Sunset State Beach Access provides year-round beach access 16 miles south of Santa Cruz via Highway 1 (San Andreas Road exit), featuring a large sandy beach suitable for fishing and water sports.

The area includes day-use parking ($10 vehicle fee), restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and nearby campground facilities, though swimmers and paddlers should be aware of dangerous rip currents, frigid water, and deep offshore dropoffs that make the area hazardous except for experienced water users.

Dogs are not permitted on the beach due to environmentally sensitive nesting habitat for western snowy plovers.