Hotels near Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a 68-acre strip of sandstone bluffs running roughly 1.5 miles along the western edge of the Point Loma peninsula. The cliffs rise between 15 and 90 metres above the Pacific, and the unpaved trail along the top is one of the best free walks in the city. Sea caves have been eroded into the softer layers below, and at low tide you can climb down at the Ladera Street access point to explore small pocket beaches. The park is open 24 hours; the paved parking areas along Ladera Street and Osprey Street close at 10:30 PM. There is no admission fee. The name is literal - the cliffs face due west and the sunset views over the Pacific are the reason most people come. Arrive 45 minutes before sunset to find parking and a spot on the bluff. The trail runs unfenced along the cliff edge in several sections, so keep back at least 3 metres from the drop and watch children carefully.

Pro Tip: The Osprey Point overlook (32.7188, -117.2571) at the southern end of the park has the widest ocean view and the smallest crowds. Bring a wind layer even in summer; the marine breeze picks up at sundown and temperatures can drop 5 degrees Celsius in twenty minutes.