Welcome to Sunset Point, where kooks, VALs, and tourists live in harmony
I will say this without caveat: I’ve never met a jerk at Sunset Point. For anyone who’s surfed in Los Angeles, you know there’s no shortage of frustrated, competitive arseholes just waiting to snake your wave. But if you surf Sunset Point, there is a common understanding that:
- A. It’s the beginners playground of North LA
- B. The waves generally speaking are not worth fighting over
- C. The kook-to-pro ratio is so high that most good surfers won’t come near a crowded day.
So you’re still thinking about it. You truly are a good soul. I’ve laid out all available wisdom below, but if you are just checking this on your phone on the drive out, then bare bones essentials are 1. Surf it at low tide, 2. Get there early, 3. Respect other surfers and the ocean.
Here are my top three tips to surf Sunset Point, Los Angeles:
- PARKING: Get there early and street park
- North/West is best, but South/East is second best (more below)
- Factor in the dismount (more below)
- The lot is always an option ($15)
- Entry spots:
- North “path” from the lot
- Middle “stairs” from the street
- Southern Path
- Time of entry
- Surf at low-tide
- Mornings and evenings are usually best
1. PARKING AT SUNSET POINT, LOS ANGELES, CA
North is best: Sunset Point gets its name from being the point break located at the end of Sunset Blvd, which intersects with the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway, for non-locals). You can park in the lot or anywhere on the south side of the PCH, but you may want to factor in your three points of entry (See Map)
Northern Path: This path leads directly down from the paid lot, but don’t be fooled: the last 20 yards are pure boulders. Most surfers take this route and it’s manageable, but a little risky for the uninitiated. If you fall, you and you’re board will both suffer damage in addition to the shame of face planting right in front of several RVs full of onlookers.
Stairs to Rocks: A wooden set of stairs sits at the midpoint between the northern and southern paths. These stairs are helpful, but they drop straight down onto some pretty treacherous rocks. Be ready for a dicey climb.
Southern Path: This is the easiest path to walk down directly into the ocean. Even with a high tide, you can still exit safely onto the sand. For beginners who aren’t too sure on their feet, I would recommend this path.
The traffic light at Sunset Boulevard and PCH
Statistically speaking, you will probably be coming up from the south.The first thing you’ll notice if you’re coming north toward the intersection is that many cars have already parked before you arrived. People get there early. Some people even come and park just to watch the surfers and smoke weed.
The second thing you’ll notice, as you wait to pull a U-turn at the SHORTEST GREEN LIGHT IN THE CITY, is that many locals will not wait for the green arrow. As soon as the south-bound traffic dies down, they’ll snake you so hard your bud will have to tell you, “Back off, Warchild.”
SPOTS
So you drove down, parked, and now you’re ready to surf Sunset Point, Los Angeles.
The classic surfer “line up,” which let’s be real, is scarce along the lesser beaches of LA, exists mostly at the point (see above.)
The second most popular spot, most used by newer surfers who want to avoid the crowd, is midway down, directly out from the stairs (see above).
The final spot, which I don’t recommend, is called the “Boneyard.” Why would anyone want to surf in the boneyard? That’s a good question. You’ll mostly find teens on short boards, catching the final push of a wave, just before it crashes into a smattering of treacherous rocks. There’s also a storm drain. Avoid this spot.
TIPS OF LESSER IMPORTANCE
If you’ve read this far, you are bien preparado to surf Sunset Point, Los Angeles, CA. Remember to respect the other surfers, the ocean, and most of all, yourself. But wait, you want more?
Tips of Lesser importance:
- On google maps, the point is labeled as Inceville
- Check the Surfline Cams. The cameras work great for this spot so there’s no excuse. Find them at surfline.com.
- You want to know what sunscreen to wear? I recommend Neutrogena Zinc SPF 50.