Sunset County Beach — Attraction in Huntington Beach

Best beach for free on the sand parking!

Sure, there may be other beaches better suited for large groups with fire pits or tide pools or dog access. But if you’re looking for a nice quiet beach to go solo after work or class, just for an hour or two when the morning weather is nice, or catch the sunset while driving nearby, this is the locals place.

Primarily because it is the only beach in the greater LA region (that I know at least) with FREE parking OFF-PCH. All parking is just off the 1 on Pacific Blvd. The street is split into one-way, speed-bumped sections with a green belt in between. Which means unlike trying to snag free parking along a highway, this is a safe spot to unload, have your kids play in the grass while you get the snacks out of the car. Safe enough to send your eldest to get another blanket from the car on their own. AND close enough that you could run quickly to the sand barefoot if you needed to (the asphalt is hot, but it’s running distance...

This stretch of Sunset Beach is in the Sunset Beach Community of 90742. Originally unincorporated Orange County, it was incorporated just over ten years ago into Huntington Beach. The beach here is continuously beautiful, with lots of clean sand, views of the Ocean, Palos Verdes Peninsula, LA and Long Beach Harbors and Long Beach landmark building views! Weekdays are quiet here, tho weekends may be crowded. Being a residential beach area, I’m always mindful of the locals concerns. Here I’m grateful for them sharing free parking, which is available along the North and South Pacific Av median straddling the walkway, a block from the beach. I noticed people walking dogs here, obviously helpful to visitors who’ve stopped by for a look at the sunset, tho are unable to take their pets on the beach with them. Public restrooms are located here at the Pacific Av median, at 14th &...

Just this past week the burms (sp?) were graded down and the sand was nice and level. The grading unearthed some old sea lion rib bones, my grandson was enthralled.

At first we thought it was a human rib bone and we were ready to go all CSI, but nah, the lifeguard said sea lion.

Sunday afternoon and it's wasn't crowded at all. It was just right for relaxing from my overwhelming life.... and... we took a moment, and just for...