Moonlight State Beach
* Photos | Tide Report
Moonlight State Beach
B Street & 4th Street
Encinitas, California (map)
More info: Encinitas Parks & Recreation
BEACH HIGHLIGHTS
Moonlight State Beach is one of the
best family beaches in San Diego County. One of the most noteworthy features of Moonlight Beach is the wide sandy area, which extends the beach about an extra 75 yards inland, from the natural shoreline.
Beach Activities
Moonlight Beach is a great place for almost any kind of beach activity, including swimming, surfing, sunbathing, picnicing, walking and jogging. The area just in front of the main beach is designated for swimmers only, with surfing designated to the north and south. The kelp beds a quarter mile off the beach makes this a good diving spot.
Beach Amenities
Moonlight State Beach comes packed with amenities, including volleyball courts, a children's playground, a grassy park with picnic tables, a snack bar, several fire pits, and a permanent, year-round, life guard station.
Beach Events
This Encinitas beach hosts a number of events:
The
annual
Wavecrest Woodie Meet gathers in the parking lot on the bluff and below on the sand. This is the largest Woodies event in the country. Moonlight Beach is the appropriate spot for this meetup, with its palm trees, wide sandy area, snack concession, funkyness and surfing reputation.
Another popular event at Moonlight is the Encinitas Summer Concert Series which performs on Sunday, from June through September. The Encinitas Sports Festival meets for two days in May and includes a Triathalon, Duathlon, Bike Tour, 5K Walk, and Sports Expo.
Hwy 101 Dining and Shops Nearby to Moonlight
Historic Downtown Encinitas is located on South Coast Hwy 101, just a few blocks east of the state beach. There, you will find all kinds of
restaurants and shops.
EVENTS
(mid May)
Encinitas becomes a sports mecca on the North San Diego County coastline the weekend before Memorial Day which you won't want to miss.
Four concert series held in July and August takes place right on Moonlight Beach so bring your beach blankets and chairs. Each concert features a different musical style.
(mid September) is the world's largest gathering of wooden bodied automobiles.
AMENITIES
Picnic Facilities
Restrooms
Phone
Snack Bar (summer only)
Fire Rings
Play Equipment Tennis
Volleyball
REGULATIONS
No dogs, alcohol, or glass allowed
OTHER DETAILS
Parking & Unloading
The parking lot for Moonlight State Beach sits back high atop the bluff. During Summer the parking lot fills up fast so its best to arrive early. Additional parking is available on adjacent side streets. A loading and unloading zone,along with 3 handicap parking spaces, is located at the end of B Street, near the Snack Concession and volleyball courts.
Hours
Parking: 5am - 10pm
Moonlight Beach Use: 4am - 2am
Location & Directions
400 B Street.
Moonlight Beach is located west of I-5 on Encinitas Boulevard in Encinitas. Take I-5 to Encinitas Boulevard and go west. Encinitas Boulevard turns into “B” Street, where the beach is located, after crossing Highway 101. Street. Those with time on their hands can take the Amtrak “Coaster” train up the coast to Encinitas. The station is about five blocks from the beach.
Lifeguards
Year Round in main lifeguard tower.
Other lifeguard towers: 10am - 6pm from June to Labor Day.
Contact Encinitas Lifeguards:
505 South Vulcan
Encinitas, CA 92924
Emergency (760) 633-2750
Business (760) 633-2748
Junior Lifeguards
(760) 633-2752
Fax (760) 633-2626
In all, Moonlight State Beach is one of San Diego County's best beaches. Make the beach part of your day, as you travel up or down Coast Hwy 101 and visit Encinitas many shops and restaurants.
