Sunset Cliffs runs south from Ocean Beach along Sunset Cliffs Blvd to Point Loma Nazarene University and Navy land. (D50)
What applies to every Sunset Cliffs spot
Depth bands:
- 10–25 ft of broken rock and boulders near shore.
- 35–50 ft farther out.
- Kelp edges at 50–65 ft.
(D14)
Lobster: crevice-heavy reef holds good numbers from about 10 to 40 ft in season. (D14)
Skill: challenging terrain for experienced divers. (D10)
Swell: a south swell makes the entries rough. (D14)
Tide: the surf guides say most breaks need high tide to surf, while the beach guides say beach access needs low tide. (D22, D23)
Cliffs are unstable:
- People have been killed falling from them.
- Use established stairs and paths only, and never climb the cliffs.
- Erosion changes routes, so check them each visit.
(D14, D23)
Facilities:
- Portable restrooms only.
- One public shower at Ladera St and Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
- No lifeguards.
(D23)
Parking:
- Lots at the north and south ends of Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
- A lot at Ladera St and Cornish Dr.
- A public lot on the PLNU campus (via Lomaland Dr).
- Street parking along the boulevard. One source says the boulevard is metered (conflict).
(D23, D14, D24)
Many break names below come from surfers' lists, not dive guides. Their order comes from a 1985 list in reader comments (D21, low-q) and an aggregator (D57, low-q). Confirm each one in person.