Sunset Bay is the most sheltered beach on the Cape Arago corridor, its broad crescent of sand enclosed by sandstone headlands that tame the swells and make it one of the few places on the southern Oregon coast where swimming is feasible. The protected cove is good for kayaking and picnicking even when the open coast is rough, and the tide pools along the rocky edges are among the best accessible in the region.
The park serves as the northern trailhead for the three-park coastal trail connecting Sunset Bay, Shore Acres, and Cape Arago — about 4 miles one way, passing through coastal forest and along cliff-top views. There is a full campground with tent sites, RV hookups, and yurts, making this a popular base for exploring the southern coast. The reserve is about 12 miles southwest of Coos Bay via Cape Arago Highway.