Sunset Beach Holiday Home Tours: What’s Open in 2025

Sunset Beach, California, a charming coastal enclave within Huntington Beach, is a place where the laid-back surf culture, serene beaches, and the iconic water tower weave a tapestry of small-town magic along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Known for its pristine shoreline and vibrant community, this one-square-mile gem transforms during the holiday season into a showcase of festive cheer and architectural beauty. As we look ahead to the 2025 holiday season—spanning late November through December—Sunset Beach holiday home tours promise a unique blend of coastal charm and seasonal splendor. In this blog post, we’ll explore what’s open for holiday home tours in Sunset Beach in 2025, highlighting key events, properties, and tips to make the most of this festive coastal experience.

 

Sunset Beach: A Holiday Haven

 

Nestled between Seal Beach and the broader Huntington Beach sprawl, Sunset Beach exudes a timeless California vibe that shines brightest during the holidays. The town’s 1,200 homes—ranging from $1.8 million inland cottages to $3 million-plus beachfront estates—offer a canvas for holiday decorations that reflect both its coastal roots and festive spirit. While summer is peak season for tourism, with 40 million visitors flocking to Orange County annually, winter unveils a quieter, cozier side of Sunset Beach. The holiday season, particularly from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, draws locals and visitors alike to explore beautifully adorned homes, many open for tours that blend architectural appreciation with seasonal joy.

 

In 2025, Sunset Beach’s holiday home tours will capitalize on its rich history—from its early 1900s origins tied to the Pacific Electric Railway to its funky, independent spirit preserved even after its 2011 annexation into Huntington Beach. Expect self-guided walking tours, community-organized events, and private home showcases, all set against a backdrop of widened beaches (thanks to a $20 million nourishment project through 2026) and upgraded PCH access. Whether you’re a real estate enthusiast, a holiday lover, or a curious traveler, here’s what’s open and what to expect.

 

Holiday Home Tours in Sunset Beach: What’s Open in 2025

 

While specific 2025 schedules remain fluid as of February 2025, Sunset Beach’s holiday offerings draw from established traditions and emerging trends. Based on historical patterns, local insights, and ongoing community developments, here’s a rundown of what’s likely to be open for holiday home tours in 2025:

 

1. Historical Sunset Beach Walking Tour: Holiday Edition

 

The Historical Sunset Beach Walking Tour, a self-guided 2.8-mile loop, is a year-round staple that takes on a festive twist in December. Starting at the Green Belt parking lot off Broadway and North Pacific Avenue, this tour winds past quirky shops, Prohibition-era lore spots, and the water tower—a green beacon often draped in holiday lights. In 2025, expect homeowners along the route to open select properties, showcasing interiors adorned with nautical-themed decorations, from driftwood wreaths to starfish-topped trees.

 

• • What’s Open: 3-5 historic homes (circa 1920s-1950s) along Pacific Avenue and Sunset Island, volunteered by owners. Look for bungalows hit by the 1933 Long Beach earthquake, now restored and festooned with lights.

• • When: Likely weekends in December (e.g., Dec 6-7, 13-14, 20-21), 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with extended evening hours (to 7 p.m.) for light displays.

• • Cost: Free, though donations may support the Sunset Beach Community Association.

• • Why Visit: A mix of history and holiday cheer—think vintage surfboards as decor and tales of duck-hunting days.

 

2. Sunset Beach Holiday Home Showcase

 

Organized by local real estate groups or the community association, this annual event spotlights 4-6 luxury homes decked out for the season. In 2025, expect a focus on properties leveraging new ADU laws (e.g., SB 1211, AB 2533), with secondary units staged as cozy guest retreats or rental showcases. Beachfront estates on Pacific Avenue—valued at $3 million-plus—will likely headline, paired with inland gems near PCH ($1.8-$2 million).

 

• • What’s Open: A curated mix—e.g., a $2.5 million modern beachfront with rooftop deck lights, a $2 million cottage with an ADU-turned-Santa’s workshop, and a $1.9 million harbor-adjacent home with harbor views.

• • When: Tentatively Dec 13-15, 2025, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, with a possible VIP evening on Dec 12 (5-8 p.m.).

• • Cost: $30-$40 tickets, benefiting local charities like the Bolsa Chica Conservancy.

• • Why Visit: Peek inside high-end homes, snag decorating ideas, and see how infrastructure (PCH, beach widening) boosts appeal.

 

3. Coastal Charm Open House Series

 

Smaller but growing, this series features 5-7 homes opened by individual owners, often advertised via social media (e.g., #SunsetBeachHoliday on X) or local flyers. These tend to be more eclectic—think a $2 million fixer-upper with DIY holiday flair or a $1.5 million condo with minimalist coastal decor. In 2025, expect a nod to sustainability, with solar-powered lights and native plant wreaths reflecting Coastal Commission guidelines.

 

• • What’s Open: A range of styles—beachfront bungalows, inland condos, and ADU-equipped lots, scattered across Pacific Avenue, Broadway, and Surfside enclaves.

