Sunset Beach map above shows its one-mile layout of beaches. While the Sunset Island across the street is part of this unincorporated region, the rest of the islands are part of Huntington Beach.  Sunset Beach does not feature ocean access to the Pacific Ocean, but Huntington Beach does. When visiting this beach oasis, there are several hotels located on the the ocean side of Pacific Coast Highway, unlike any hotels in Huntington Beach.

Sunset Beach is located between Surfside and Huntington Beach, and overlooks Catalina Island and the Port of Long Beach / Los Angeles.  Situated in coastal Orange County, Sunset Beach is quite close to the northern border of the city. There are numerous restaurants, bars, clubs, shops and a post office in Sunset Beach where residents must pick up their mail.

When visiting, you'll not see much of the beach from Pacific Coast Highway, the primary street along the town. But once you turn down any numbered streets and drive along Pacific Ave., you'll see the beach and admire it.