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    Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

    4.8 (1.1k reviews)

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    Nick P.

    I was pleased to find that the parking here is free. We parked in the parking lot but it can get filled up. I have seen people park along the street. Apparently, some of the locals have never heard of Rum Runner's Cave (Smuggler's Cave) or Rum Runner Cove. I found it on Google search but didn't see it. They have stairs that take you down to the tides. There were low tides when we went and I saw people walking along the rocks. If you do so, make sure you have some water shoes. You can go barefoot but be careful with your footing. This is a great place to take nice photos.

    Cliffs
    Gwyneth N.

    SUNSET CLIFFS @ SD The views here was AMAZING with free parking in the neighborhood, just make sure to get there early to snag a good spot and closer parking (maybe about 45 min before the sun goes down)

    Karen T.

    Beautiful park to visit at any time of the day, but it's especially beautiful during sunset. My husband and I hiked the trail here and enjoyed San Diego's natural coastal environment very much. The trail is short and easy without much elevation, making it great for beginners. It was stunning to see the clear ocean view. Certain parts of the cliff are uneven and steep, so it is important to be careful when navigating the cliffs. The entire park had plenty of room for us to explore nature's beauty, as it was not crowded at all. I would highly recommend checking this spot out if you are in the area.

    Amanda J.

    I came here on a Saturday evening and it was pretty busy. There was a lot of traffic getting to the area and in the parking lot, but I was able to find street parking without too much trouble. The ocean views are beautiful and it's a really nice spot to take a walk, relax, and enjoy the scenery. Definitely worth visiting, especially around sunset.

    Andres A.

    Breathtaking view! Such a beautiful spot to just stand and admire the beauty of nature. Parking is a bit difficult, probably easier to catch an Uber and check it out. You can bring something to eat and just admire the scenery. Lots of people there it it did not feel overcrowded.

    Sunset Cliffs

    You can't beat the Sunsets here. The air has a nice cool breeze while the sun kisses your skin.

    Elisa N.

    SUNSET CLIFFS NATURAL PARK @ SAN DIEGO Parking is available through street parking only, and it's usually pretty easy to find. If you can't get a spot during peak hours, there's also neighborhood parking right next door. There are plenty of areas to drive around, so you'll be able to find something. This is definitely a core spot for college students, honestly, for anyone living in San Diego. As a college student, I've always loved coming to Sunset Cliffs. It's super nice, the views are incredible, and watching the sunset here never gets old. It's also a great place for picnics. It can get crowded at night, but the vibe is always fun, and it's cool seeing everyone hang out. I recommend bringing a blanket since it gets a little sandy, but there are trash cans everywhere, and you can bring food. It's just a really great environment overall and definitely a place I think everyone should visit.

    Siu M.

    Came during low tide to see the tide pools, what amazing place! The drive in was so spectacular, it felt like I was almost driving into the ocean. The parking in the gravel lot was easy (on a tuesday afternoon). Relatively big area to explore. I caught lots of beautiful shots of nature. This place is really fun and relaxing

    These are the days I love my job!
    Mikey H.

    I can't believe how many fellow Yelpers I know have left reviews! I've been here a few times over the past year, but never thought about writing a review. This is one of the best reasons why San Diego is a great city to live in! My students needed a photograph of them watching the sunset. We drove over at 5:45, thinking it wouldn't be crowded, but it was! Some of them were also worried about the clouds that were rolling in. However, if memory serves me right, there's always been a few breaks between cloud banks for the sun to peak through. The evening was perfect! A man proposed to his girlfriend when we arrived. He put together a bed of white rose petals, a bunch of candles, and a lit up sign that said, "Will you marry me?" on a background of faux ivy. There was also a bottle of champagne chilling. He really did a great job! How could she say no especially with that sunset behind them! If you can't find parking, the neighborhood is your best bet depending on which cliff and/or beach you want to go to. For the most part, the people are all very chill and nice since it's sunset. Our only issue were the foreign people who walked right in front of me while I was taking pictures. I hate tourists...LOLLLLL! Definitely worth coming to at sunset...the most beautiful natural light!