• • When: Likely sporadic weekends, Dec 6-21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., with some evening viewings (5-7 p.m.).

• • Cost: Free or $5-$10 suggested donation per home, varying by host.

• • Why Visit: Intimate, grassroots vibe—chat with owners and feel the community spirit.

 

4. Surfside Colony Holiday Tour

 

Just south of Sunset Beach proper, Surfside Colony—a gated enclave—often joins the holiday fray with its own tour. In 2025, expect 3-4 homes here to open, showcasing $2-$3 million properties with private beach access and harbor views. These lean luxurious—think 4-bed, 3-bath estates with twinkling palm trees and harbor-facing patios.

 

• • What’s Open: High-end homes in Surfside’s A-B-C rows, staged with upscale holiday decor (e.g., designer wreaths, LED displays).

• • When: Likely Dec 20-22, 2025, 1-5 p.m., with a possible Saturday night gala (6-9 p.m.).

• • Cost: $50-$75, often tied to a Surfside HOA fundraiser.

• • Why Visit: Exclusive peek at a private community, plus harbor lights reflecting off the water.

 

What’s Driving the 2025 Holiday Tours

 

Several factors shape Sunset Beach’s 2025 holiday home tours:

 

• • Tourism Boost: Winter’s quieter pace still draws visitors—think retirees and locals—eager for holiday outings. The season complements summer’s 40 million OC visitors with a cozier crowd.

• • Infrastructure Appeal: PCH upgrades (bike lanes, smoother traffic) and beach nourishment (100 feet wider by 2026) make homes more attractive, encouraging owners to show off.

• • ADU Surge: New laws (e.g., AB 2533 legalizing unpermitted units) let owners flaunt income potential—$400-$700/night ADU rentals shine in holiday staging.

• • Community Pride: Sunset Beach’s funky history and tight-knit feel fuel events, with residents eager to share their slice of paradise.

 

Tips for Enjoying Sunset Beach Holiday Tours

 

Maximize your 2025 experience with these strategies:

 

• • Plan Early: Schedules firm up by November—check surfcityusa.com, sunsetbeachnc.com (for NC crossover ideas), or X (#SunsetBeachHoliday) by late fall.

• • Dress Coastal: Temps hover in the 50s-60s—layer a sweater with flip-flops for that Cali vibe. Bring a flashlight for evening tours.

• • Walk or Bike: Parking’s tight (Warner Ave lot, Pacific Ave)—use PCH bike paths or walk the 2.8-mile loop. Tours are pedestrian-friendly.

• • Book Local: Pair tours with stays at nearby inns (e.g., Oceanfront Inn) or Airbnb—$200-$300/night beats LA prices.

• • Snap Photos: Golden-hour sunsets (4:30-5 p.m.) and twinkling lights make killer shots—tag #SunsetBeach2025.

 

What’s Nearby and Open

 

Extend your tour day with these Sunset Beach holiday staples:

 

• • Restaurants: Turc’s (open daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.) serves seafood with holiday specials—think crab-stuffed stockings. Captain Jack’s (4-10 p.m.) offers cocktails and lights views.

• • Shops: PCH boutiques (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) sell coastal gifts—perfect for post-tour shopping.

• • Beach Access: Public beaches (5 a.m.-10 p.m.) glow with bonfires and lights—stroll post-tour.

• • Bolsa Chica Reserve: Open daily (6 a.m.-6 p.m.), trails offer a nature break amid holiday bustle.

 

Investment Angle: Tours as Market Insight

 

For buyers, holiday tours double as real estate reconnaissance. A $2 million home with a $250,000 ADU could yield $50,000-$100,000 yearly (4-5% yield), per Airbnb trends, with 5-7% OC appreciation (Zillow) pushing it to $2.8-$3 million by 2030. Beachfront properties ($3 million-plus) showcase stability via nourishment projects. Winter tours—less crowded than summer—reveal true condition (e.g., flood resilience) and community vibe, informing spring bids.

 

Challenges to Note

 

• • Weather: Winter rains (rare but possible) could muddy tours—check forecasts.

• • Crowds: Peak weekends (Dec 13-15) draw locals—arrive early.

• • Permits: Coastal Commission rules limit some displays—don’t expect mega light shows.

 

Hypothetical Highlights

 

• • Pacific Ave Bungalow: $2.4 million, 3-bed, deck with surfer Santa—open Dec 13-14.

• • Broadway ADU Cottage: $1.9 million, twinkling guest unit—Dec 6-7.

• • Surfside Estate: $3.2 million, harbor lights view—Dec 20-21.

 

Conclusion

 

Sunset Beach’s 2025 holiday home tours promise a festive fusion of coastal charm and community spirit. From historic bungalows to luxury estates, what’s open offers a glimpse into a town where $2 million homes meet holiday magic. Infrastructure upgrades, ADU potential, and serene beaches elevate the experience—whether you’re touring for fun or eyeing a buy. Plan for December weekends, embrace the golden-hour glow, and dive into a holiday tradition that’s uniquely Sunset Beach. In a market where summer dazzles, winter’s tours quietly steal the show—don’t miss out.