Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park runs along the Point Loma coast beside Ocean Beach, a strip of sandstone bluffs, small coves and viewpoints above the Pacific. As the name promises, it is the place locals go to watch the sun drop into the ocean, and on a clear evening the sky turns orange and pink over the water. The park is free, always accessible, and easy to reach from downtown. It is also a place that demands respect: the sandstone cliffs erode, waves and currents below are dangerous, and visitors should keep to the paths and viewpoints rather than climbing out to the edge.

The park's best-known feature is a hidden sea cave at Luscomb's Point, a chasm beneath the sandstone bluffs that you can look into from above. You view the cave from the cliff top and the city advises against climbing down because of the dangerous waves and currents below. The bluffs also hold small beaches and, at low tide in some places, tide pools, though access varies. The coastline here is rugged and photogenic, with layered rock, surf and often surfers in the water.

Sunset is the main event, and many visitors arrive an hour early to find a spot, bring a jacket for the breeze and stay after the sun sets for the afterglow. Weekends and clear summer evenings are busy, and parking along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard fills quickly, so arrive early or walk from Ocean Beach. The city has been adding barriers and safety measures along sections of the cliffs, so follow posted signs and stay behind fences.

Sunset Cliffs combines easily with Ocean Beach, with its pier, casual restaurants and shops, and with Cabrillo National Monument at the end of Point Loma. Bring water, comfortable shoes and sun protection for daytime visits, and avoid going near the edges at any time of day. For families, the park is best as a short viewing stop with older children. Photographers will find morning and evening light both rewarding, and the park is free to visit year-round.