Sunset Beach California Map

About Sunset Beach, California

Sunset Beach is a locality in Orange County, California, United States. It has a population of approximately 3,200. The population density is 480.0 people per km². Sunset Beach is located at 33.7164°N, 118.0690°W. It observes the Pacific Time (America/Los_Angeles) timezone. ZIP code: 90742.

Sunset Beach unfolds as a narrow strip of land, a sun-bleached ribbon between the restless Pacific and the tranquil Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. It lies 4.6 miles south-west of Westminster, CA (from Westminster, CA: bearing 230°T), and is situated 7.7 miles east-south-east of Long Beach. Here, the air carries the briny tang of the ocean, a constant, invigorating perfume that permeates everything. Low-slung bungalows, painted in hues of turquoise, coral, and sandy beige, huddle together as if for warmth against the sea breeze, their porches often adorned with weathered surfboards and the cheerful clutter of beach life. The sand, a fine, pale gold, stretches wide and inviting, a canvas for the endless dramas of the tide. Beyond the dunes, the land flattens into a marshy expanse, a haven for a symphony of seabirds, their calls a wild counterpoint to the gentle murmur of the waves. The light here, particularly as the day begins its slow descent, possesses a molten quality, casting long, theatrical shadows and painting the sky in strokes of apricot and rose. This particular stretch of coast, Sunset Beach, has long drawn those seeking a simpler, more elemental existence. Its history is tied to the ebb and flow of coastal development and the enduring appeal of the ocean. The nearby Bolsa Chica wetlands, a vital sanctuary for migratory birds, represent a significant natural heritage, a reminder of the wilder past that still whispers through the modern landscape. While not a hub of heavy industry, Sunset Beach thrives on the steady hum of tourism and the year-round dedication of its residents to the surf culture that defines its character. The economy is intrinsically linked to the sea – surf shops, casual eateries serving fresh seafood, and rental properties catering to sun-seekers form the backbone of its livelihood. It’s a place where the pace is dictated by the tides, where conversations often begin with observations about the swell, and where the sunset isn't just an event, but a daily, communal ritual.

About This Sunset Beach Map Page

This page provides an interactive Google map of Sunset Beach, California with street, satellite and terrain views and integrated Street View imagery. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Sunset Beach and Orange County.

Detailed location data for Sunset Beach includes the ZIP code (90742), telephone area code (818, 747), county seat of Orange County (Santa Ana), and school district assignment. These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Sunset Beach is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.