Carlsbad Beaches

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BEACH HIGHLIGHTS

The Carlsbad coast is about 5 miles long, with two major state beaches: Carlsbad State Beach and South Carlsbad State Beach. Most Carlsbad beaches are hidden below ocean bluffs, away from residential areas and city life, offering a peaceful atmosphere.

Great Walking Beaches
As with many beaches in North San Diego County, Carlsbad beaches are ideal for walking and jogging. The beaches are wide and sandy in many places, with the shoreline almost uninterrupted, except for a few water inlets. To cross, all you need to do is take a short hike across a nearby bridge.

Coast Hwy 101 Scenic Drive
Except for Torrey Pines State Beach and Cardiff State Beach further down south, Carlsbad is the only beach city in San Diego County where Coast Hwy 101, known here as Carlsbad Blvd, runs along side the coastline—from Pine Street, near Carlsbad Village, to La Costa Ave, in Leucadia. On some stretches, Carlsbad Blvd follows the shoreline above from the ocean cliffs, and on other stretches, comes up directly to the beach.

Carlsbad Village Nearby
At the north end of Carlsbad is Carlsbad Village, the heart of Carlsbad's shopping district. Carlsbad State Beach is just a few blocks away from the village.

That tall concrete chimney that can be seen all up and down the coast is Encina Power Plant, located next to the beach, near Palomar AIrport Road.

CARLSBAD BEACHES

North Carlsbad beaches
Carlsbad State Beach
South Carlsbad State Beach
South Ponto Beach

From north to south

North Carlsbad Beaches
These beaches stretch from Oceanside border to Pine Ave, near Carlsbad Village. Jointly owned by the state and the coastal property owners along that stretch, north Carlsbad beaches are open to the public. However, they do not have any lifeguard services, restrooms, showers or other amenities. These north beaches can be accessed at Carlsbad Village Drive, Grand Avenue, Christiansen Way, Beech Ave and Rue des Chateaux.

Carlsbad State Beach
map | photos
Carlsbad State Beach, also known as Tamarack Beach, stretches from Pine Ave, just south of Carlsbad Village Drive, to Canon Road. Carlsbad Seawall, a concrete walkway, runs alongside the entire beach.
• Good family beach
• Good romantic beach
• Good walking beach
• Restrooms and outdoor showers.
• Next to Carlsbad Village at north end.
• Frazee Park, at north end.
• Large parking lot at end of Tamarack Street.
• Small parking lot next to Frazee Park.
• Carlsbad Seawall
• No alcohol
• No dogs on beach.
• Dogs allowed on leash on top walkway of seawall.

South Carlsbad State Beach
map | photos
This beach extends from Palomar Airport Road to La Costa Ave, and includes Terramar Beach, North Ponto Beach and South Ponto Beach. A state campground resides on blufftops, overlooking the shoreline. The ocean cliffs stretch from the campground northward almost to Palomar Airport Rd, making these beaches more secluded and less accessible. South of the campground, the cliffs disappear, and the beach opens up to Coast Hwy 101.
• Good family beach
• Good romantic beach
• Good walking beach
• Closest food is in Leucadia on S. Coast Hwy 101.
• Restrooms at S. Ponto Beach and campgrounds.
• Large parking lot at South Ponto Beach
• No alcohol
• No dogs on beach.
• Dogs allowed leashed in campgrounds.

South Ponto Beach
map | photos
This beach is a part of South Carlsbad State Beach, just south of Batiquitos Lagoon and the jetties. South Ponto Beach is a popular surf spot with occasional surfing events. During Summer, this beach is wide with excellent sand. During Winter, storms bring in small rocks, which cover much of the lower beach.
• Good family beach
• Good romantic beach
• Good walking beach
• Volleyball courts
• Closest food is in Leucadia on S. Coast Hwy 101.
• Restrooms, near parking lot
• Large parking lot at south end.
• No alcohol
• No dogs on beach.