Sunset Beach, California, a picturesque coastal enclave within Huntington Beach, is a prime destination for those seeking the perfect vacation home. Nestled along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), this 1.5-mile stretch boasts pristine beaches, a laid-back vibe, and an exclusive community of roughly 641 homes. As we explore February 2025, Sunset Beach’s appeal as a vacation retreat shines brighter than ever, with its waterfront charm, tight inventory, and rental potential drawing investors and seasonal residents alike. But not all streets are created equal when it comes to vacation homes. This blog post uncovers the best streets in Sunset Beach for vacation properties—South Pacific Avenue, North Pacific Avenue, and Broadway—detailing their unique allure, real estate trends, and why they stand out for creating unforgettable coastal getaways.
Sunset Beach: A Vacation Haven in 2025
Sunset Beach’s vacation home market thrives on its scarcity and coastal prestige. In February 2025, the median home value sits at $2.5-$2.7 million, with luxury listings reaching $7 million (RocketHomes, December 2024: $7.18M median list price). Inventory is razor-thin—2-5 listings at a time—fueling a premium that outpaces Huntington Beach’s $1.28 million median and California’s $909,400 statewide forecast (C.A.R. 2025). Cash buyers dominate (60-65% of sales), drawn by the lifestyle—surfing, sunsets, and serenity—and rental yields of $4,000-$12,000 monthly, catering to vacationers flocking to Orange County’s coast.
The best vacation homes balance location, amenities, and rental potential. South Pacific Avenue offers oceanfront splendor, North Pacific Avenue delivers harbor-front charm, and Broadway provides a budget-friendly coastal connector. Let’s dive into why these streets top the list for Sunset Beach vacation homes in 2025.
South Pacific Avenue: Oceanfront Bliss
Why It’s the Best
South Pacific Avenue, running parallel to PCH on its western edge, is Sunset Beach’s oceanfront crown jewel. Homes here sit steps from the sand, offering unobstructed Pacific views, private beach access, and the quintessential coastal escape vacationers crave. Its proximity to landmarks like the water tower house adds historical charm, while limited public parking keeps the beach uncrowded—a rarity near Huntington Beach’s bustling pier.
What’s Available in 2025
Expect 1-2 of Sunset Beach’s 2-5 listings to hail from South Pacific, each a luxury retreat:
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- 16820 South Pacific Avenue: A 4-bedroom, 3,500-square-foot modern home, listed at $6.8 million ($1,943 per sq ft). Glass walls, a rooftop deck, and beach stairs make it a vacation stunner, renting for $10,000-$12,000 monthly.
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- 16785 South Pacific Avenue: A 3-bedroom, 2,800-square-foot classic, priced at $5.5 million ($1,964 per sq ft). Updated in 2024 with a wraparound balcony, it yields $8,000-$10,000 monthly.
Vacation Appeal
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- Views: Panoramic sunsets over the ocean, a daily draw for guests.
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- Access: Private paths to surf and sand, ideal for families or surfers.
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- Rental Yields: 3-4% annually ($96K-$144K on $5-6M), fueled by peak-season demand ($500-$800 nightly).
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- Prestige: South Pacific’s exclusivity—$5-7M price tags—makes it a status rental.
In 2025, its slow sales pace (100-150 days DOM) reflects sellers holding firm for cash offers, but rental income offsets the wait, making it the gold standard for vacation homes.
North Pacific Avenue: Harbor-Front Serenity
Why It’s the Best
North Pacific Avenue, east of PCH, offers a different waterfront vibe—Huntington Harbour’s calm waters and docks. Homes here blend harbor-front access with a 2-5-minute beach walk, appealing to boaters, nature lovers, and those seeking quieter coastal charm. Its proximity to Bolsa Chica wetlands and Linear Park adds recreational depth, while distancing it from PCH’s hum enhances the vacation retreat feel.
What’s Available in 2025
Expect 1-2 harbor-front listings on North Pacific, balancing charm and value:
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- 16560 North Pacific Avenue: A 3-bedroom, 2,400-square-foot home with a dock, listed at $2.9 million ($1,208 per sq ft). A harbor-view deck and kayak launch make it a getaway gem, renting for $5,000-$7,000 monthly.
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- 16610 North Pacific Avenue: A 4-bedroom, 3,000-square-foot retreat, priced at $3.3 million ($1,100 per sq ft). Built in 2010, its waterside patio yields $6,000-$8,000 monthly.
Vacation Appeal
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- Boating: Private docks for kayaks or small boats, a unique draw vs. oceanfront.
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- Serenity: Harbor views and less traffic noise create a peaceful escape.
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- Rental Yields: 3-4% annually ($60K-$96K on $2-3M), strong for its $2-3.5M range.
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- Versatility: Appeals to families, couples, or retirees seeking a laid-back vibe.
