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.
Motel 6 Santa Cruz, CA
Aqua Breeze Inn

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!

3 out of 5
Watsonville
Stunning Coastal Cottage w/ Views of Monterey Bay!
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+
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

At Sunset State Beach in Watsonville, California, visitors can enjoy beautiful beach camping with well-equipped campsites. Take leisurely strolls along the sandy shore at sunset to witness breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon. This serene atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for nature lovers and those looking to unwind while soaking in the stunning coastal scenery.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Watsonville Square Shopping Center, located 4 miles away, offering a mix of entertainment and family-friendly shops. If you're up for a drive, check out Ocean Street, 12 miles away, featuring various businesses, or visit Capitola Mercantile, just 8 miles from the beach.

Recreation

Play a round at Seascape Golf Club, where you can enjoy scenic fairways and a relaxed atmosphere. For some tranquility, head to Pinto Lake Park for leisurely walks and peaceful moments in nature. If you're up for a bit of action, check out the Salinas Sports Complex for various sporting events.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of a Zip Line adventure at TreeTopWalk, located 16 miles from Sunset State Beach, surrounded by nature. For hiking enthusiasts, explore the scenic Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trailhead and Ox Trailhead, both offering breathtaking views and outdoor excitement within 15 to 18 miles.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Sunset State Beach offers exciting options. Enjoy fun and games at Boardwalk Bowl, an arcade adventure zone just 11 miles away. For a thrilling experience, try the Sky Glider theme park ride, also 11 miles away. For culture and romance, visit Teatro de Campesino, located 17 miles away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Sunset State Beach

Sunset State Beach in Watsonville, California, offers a delightful mix of attractions, including beautiful beaches, vibrant amusement parks, and scenic bays. Visitors can enjoy the stunning coastline at Sunset State Beach and nearby Seascape Beach, while also exploring local culture and outdoor activities. With various tourist spots and charming beach homes, there's plenty to keep travelers entertained in this captivating seaside destination.

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Experience the thrill of rides and games at this iconic amusement park located 11 miles from Sunset State Beach. With its classic boardwalk charm, you'll find family-friendly attractions and outdoor adventure that create lasting memories.
  • Monterey Bay: Just 9 miles away, Monterey Bay offers stunning coastal scenery and outdoor activities. Explore the rich marine life, enjoy kayaking, or simply relax on the shores while soaking in the natural beauty of this picturesque bay.
  • Capitola Beach: Located 8 miles from Sunset State Beach, Capitola Beach boasts a vibrant atmosphere with soft sands perfect for sunbathing and beach games. Enjoy the charming seaside village and its colorful beachfront, making it a perfect spot for relaxation.

Best time to go to Sunset State Beach

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.5°F (12.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.2°F (14.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June61.7°F (16.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
July64.0°F (17.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.8°F (18.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
October61.5°F (16.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November55.0°F (12.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sunset State Beach

To save money on your visit to Sunset State Beach, plan your trip between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Tuesday is typically the cheapest day to stay, while Saturday is the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to filter options by budget and location, and consider booking a package deal that combines flights and hotels for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn you cash for future bookings. Explore free activities at the beach and utilize public transport for cost-effective travel.

  • 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 July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sunset State Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Sunset State Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Sunset State Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • 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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia