Encinitas Beaches

Named by local residents who used to come to the area for midnight picnics in the early 1900s, the Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas is just a few blocks west of downtown and offers flat, sandy beaches, ideal for a picnic or a day of sun tanning. The beach also features swimming, surfing and fishing as well as a recreational facility with equipment rentals for volleyball and tennis. Most would call it a family and locals kind of beach.

Lifeguards
Lifeguards are on duty daily at the Moonlight Beach Lifeguard Headquarters from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through April 2. Beginning April 3, Moonlight Beach Lifeguard Headquarters will be staffed daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From June 16 through Labor Day.

Water Activity
During certain times of the year lifeguards separate swimming from other activities. Inside the swimming area, only swimming, wading, and body boarding are permitted. Outside of these designated areas, surfing, kayaking, and all other recreational activities are permitted. A checkered flag showing the surfing area and a blackball flag showing the swimming zone marks these areas.

Beach Fires
Designated fire rings can be found at Moonlight Beach.

Alcohol
Alcohol is not permitted on any of the beaches.

Dogs
No dogs are allowed.

Camping
Campsite is limited to 8 people maximum and is designed for individual family use. Large groups require a special event permit. Maximum stay during High Season (June - September) is 7 nights.

Directions & Parking
Take the 5 west and exit at Encinitas Boulevard. Encinitas Boulevard becomes B Street after you cross the Pacific Coast Highway. B Street will lead you directly to the parking lot at Moonlight Beach. Head south two blocks to D Street, or continue south on Coast Highway to Swami’s beach.