Sunset Beach Greenbelt

If you hear about the greenbelt in Sunset Beach, Calif., that's because it is the front of the town that greets you when you get past busy "PCH" or Pacific Coast Highway. Once turning onto any of the numbered streets heading toward the town that is a short block wide on the ocean side of the coastal road, you will encounter the greenbelt. It is a mile strip of grass with sidewalks, park benches, and some public restrooms with outdoor showers.

The greenbelt often is where locals say hello to one another while walking the dog. It is the gathering spot for the annual Sunset Beach Mother's Day Art Festival, 4th of July Picnic, and other informal events. The greenbelt is lined on both sides with public parking spaces for visitors to park their cars and head for the beach, as well.

The greenbelt contains a nice, gated playground for children to swing and go down slides. There are park benches for parents to sit and watch.

The greenbelt has trash cans where you can throw things away, too. When you visit the beaches of Sunset Beach you absolutely can't miss the greenbelt. It once was the route for the Pacific Electric Red Car train that went between Los Angeles and the beaches of Orange County. Today there are few reminders of that glorious time, though residents may find the lack of trains brings a lot more peace and quiet to the town!