The Water Tower House

The Water Tower House is one of Sunset Beach’s main landmarks and attractions. It’s located right on the PCH, stands 87 feet tall and has amazing views of the beach, the Huntington Harbour and basically the whole town of Sunset Beach. Originally built in the 1890s and able to hold up to 75,000 gallons of water, it serviced railroad steam engines traveling along California’s coast. Then in the 1940s it was repurposed to store water for the surrounding communities. By the 1970s the water tank was covered in graffiti and termites were eating away at the framework, which led to it being scheduled to be torn down. Now local legend and former LBCC professor, George Armstrong, acted as the hero in the local “Save Our Water Tower” movement when he purchased the tower and remodeled it into a home in the 1980s. Most recently, it was purchased by a couple of real estate investors in 2016 for $1.5 million and it was recently listed for just short of $5 million. Today, it is open to the public to rent for around a thousand dollars a night and it is also available to be toured.

Events and Ammenities

  • The Sunset Beach Community Association (SBCA) and other organizations host many events throughout the year to raise money for Sunset Beach as well as bring the community together to have fun and support their fellow neighbors. One of the biggest events of the year is the Sunset Beach Art Festival, which is hosted by “Las Damas” (a local woman’s non-profit) and is held every year on Mother’s Day Weekend. The festival features local artists and vendors with their work on display and for sale, as well as activities and entertainment for all to enjoy. After the festival, Las Damas donates 100% of profits to local schools, non-profits and education grants for locals.

  • One of Sunset’s most charming features is the “Green Belt”, which is a 14-acre park that runs parallel to the beach. You will find the locals here regularly walking their dogs and chopping it up. 

    There are also numerous local bars, shops, restaurants and breweries that serve the locals and tourists year round. Some of our favorites include Green Cheek Brewery, Neptune’s, The Himalayan Grill and of course, Captain Jack’s. Stop by these places to support local business, we promise they won’t disappoint!

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