Sunset Beach – a Great Getaway in Southern California

Calling up golden memories of summers’ past, filled with savory foods and lighthearted moments

For an old fashioned seascape, we all need a getaway once in awhile to make sure we still get it-or don’t lose it. When work mounts and the pulse of the rat race finally takes its toll, it’s time to shut down your computer, stash your cell phone and roll down the world famous Pacific Coast Highway all the way to Sunset Beach in North Orange County. As you wind your way through this 100 year old community– population, 1288– you may suspect you have driven back in time to a rare place.

What makes it so rare? Well for starters it’s its Pristine Beach

Tiny shops, small hotels, bed and breakfasts, special restaurants, and surfboard shops are clustered in this mile long stretch of PCH. To reach the beach take a right on Anderson Street, where you will find a mix of classic cottages and fairly low key beach mansions with a greenbelt that has a kiddy playground, public bathrooms and free parking.

The ocean is just steps away. A pale beige carpet of soft sand beckons. You get to choose, sunning, seashell searches, reading, volleyball, boogie boarding, and picnicking.

There’s not a snack stand or boardwalk in sight—just endless seashores and sand.

Kites and windsurfing are also favored here. While nearby Huntington Beach bans the sport due to crowds, Sunset Beach is windsurf friendly. There’s a windsurf shop right across the street on Pacific Coast Highway, where visitors can rent equipment and be on their way in half an hour.

Late afternoons are the most popular for windsurfing–bright sails whip in the wind as riders strain to command their craft. Across the street from Sunset Beach is its bay, ideal for launching kayaks which are also available for rental.

The people

Celebrities sometimes create brief “appearances” here (most recently, Sandra Bullock vs. Jesse James), but life goes on for the mix of long time residents and newcomers who cling to this remarkable stretch of beach.

They sponsor an annual Mother’s Day Weekend Art Festival, a Chili Cook-off and a Mile Long Garage Sale. (Go figure.) Having acquired a beautifully framed pen and ink drawing for less than the cost of lunch at this sale, needless to say, this event is always on my calendar. Finally, come Christmas, the locals assert their independence again with a unique ‘No Parade’ celebration.

The places to Go

A tradition from one generation to the next, the Harbor House Cafe has an endless menu and huge portions. Open 24 hours, they serve omelet’s, burgers, salads, hot fudge sundaes, and lots more. Just down the road, there’s Woody’s for burgers and shakes, Captain Jacks and Harpoon Harry’s serves up seafood, steaks and Taco Surf.

Many of Sunset Beach’s bars and clubs have been around for 40 to 50 years and Mother’s Bar has been there so long, it used to be a place where you could purchase tickets for the Pacific Red Car.

The Pace, the Scene, the Scoop

The Sunset Beach Art Festival held on Mother’s Day Weekend (the second weekend in May), attracts shoppers as well as classic car owners cruising over for the day. Hand-crafted treasures abound, along with an art competition, pancake breakfast, raffle and vendor booths. Spread across the greenbelt, it’s a fair by the sea, full of fashion, home decor and gifts. Sponsored and produced by the Sunset Beach Community Association, Las Damas, and other community groups, the proceeds go to local programs, such as music and art for the schools. Doing well and doing good are time held traditions.

‘No Parade’ Mirrors the local Spirit at Christmas

Sunset Beach’s ‘No Parade’ holiday message is, “Come in a dressed up car, wear some sparkles and bring your lights, cause’ we’re having no parade tonight.

“Time for BBQ pits, containerized fires with glowing embers, and music among old friends. The local flyer reads, “Per Sunset Beach tradition, there will be NO Boat Parade. Watch for the Fire Truck Participants Welcome! DooDah, DooDah and Happy Holidays!”

The Water Tower on 1 Anderson St.

Another clue about the ethos of this community, is that the original water tower is still a landmark standing guard over the sand in Sunset Beach. That being said, it was supposed to be torn down years ago for redevelopment. But the community said no–and no around here means what it means–no!

But times have a changed, and it’s been sold several times, recently for several million dollars—but nonetheless the converted water tower house still has the stunning view it always had; but with the amount of money that added to its value, it’s accompanied by an elevator that leads up to the fourth story living area of a tri-level home; with two master suites, a huge bar, a fire pit lounge, an outdoor Jacuzzi and office with a panoramic view at the top. Previously it’s been a home to various families, but it’s now available as a vacation rental for $5,000 a week.

If you drive too fast you might miss Sunset Beach, so slow down–stop once and you’ll find Sunset Beach in your heart; and you’ll be back again…and again.

Directions: Sunset Beach is located on Pacific Coast Highway. From San Diego Freeway, take Seal Beach Blvd. exit. Travel South – East for several miles. Take a left at Pacific Coast Highway and drive approximately 2 miles.

Photos by Scott Schroeder