Sunset State Beach - Watsonville, California

Address:Watsonville, California

Explore the largest sand dunes in the country, and enjoy sensational coastal vistas. A year-round destination for thousands of visitors, Sunset State Beach is surrounded by farmland and is known for its 200-foot high dunes and coastal bluff. The beach itself has three miles of unobstructed and spectacular shoreline, perfect for those seeking a relaxing getaway to reflect and introspect. Visitors can enjoy the 2 main overlooks, where broad vistas of the Monterey Bay can be seen. During the summer and autumn, keep your eyes peeled for the large groups of bottle-nosed dolphins; the kids will love watching for, and squealing over, them.

If nature is your thing, you'll likely appreciate the pine trees here, or perhaps a quaint oceanside picnic in the woods. There is ample space for camping at the wooded campgrounds, and even dogs are welcome to join. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, however, so leave Fido back at camp when venturing towards the shore. Note that Sunset State Beach tends to be pretty wet, due to its ample rainfall.

The wettest month of the year is usually January, with July generally having the least amount of precipitation, so best to plan your visit in the late summer or fall for the best conditions and best viewing of the awesome scenery here.