Sunny Cove — Attraction in Live Oak

So torn between 5-star or 2-star here: FIVE STAR TENETS: • Practically raised my son on this beach from 1 year old to adulthood. • Favorite place to hang out after work on weeknights with a coworker who became my most trusted friend. Sitting on the bench above the surf at the end of Sunny Cove Dr, getting drunk and accepted by the local badassery, and marveling at the Crow's Nest regattas sailing out & back in every Wednesday evening, their dozens of colorful sails filtering the stunning sunsets behind them. • The ultimate location for many, many weekly tribalistic men's circles gathered around bitchin' and private bonfires. • For those, like me, too clumsy to master surfing, the ultimate body surfing spot (especially with a good, water-loving dog to join you in the surf) • Awesome spot for a creatively awesome cook to dazzle (many) a new romantic interest on a 2nd or 3rd date! • The intimate beach unknown to valley visitors where locals ruled! (Think Cheers theme song: "You wanna go where everybody knows...")

But it ain't local anymore, and being outed has changed the vibe.

TWO STAR TENETS: • Packed with strangers who don't respect local sensibilities; there are a lot of entitled attitudes now who don't pack their trash • That lack of respect has triggered regular sheriffs patrols • Fires are no longer tolerated • Sunny Cove Beach now has enforced hours of operation

This change occurred quickly, and has grown very notably, due to a single, local business development that nobody here ever wanted:

Longtime entry to the Sunny Cove aura, The Cheese Factory shut down, and AFSB opened up in their place.

But legacy and thousands of sweet memories wins out for me, so it's still a big 5 for Sunny Cove Beach.

(Only 2...

Sweet pocket beach in Live Oak, small and crowded on Sunny Days. Tricky climb down for older or less nimble folks - though access from Johan's Beach Road is easier than the elevated side access roads: Sunny Cove Drive, essentially an extension of 17th Ave, and Geoffroy Drive, which is accessed from East Cliff Drive via 16th Ave. The cliffs on both sides can be a tough climb but also positively affect the beach as well: they act as a windbreak, help contain kids and pets, and provide for beautiful ocean views and an easy way to check the scene before hauling everything down to the sand. They also create side waves which often results in good skim boarding and bodyboarding. Slightly farther out, there is often good surfing too. Easy walk to Starbucks, the Aloha Grill, and even a Little Ceasar's, all of which are located at the 17th Ave / Portola Dr / East Cliff Dr intesection. Respect the beach, the environment, and the...

Do NOT jump off the cliff. Even if you see others doing it. The water is shallow unless you time it with the waves, even then you can land on a rock. People have been taken to the hospital. I have gone in to rescue them personally, this is not hearsay. That aside... protected from wind, but the cliff blocks evening light so it still gets cold. Its illegal for fires, no pits, so its appreciated to follow the rule otherwise kids or dogs end up stepping on left over coals..... parking is strict, so if you dont have a permit you're going to get a ticket. There is street parking further down east cliff . Be cool and if you have issue with someone or their dog just go to another beach, there's plenty in the area. No need to start a fight with a stranger over a dog barking.... beware, there are always dogs , and always kids. Don't go there expecting to...