It is part of the city seawall system and is bisected by a multi-use path for bicycling, walking, and skating that connects to the adjacent Vancouver Aquatic Centre and Burrard Street Bridge.

The park is maintained by the city government and includes public washrooms, concession stands, an off-leash area for dogs, and a False Creek Ferries dock.

[citation needed] The beach's indigenous name is Í7iy̓el̓shn ("ee-ay-ul-shun"), which means "soft underfoot" in the Squamish language.

[3] On November 15, 2021, a 61-metre (200 ft) barge washed ashore at Sunset Beach during regional floods after it broke free from its moored position.

[3][6] Proposals to dismantle the barge were first submitted in January 2022, but approval was delayed due to the discovery of a goose nest and concerns of lead contamination from the hull paint among other issues.