On the beach.Within 2 miles (3 km) of this Smith River vacation home, you'll find Lucky 7 Casino and Pelican State Beach. Crissey Field State Recreation Site and Smith River are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Harris Beach State Park - 16 min drive - 11.0 miles
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park - 19 min drive - 15.0 miles
Samuel H. Boardman State Park - 26 min drive - 20.2 miles
Getting around
Crescent City, CA (CEC-Del Norte County) - 26 min drive
Restaurants
Mattie's Pancake House - 8 min drive
Wild River Brewing and Pizza Company - 9 min drive
World Headquarters 101 - 8 min drive
Dutch Bros Coffee - 9 min drive
The Bell And Whistle Coffee House - 10 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Sunset Shore Retreats "Ocean Front" "The Whale Watcher"
Summary: Ocean Front Home - Stunning Views and beach access at the corner of the property. The Whale Watcher: Pet Friendly 3-bedroom Oceanfront Home sleeps six! Known as the Blue Door, it is a classic Smith River Oceanfront home. Luxurious upper master with breathtaking ocean views and a large oceanfront deck. Fully furnished kitchen for chefs wanting to cook and look at the ocean! Meander down the direct beach access trail and spend the day at the beach, play in the sand, or bravely go into the ocean water, oceanfront patio included.
The Space: Stairs: The “Whale Watcher” is a Tri-level with many stairs. You must use caution with children under 5 or persons with limited mobility. This home is pet-friendly. 1 pet only. If you have a large group you can rent all 3 spaces,! Cozy Seal Slumber and Sea Otter Snooze.
Guest Access: Arrival information will be emailed
Getting Around: There is a red, white and blue flag at the corner of the property. Turn into the driveway by the north side of the mailbox. Follow driveway to the end. Parking is on the left beside the garage. At the west corner of the garage, enter the courtyard. Look for Blue Door "The Whale Watcher" awaits for you!
Other Things to Note: Weather: Our weather can be very temperamental around this time of year. It can be sunny one minute and pouring the next. So please make sure all the windows and doors are closed when you leave. Beach: The path to the beach is at the Northwest corner of the backyard. Please use caution when walking down to the beach. A basket in the Sun Room contains striped beach towels and a beach mat. Please only use the striped towels when you go to the beach. When returning from the beach, please store sandy towels and mat in the basket. Inside: Please wipe your feet on the mats inside and outside of each door. Sand tracks all over the house if you don’t. Extra blankets are in the closet. There is a first aid kit in the medicine cabinet. Cameras are Located: 1.-Pointing to the Ocean South 2- Pointing towards the Ocean North 3- Parking Area Internet/Cell Phone Coverage/Utilities WIFI can be difficult at times, it is normally very dependable but it can be affected by coastal weather conditions. Most cell phones carriers get full reception at the property. Guests should be aware that issues related to coastal location can cause interruption throughout the year to both internet, utilities and cell phone reception that are outside host's control.
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Guests will receive an email with check-in information
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
1 pet
Pets
Pets are welcome
Service animals are exempt from fees
Note from host: Charge may apply
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.
Property is also known as
62756a8b19944d00312d1a0d
Frequently asked questions
How close is Sunset Shore Retreats "Ocean Front" "The Whale Watcher" to the airport?
This vacation home is 20 mi (26-min drive) away from the Crescent City, CA (CEC-Del Norte County) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does Sunset Shore Retreats "Ocean Front" "The Whale Watcher" have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.
How close is Sunset Shore Retreats "Ocean Front" "The Whale Watcher" to the beach?
This vacation home is on the beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!
Does Sunset Shore Retreats "Ocean Front" "The Whale Watcher" offer free breakfast?
This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at Sunset Shore Retreats "Ocean Front" "The Whale Watcher"?
No, there is no casino at this vacation home, but Lucky 7 Casino (2-min drive) is nearby.
What time is check-in at Sunset Shore Retreats "Ocean Front" "The Whale Watcher"?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
Is there free parking at Sunset Shore Retreats "Ocean Front" "The Whale Watcher"?
Free parking is not available at this vacation home.
Does Sunset Shore Retreats "Ocean Front" "The Whale Watcher" have a pool?
This vacation home does not have a pool.
Does Sunset Shore Retreats "Ocean Front" "The Whale Watcher" have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this vacation home.
How close is Sunset Shore Retreats "Ocean Front" "The Whale Watcher" to downtown Smith River?
This vacation home is 4.4 mi away from Smith River.
Sunset Shore Retreats "Ocean Front" "The Whale Watcher" Reviews
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 8 out of 14 reviews
10 - Excellent
8
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 14 reviews
8 - Good
5
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 14 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 14 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.6/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
jesse r.