    Kara M.

    We took a visit to sunset. Cliffs was very beautiful really scenic so difficulty with parking but overall not too bad considering. There were some people with dogs on a leash that was a pretty chill, relaxing trail.

    Penny P.

    What's up: Sunset Cliffs was one of the places that constantly showed up on our search results of things to do in the San Diego area. Since we were looking for things to do after breakfast, we decided to add this place to walk off the yummy food we just ate. Parking: Since the cliffs are long, there are multiple parking lots to choose from. Most of the ones that we went to were full but we managed to find a lot that had open spots. There's also street parking. Environment: It was a slightly cloudy day with a bit of wind. But the view was nice. Just seeing the cliffs being struck by the waves was pretty cool. And you'll see plenty of birds flying by and sea creatures if you dare to venture closer to the waters. Just be careful because there is nothing stopping you if you do get too close to the edge. Yay/Nay/Meh: Yay. If you haven't been by, it's worth a visit. Compared to other cliffs that I've visited, this one was decent and pleasant to visit. I didn't see any restrooms so, that's one downside. But other than that, it's easy to get to and free to visit!

    Emily S.

    Cool place to drop by if visiting town. Looks like a lot of locals were climbing down and getting in the water and setting up for some weekend night activities.

    Sunset Cliffs

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    Beautiful places to overlook and have a picnic at, would highly recommend since it's by so much of sd

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    Pretty sunrise and sunsets; breathtaking views of the ocean and surfers. Great place to take a walk with friends or your dog!

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    Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

    I have seen people go to a section of sunset cliffs and have a romantic picnic. Do u know of the services?

    There are no services at the park.

    Can you find seashells here?

    No, these are very high cliffs with no beach access depending where you are.

    Is there rv parking for day use, not overnight camping? Just a spot go hang out for the day.?

    Absolutely.

    Can I fish here? And if so where can I do so with/without a permit

    Some people have fished from the shore but as far as I know only certain piers do not require a fishing license otherwise one is required everywhere else.

    I've never been here. Is it friendly for the senior citizen population, as in is it walking friendly for someone with mild disabilities?

    If you stay too side it shouldn't be an issue, I do not recommend attempting to walk down or get closer to the water or lower cliffs of you do not see official handicapped accessible walkways.

    Hi! Is this area currently open for hiking?

    Yes, all trails are open. However, parking lots remain closed as of today (5/17/20).

    Where are the caves at and where is the best place to find parking to watch sunset?

    Do they allow dogs? Only as because it's a national park?

    Sunset Cliffs is not a National park - it's a local/regional park. Dogs are allowed on leashes. There are certain times of the year where hours change for dog rules but I believe they are always allowed on a leash.

    Hello everyone! Any suggestion on where to park? :)

    It's always a roll of the dice where you can park. Street parking is usually all taken by people just sitting in their cars enjoying the breeze and/or sunset. But there's a few unpaved small parking lots adjacent to the cliffs where you might find a… Read more

    About what time is best to come for the sunset views?

    Show up at least a half hour before sunset and find a good spot. You'll see the sky and ocean change shades as the sun sets and after sunset there will still be light.

    Are there bathrooms?

    Yes. Over the cliff in the ocean. Haha jk. I don't recall seeing any restrooms.

    Where do I find the caves and are they easy to swim in?

    The Park itself is past Ladera Street. There is a small cave above tide line, not much water. I think you are talking about the arch further to the east of Ladera. I've seen photos of people jumping into the seawater there. Not sure if safe.

    Are there porta potties or restrooms of some kind available here?

    Yes there is porta potties at the Sunset Cliffs parking lot in the lower lot on the right side

    Is sunset cliffs dog friendly?

    No, not when the park ranger is there. Although many people walk their dog here, a park ranger just told us no dogs until after 6 in the summer months, along the entire cliff (trail included). It was July 4 and she told us we had to go.

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    Review Highlights - Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

    Gorgeous beach accessible via the stairs near the "Sunset Cliffs Natural Park" sign off Sunset Cliffs Blvd.

    Mentioned in 21 reviews

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    Sunset Cliffs Natural Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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