Sunset State Beach Tours



The kids will sleep soundly after a day spent at Sunset State Beach. Search for crabs and other little critters, dip a toe in the water or throw a Frisbee around!

You'll have no end of sightseeing choices when in Watsonville. Sunset State Beach is an ideal place to begin here, but there are plenty of other worthy sights to discover. Rio Del Mar Beach, La Selva Beach, and Seacliff State Beach are near the stretch of coastline and will round out your day nicely.

Plan a trip to see Sunset State Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo Alto
Aqua Breeze Inn
Chaminade Resort & Spa

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Sunset State Beach

Ocean front family & pet friendly charming cozy cottage with beach access.

Ocean front family & pet friendly charming cozy cottage with beach access.

Watsonville
Ocean front family & pet friendly charming cozy cottage with beach access.
Stunning Coastal Cottage w/ Views of Monterey Bay!

Stunning Coastal Cottage w/ Views of Monterey Bay!

Watsonville
Stunning Coastal Cottage w/ Views of Monterey Bay!
Motel 6 Watsonville, CA - Monterey Area

Motel 6 Watsonville, CA - Monterey Area

2 out of 5
125 Silver Leaf Dr, Watsonville, CA
Motel 6 Watsonville, CA - Monterey Area
Sand Dollar Beachfront Home, Direct Beach Access!

Sand Dollar Beachfront Home, Direct Beach Access!

La Selva Beach
Sand Dollar Beachfront Home, Direct Beach Access!
Big and Bright,  Steps to Sand, Ocean Views, and Sleeps 8+

Big and Bright, Steps to Sand, Ocean Views, and Sleeps 8+

La Selva Beach
Big and Bright, Steps to Sand, Ocean Views, and Sleeps 8+
Sand Dollar Beach Home - Stunning views!

Sand Dollar Beach Home - Stunning views!

La Selva Beach
Sand Dollar Beach Home - Stunning views!
Pajaro Dunes Vacation Home

Pajaro Dunes Vacation Home

Watsonville
Pajaro Dunes Vacation Home
Top level, premium oceanfront condo with 180° unobstructed ocean view.

Top level, premium oceanfront condo with 180° unobstructed ocean view.

Watsonville
Top level, premium oceanfront condo with 180° unobstructed ocean view.
Serene & Modern~ Ocean Front View~ 2 Bd 2 Bth~1st Fully Remodeled

Serene & Modern~ Ocean Front View~ 2 Bd 2 Bth~1st Fully Remodeled

Watsonville
Serene & Modern~ Ocean Front View~ 2 Bd 2 Bth~1st Fully Remodeled
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Sunset State Beach

Sunset State Beach in Watsonville offers a perfect beach getaway with its stunning sandy shoreline and scenic coastline. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as beachcombing, picnicking, hiking, and birdwatching. The natural beauty of the area makes it ideal for relaxation and exploration, ensuring an unforgettable experience for those seeking both tranquility and adventure.

Food and drinks

Experience the romantic vibes and fine wines at Alfaro Family Vineyards, just 6 miles from Sunset State Beach. For craft beer enthusiasts, Sante Adairius Rustic Ales offers a unique brewery experience 8 miles away, while Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, 12 miles out, provides a cozy atmosphere for local brews.

Shopping

For shopping near Sunset State Beach, visit the Watsonville Square Shopping Center, just 4 miles away, offering a lively atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, head to Ocean Street, 12 miles away, for diverse shops and dining options, or explore Hamlin Antiques, located 8 miles from the beach.

Recreation

Play a round of golf at Seascape Golf Club, where you can enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting while enhancing your skills. For relaxation, visit Pinto Lake Park, a serene spot perfect for unwinding and connecting with nature amidst tranquil surroundings.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Zip Line at TreeTopWalk, located 16 miles from Sunset State Beach, where you can glide through the treetops. For hiking enthusiasts, explore the scenic Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trailhead and Ox Trailhead, both offering beautiful outdoor adventures within 15 to 18 miles.

Nightlife

At Sunset State Beach, immerse yourself in vibrant nightlife at Boardwalk Bowl, an arcade adventure zone perfect for family fun, and the Sky Glider, a thrilling theme park ride. For a taste of culture and romance, head to Teatro de Campesino, a captivating theater about 17 miles away.

Find the best attractions near Sunset State Beach

Sunset State Beach in Watsonville, California, offers a delightful mix of attractions for visitors, including beautiful beaches, national and state parks, and urban parks. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing by the ocean, you'll find plenty to do. Nearby highlights include the stunning Capitola Beach and the scenic Outer Sunset, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

  • Monterey Bay: Just 9 miles away, Monterey Bay offers stunning ocean views and outdoor activities. Enjoy kayaking, whale watching, or simply relaxing on the beach while soaking in the picturesque scenery.
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Located 11 miles from Sunset State Beach, this classic amusement park is perfect for families. Experience thrilling rides, arcade games, and the lively atmosphere of a traditional beach boardwalk.
  • Capitola Beach: Only 8 miles away, Capitola Beach boasts a charming seaside village and beautiful sandy shores. It's an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, or exploring local shops and eateries.

Best time to go to Sunset State Beach

Visitor numbers around Sunset State Beach is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Sunset State Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Sunset State Beach falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Sunset State Beach falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.5°F (12.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.2°F (14.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
June61.7°F (16.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
July64.0°F (17.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.8°F (18.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October61.5°F (16.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November55.0°F (12.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sunset State Beach

To save on your trip to Sunset State Beach, consider visiting during the off-peak months of November to January for lower accommodation prices. Explore nearby free attractions like Monterey Bay, La Selva Beach, and Rio Del Mar Beach. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by filtering for eco-certified options and sorting prices from low to high. Booking a package deal for flights, hotels, and activities can also help you save. Don't forget to join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and rewards for future travels.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Sunset State Beach are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your hotel stay at Sunset State Beach with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.