cave. It’s only accessible during a negative low tide and is very dangerous to attempt at any other time. More places to also visit by clicking here.
Surfing
If you’re a fan of riding waves, this natural park offers plenty of opportunities to get your surf on. With a coastline full of ocean cliffs, lagoons, and tidal pools, you’re sure to find plenty to see.
The surf here is quite consistent throughout the winter, especially on W and NW swells. The reef bottom and thick kelp beds help keep the surf clean, too!
One of the best places to surf in San Diego is Sunset Cliffs. It’s known as a great place for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
The easiest way to access the beach is by parking at Ladera Street, then walking a short distance to a stairwell that leads down the sandstone cliffs to the beach below. The sandstone can be very slippery and the hike up is not for the faint of heart, so be sure to use a rope when climbing down.
Food & Drink
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing meal with views of the ocean or you’re in the mood for something more exciting, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego CA. From breakfast to dinner, there’s something for everyone here!
The 68-acre park features sandstone cliffs that stretch along the peninsula. A 1.4-mile clifftop path lets you enjoy the spectacular sunset view over the ocean as you walk.
After you’ve finished exploring the cliffs, head to one of the nearby restaurants for a delicious meal. For instance, Hodad’s is a favorite Ocean Beach restaurant that serves massive, juicy burgers with extra-thick slabs of bacon.
Ketch Grill & Taps and Topsail are two other waterfront spots in San Diego where you can enjoy drinks while also soaking in the stunning waterfront views of the city skyline, Coronado, and the bay. The food at these San Diego restaurants is inspired by local sourcing and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability. Up next is Kate Sessions Park.
Driving directions from McCormick’s Window Cleaning to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Driving directions from Sunset Cliffs Natural Park to Kate Sessions Park
