Sunnyside Beach Park is a beginner-friendly shore dive in Steilacoom, WA, with a well-documented underwater map and reliable critter sightings. It draws everyone from new openwater (OW) divers getting comfortable in cold water to tech divers running gear checks.
Sunnyside Beach was our first unsupported shore dive in the PNW. I still remember the shock of the cold water, the dark green visibility — and realizing, looking back, that the viz that day was pretty solid by PNW standards.
Address / Google Map
Address: 2509 Chambers Creek Rd W, Steilacoom, WA 98388 (Search “Sunnyside Beach Parking Lot” to find the parking area on the south end).
Entry
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Dive Site Information
Access: Entry is via a few rocky steps down to the beach near the gazebo, where the self-serve kayak rentals are staged. The parking lot is at least a 10-minute walk away and requires a railway crossing. A hand cart can help to haul gears to neraby picnic tables for setup.
There is reportedly a second entry slightly north of the volleyball court, closer to Point of Interest 16 (the wreck), but I have not tried it yet.
Dive Profile: Most points of interest sit along lines running parallel to shore, at roughly 30–50 ft depth. The pipe runs perpendicular to shore and continues to greater depths — check underneath for critters and GPO.
Bottom Composition: Sand
Current: Typically none
Hazards: Long walk with gear.
Things to See: PNW usuals — crabs, snails, shrimp, rockfish, GPO, sculpins, gunnels
Plan a safe, comfortable dive with planyourdive.com
Dive Site Map
The descent buoy disappeared sometime after my first dive there in 2022. We now just descend at about 3-5 meter, follow the compass and topography to swim out and intercept the lines.
The map was originally made by TL SEA Diving some time ago (parking was still $5 cash then). We added the broken lines and the buckets we observed in 2026, marked in green and yellow. Between Point of Interest A and the wreck at Point 16, the surface distance is measured at least 500 ft, so plan your gas accordingly if you want to hit both. I have not yet made it out to the wreck.
Food for thought for planning
Levels: All levels. Beginner-friendly and a known training site. Also draws divers testing complex equipment like CCRs and scooters.
Facilities: Restrooms available year-round. Picnic tables and outdoor shower near the gazebo (summer only).
Fee: $10/vehicle for non-residents. Pay at the credit card machine on-site. Enforcement is active.
Parking: Search “Sunnyside Beach Parking Lot.” Park as far north as possible to minimize the walk to entry.
Hours: Open from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Other Activities: Beach access, playground, kayak rentals.
Reference Materials
Visibility report: https://pnwdiving.com/sunnyside-beach-park
Tide & current: https://www.planyourdive.com/sites/sunnyside-beach-park
Dive site info: Tow of Steilacoom, diveplannerpro.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sunnyside Beach Park good for beginner divers?
Yes. The site is flat-bottomed, has no significant current, and easy to navigate. The main challenge for beginners is the gear haul from the parking lot.
Is there parking at Sunnyside Beach Park?
Yes. The parking lot holds plenty of vehicles, but costs $10/day for non-residents. Pay at the credit card machine in the lot. Enforcement is real — don’t skip it.
What can you see diving at Sunnyside Beach Park?
The typical PNW mix: crabs, shrimp, rockfish, sculpins, gunnels, and GPO. The pipe running perpendicular to shore is worth checking for octopus. The wreck at Point of Interest 16 is the big draw for those with the gas to reach it.
About Pan — Full Cave and Advanced Recreational Trimix diver based in the Pacific Northwest. I started diving without knowing how to swim; now I drive three hours each way to dive in Puget Sound/Hood Canal. Two Ocean Notes documents the technical progression, gear decisions, and travel planning behind this dive life — from a petite engineer’s perspective, without the fluff. → Read my full story
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Editorial disclaimer
Please be aware that scuba diving is an inherently risky activity, even with certification and experience. The content on this blog reflects my personal opinions and experiences and should not be considered instructional. Always prioritize safety, seek guidance and certification from qualified diving professionals, and carefully consider the risks involved in any dives.
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