North Pacific’s lower entry point and harbor charm make it a sleeper hit for vacation homes, with steady demand in 2025’s tight market.
Broadway: The Coastal Connector
Why It’s the Best
Broadway, running perpendicular to PCH from South to North Pacific, is Sunset Beach’s budget-friendly vacation star. Steps from the beach and harbor, it offers a taste of both without the waterfront price tag. Its quiet, residential feel—buffered by Linear Park and numbered streets (1st to 17th)—delivers a cozy getaway vibe, while proximity to PCH amenities (e.g., Captain Jack’s Restaurant) adds convenience.
What’s Available in 2025
Expect 0-1 Broadway listing, a value-driven option:
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- 12th & Broadway: A 3-bedroom, 2,000-square-foot cottage, listed at $2.3 million ($1,150 per sq ft). Renovated in 2023 with a patio and peekaboo ocean views, it rents for $4,000-$6,000 monthly.
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- 9th & Broadway: A 4-bedroom, 2,500-square-foot modern, priced at $2.6 million ($1,040 per sq ft). A rooftop deck and park proximity make it a family-friendly retreat, yielding $5,000-$7,000 monthly.
Vacation Appeal
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- Proximity: 2-5 minutes to beach or harbor, blending both experiences.
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- Affordability: $2-2.6M entry vs. $5-7M oceanfront or $2-3.5M harbor-front.
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- Rental Yields: 2.5-3.5% annually ($48K-$84K on $2-2.5M), solid for its range.
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- Charm: Quaint, walkable streets appeal to guests seeking a local feel.
Broadway’s lower cost and dual-access allure make it a top pick for vacation homes on a (relative) budget.
Market Trends: The 2025 Vacation Home Landscape
Sunset Beach’s vacation home market in 2025 reflects its exclusivity:
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- Inventory: 2-5 listings total—1-2 South Pacific, 1-2 North Pacific, 0-1 Broadway—per December 2024’s two-listing trend.
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- Prices: South Pacific $5-7M, North Pacific $2-3.5M, Broadway $2-2.6M, stabilizing from 2024’s luxury peak ($7.18M median list).
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- Sales Pace: 100-150 days DOM, with cash (60-65%) outpacing financed buys (6.89% rates, potentially 6.5% by year-end).
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- Demand: Vacationers, retirees, and investors fuel rentals, undeterred by rates—a $3M home at 6.89% with 20% down costs $15,825 monthly, cash sidesteps this.
California’s economic strength—unemployment below 5%, GDP growth 2.5-3%—sustains demand, with 4-6% appreciation (above C.A.R.’s 4.6%) forecasting $3-$3.5M medians by 2030.
Why These Streets Shine for Vacation Homes
South Pacific Avenue
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- Prime Location: Oceanfront access trumps all for vacation wow-factor.
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- High Yields: $8K-$12K monthly justifies $5-7M investment.
North Pacific Avenue
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- Harbor Charm: Boating and serenity broaden appeal.
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- Value Play: $2-3.5M entry with $5K-$8K Rentals balances cost and return.
Broadway
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- Accessibility: Dual proximity at $2-2.6M widens buyer pool.
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- Cozy Vibe: Local charm suits shorter stays or long-term rentals.
All leverage Sunset Beach’s scarcity—641 homes, 2-5 listings—ensuring exclusivity and rental demand near Huntington Beach’s tourist draws (pier, surf events).
Challenges to Consider
Vacation homes face hurdles:
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- Environmental Risks: 43% flood risk, 99% wildfire exposure over 30 years raise insurance ($5K-$15K annually)—highest for South Pacific.
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- Maintenance: Coastal wear costs $10K-$30K yearly, more for oceanfront.
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- Seasonality: Peak summer yields ($300-$800 nightly) drop off-season, though year-round demand mitigates this.
Yet, Sunset Beach’s resilience—5-10% dip in 2022-2023 vs. California’s 9%—and 18-22% growth by 2030 (CoreLogic) offset risks.
The 2025 Verdict: Best Streets, Best Bets
In February 2025, Sunset Beach’s best vacation home streets deliver:
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- South Pacific: 1-2 listings, $5-7M—oceanfront luxury, $8K-$12K rentals.
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- North Pacific: 1-2 listings, $2-3.5M—harbor serenity, $5K-$8K rentals.
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- Broadway: 0-1 listing, $2-2.6M—coastal value, $4K-$7K rentals.
Buyers snag lifestyle and prestige—South Pacific for wow, North Pacific for charm, Broadway for smart entry. Sellers command premiums—$1,000-$2,100 per square foot—in a tight market (2-5 listings). Investors bank on 3-4% yields and 4-6% growth, turning $2-7M into $2.5-8.5M by 2030. These streets aren’t just vacation homes—they’re Sunset Beach’s finest, where coastal dreams meet savvy returns.
