Encinitas Beaches

Moonlight Beach

Moonlight Beach

Moonlight Beach is the gem of Encinitas' beaches. With easy access, free parking, great facilities, lifeguards, and wonderful sand and surf, the beach attracts visitors from around the area. Recent upgrades to the restrooms and snack shop have helped Moonlight Beach stand out as the best family destination along this section of the coast.

Restrooms with showers, picnic areas, a playground, lifeguard headquarters, and fire rings are some of the features that visitors enjoy here.

Swami's Beach

Considered by many the premier surfing destination along the Encinitas coast, Swami's Beach is located at the south end of the city at a crook in the shoreline that helps to generate the popular waves. Access the beach off South Coast Highway 101 at Swami's Seaside Park. A parking lot (with spaces for about 30 cars), picnic area, and restrooms are located there. More parking can be found along the highway shoulder. A ramp and stairs lead down to the beach.

Swami's Beach

Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. Many people enjoy Swami's as a place to start their walk along the beach, heading north or south. Joggers are often seen here, too. Some tide pools can be explored during low tides.

Other Encinitas Beaches

Boneyard Beach

Boneyard Beach is accessible by walking north from Swami's Beach. The stretch of sand between J and E streets has no facilities, but it is popular for those seeking a more secluded patch of sand and with surfers. Rising tides can cover the sand, so visitors should be wary.

D Street Beach

Reach the beach via steps leading down from a viewpoint at the foot of D Street. Parking is along surface streets. While there are no facilities here, it is close enough to Moonlight Beach to trot up there for restrooms and food. Lifeguards are on duty here during the summer months.

Stone Steps Beach

North of Moonlight Beach, Stone Steps Beach is found at the foot of N. El Portal Street where it crosses Neptune Avenue. Parking is found along neighborhood streets. Nearly 100 stepping stones lead down to the beach. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer.

Encinitas Beach

You can reach Encinitas Beach by walking north from Stone Steps Beach. Surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers like the area, away from the busier stretches of beach in Encinitas. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer, but there are no other facilities.

Beacon's Beach

Visitors to Beacon's Beach will find a small parking lot along Neptune Avenue near Leucadia Boulevard. A trail zig-zags down to the beach. Once again, lifeguards are on duty during the summer, but there are no other facilities here. It is a favorite destination for surfers and can often be crowded out on the water.

Beacon's Beach

Grandview Beach

A small parking lot off Neptune Avenue marks the entrance to Grandview Beach. Stairs lead down to the beach. It is a popular spot for surfing, swimming, scuba diving, and sun bathing.

Ride the Coaster to the Beach

The Coaster commuter train runs along the Pacific coast in San Diego County, with stops at 8 stations between San Diego and Oceanside. Every weekday more than 20 trains make the scenic journey, with more trains on weekends. The entire Coaster route only takes about an hour.

Station Stops

• Santa Fe Depot - San Diego
• Old Town - San Diego
• Sorrento Valley - San Diego
• Solana Beach
• Encinitas - 25 E. D Street
• Carlsbad Poinsettia
• Carlsbad Village
• Oceanside Transit Station

Nearby Restaurants and Shops

Restaurants

• Fish 101 - 1468 N. Coast Highway 101
• Haggo's Organic Taco - 1114 N. Coast Highway 101
• Robbie's Roadhouse - 530 N. Coast Highway 101)
• Vigilucci's Pizzeria - 534 N. Coast Highway 101
• Beachside Bar & Grill - 806 S. Coast Highway 101
• Swami's Cafe - 1163 S. Coast Highway 101

Beach Supplies

• Falcon's Bodyboard Shop - 1026 N. Coast Highway 101
• Swell Stuff Wetsuit Repair - 948 N. Coast Highway 101
• Whole Foods Market - 687 S. Coast Highway 101
• Hansen Surfboards & Surf Shop - 1105 S. Coast Highway 101
• Blue Water Tackle - 124 Lomas Santa Fe Dr. Solana Beach