Oct 19, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
It was a fun get away for my 50th birthday. We were celebrating with family. We were very pleased with everything. Thank you so much. Will stay again and also recommend to others to stay there as well.
jesse r.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kimberly R., Arlington
Sep 9, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We just loved our stay here. It was a wonderful area and easy access to the beach. Close to restaurants and the Redwoods. This is definitely a place we will book again. Rest assured if you book this place you will be very pleased.
Kimberly R.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
8/10 Good
Nathan M.
Jul 31, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We stayed for 4 days and 3 nights. Fantastic location; quiet and close to the beach. Couldn’t even hear the 101 even though it was close. Loved the private access to the beach. Unit is spacious, equipped and has plenty of bedrooms. We loved having a private balcony off the master suite. Our last night there was clear so we were able to appreciate a beautiful sunset and did some stargazing that night. Having the windows open at night and hearing the ocean was amazing. The only caveat is-with such a large unit capable of accommodating so many-there is only one bathroom-which made it a bit challenging at times. We also had a couple smaller issues but the property manager was quick to respond. Overall, our rating would be 5 stars if not for the lack of an additional bathroom. There are also 3 levels to the unit; my elderly parents stayed with us but they didn’t have much difficulty with navigating a couple short flights up and down.
Nathan M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sean M.
Jul 16, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Whale watcher
Absolutely perfect for our trip, between the California redwoods and the Oregon coast
Sean M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kim R.
Jul 12, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Kim R.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
8/10 Good
dana H.
Mar 12, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
My Two Day Vacation
I loved my time at this wonderful cottage.Very private and quiet,I saw maybe one other person when I walked on the beach
dana H.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Terry W.
Sep 23, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Fun beach time
Was a great stay would come back again
Terry W.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Samantha Y.
Jun 27, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Property, easy access to beach
We thought the property was beautiful. Easy access to beach, easy access to call property manager. You can see the ocean from the bedroom and sleep with window s open and you can hear the ocean all night.
Samantha Y.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Rosie V.
Jun 25, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
A true Gem!
This wonderful place is a true GEM! The photos don’t do it justice and this place exceeded my expectations. I was looking for a beachfront place with amazing views and super easy access to a nice beach, both of which proved superb. My family and I loved the home. The location felt ideal; private but close to groceries/shopping and exploring the gorgeous nature that abounds. The home felt very cozy, roomy, and private, with lots of light. It was very clean, inviting and everything went smooth. The primary bedroom is super spacious and has an awesome deck completely facing the ocean. The front room is also built to face the ocean and enjoy beautiful sunsets while you eat dinner or relax and play board games. The backyard is fenced for pets to run around which was great but I recommend not leaving them by themselves since fence not very high and can jump over. The care, maintenance, and accommodations truly felt intentionally aimed to provide guests with wonderful home away from home experience. Very reasonable price for all that was provided. Thank you for a wonderful stay. My family and I truly enjoyed!
Rosie V.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
8/10 Good
Chris M.
Apr 6, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Can't beat the view and the sound of the crashing waves
We spent 5 nights and was the perfect getaway with our boys (ages 13-18). Never experienced a view like there is from the master bedroom. Started each day with a beach walk and then ventured either up into Oregon or down into the Redwoods. We read the reviews about the stairs and it's just because it's a split level. Our boys had places to escape which meant mom and dad could take in the views from the sun room. Also met the owners on the way out and heard how they'll continue to be making further improvements as they are newer owners and taking great pride in the place.
Chris M.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
6/10 Okay
joan w., Jacksonville, OR
Nov 1, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Not suitable for seniors or disabled
The location, ocean view, beach access, fenced lawn with proximity to grocery shopping and restaurants is ideal.
However the floor plan of the dwelling is precarious with multiple staircases, elevations: remodeled several times and is conjoined with two smaller rental units.
There is an ocean facing upper deck off a lovely primary bedroom however it requires a steep clime to the room with a second clime though a window?
This room was left unused.
In the dark, my traveling companion tripped and fell and our old 50 lb dog needed to be lifted in order to move between spaces.
joan w.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
8/10 Good
arend t.
Aug 1, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Whale Watcher
The property was all we expected: on the beach, clean, well furnished, great views. It does have a lot of stairs, and some curtains in the master bedroom would be nice.
arend t.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
misty m.
Jul 7, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful
Wonderful home and location. We will definitely be back!
misty m.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
8/10 Good
Brian S.
Jun 12, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great location!
Great cottage on the beach. There are quite a few stairs inside the property, it has 4 levels, but that didn't deter us much.
The only reason we didnt give them 5 starts is due to trash. There are 4 other rental rooms on the same property and they all share 1 trash can. With 4 people staying, we had quite a bit of trash and to our surprise, the single trash can for the whole property was full. The property manager quickly responded to our text, but storing trash inside the house we are staying in was less than ideal.
Overall a great place to come back to after a day of exploring the sites!!