Wikipedia says Sunset State Beach is about 1.5 miles long, near Watsonville, and surrounded by large farm fields west of the city, with Manresa State Beach up the coast. California State Parks sells it as a peaceful campground under the pines, with beach picnics and wide views of Monterey Bay, and calls it a year-round favorite.
Fees and rules
The day-use fee is $10 per car, or $9 for seniors 62 and older. Dogs, other than service animals, are not allowed on the beach. They are allowed in the campground on a leash of up to 6 feet, and State Parks points dog owners to nearby Manresa, where leashed dogs are allowed on the beach. Horses aren't allowed on the beach. Fires are allowed only in park fire rings, and alcohol is banned on the beach and in the day-use area.
Drones and model aircraft are banned, with one unusual exception: non-motorized gliders can fly from a designated glider port across from the South campground.
A beach to respect
State Parks' ocean safety warning here is blunt: dangerous rip currents, frigid water and deep offshore drop-offs make surfing and swimming hazardous for anyone but the most experienced surfers.
Snowy plovers
Western snowy plovers use Sunset and Manresa beaches and their foredunes for nesting, raising chicks and wintering. The birds nest directly on the sand, and disturbing a posted nesting area violates federal law.