California's Soft-Sanded Sunset Beach Is Completely Free
By Jenna Busch
VACATIONS
About 40 miles south of Hollywood Boulevard is the Huntington Beach area where you'll find Sunset Beach, a 1.5-mile-long expanse of sand and sun that’s free to visit.
There are plenty of amenities at this lovely location, including a paved path to enjoy, a playground for the kids, and a great little town right there for snacks and supplies.
There is plenty of parking at the public Sunset Beach, and it’s open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can visit one of the many little shops nearby to grab food for a beach picnic.
Depending on tides, you may have some great waves for surfing or bodyboarding. The beach has a ton of room, and lifeguards are stationed on the beach at peak times.
You can make your Sunset Beach trip a full day adventure with a whale and dolphin-watching cruise. Prices start around $21 per person for around 120 minutes.