Beacon’s Beach

Beautiful place to enjoy the surf and wildflowers of Encinitas. The walk down is steep but not overly difficult; once you're at the bottom, you can explore the rocky shore (just wear good shoes!). There is free street parking available. It’s easy to find a spot in the early morning, but it gets significantly busier as the day goes on.

If you're looking for a beach with a gentle slope, then this is the perfect beach. It's great for family photoshoots. The ocean view is excellent.

Beacon’s beach is a family favorite for us! A great spot to surf and a beautiful sandy area below the cliffs as well for those who want to relax and play on the beach. Varying tides sometimes make it pretty rocky or filled with seaweed so look into current conditions before planning your beach day here. Also there are steep switchbacks to climb down to access the beach, so keep that in mind for accessibility.

Absolutely love this beach, tall cliffs with beautiful beach

An iconic beach experience. The lack of sand and parking can be a challenge. Although there is public parking on Coast Highway 101, that isn't too long of a walk. Progressive Surf Shop is very close by with surfboards, etc, for rent. It's next door to Kotija Mexican food, one of the local treasures. The waves are soft and non-threatening. It's a fabulous beach to experience surfing, boogie boarding, and body surfing. Beacons has a friendly beach community. Restaurants are a short walk from the beach.

It's really a must see place in California. Many amazing beaches on the 101, but this whole strip of cities right here is very special in north county. You'll have to see and explore for yourself. But it's definitely worth a visit.

I learned to surf here 33 yrs ago, favorite beach in the world 🌎

Beautiful, peaceful, everyone very friendly. Great place to surf or just walk on the beach

Nice little secluded beach. Mostly locals with some vacationers staying in nearby airbnbs. It seems to be very popular with surfers and some boogie boarders. It's not crowded because the parking lot is quite small and situated in a residential area. It has a better vibe than the very popular Moonlight Beach (about a mile away). There isn't much sand during high tide but when the tide is low, it's perfect for sun bathing, boogie boarding, surfing, and splashing around. There was quite a bit of kelp the days we went but it didn't really bother us since we stayed relatively shallow being with our kids. There are a series of sandy switchbacks to the beach, so it is a little bit of a walk with a nice reward (going up is another story) but doable with small children. The beach was sandy with some rocks, relatively flat, didn't spot much seashells. Overall, I'd return again. Parking is a bit of a challenge though.

Awesome beach if you go at low tide. We were there yesterday at high tide so it was too rocky to walk along the beach. It's gorgeous and the sunset is so beautiful! You have to walk down a few flights of rickety stairs so be careful! There's another entrance where the parking lot is and also a staircase leading down to the beach.

Beacon's was an awesome place to see the sunset... We were in North County and had plans to be in Encinitas. There is a small parking lot above Beacon's and some street parking but its not plentiful. So you gotta get a little lucky if you wanna park close to the path down to the beach. We initially parked outside of the lot then eventually a car left. We backed in our vehicle so we could picnic out of the trunk and wait for the sunset. It made for some beautiful scenery... Classic North County. Laid back feel, nice beach with golden sand, some fun looking waves and an amazing sunset. The path down to the beach and back up seemed like it takes about 10 or so minutes to navigate. It's a dirt path but there are handrails. There are signs where people need to stay away due to an unstable hillside or loose ground so pay attention to those. We will most certainly be back to enjoy this beach more and make our way down the path to the sand.

I couldn't ever see it, impossible to park in August. I'm sure it's great but I can't tell you anything but parking.

Local surf spot, limited parking lot but street parking. Locals come here to a very laid back spot. Walk down the sandy switchbacks to reach the beach. Nice waves for surfing, paddle boarding, boogie boarding or sea kayaking.

Beacon's beach was a secret that was revealed to me by a few of my Yelp Friends. In turn, I'm passing this along to you. The parking lot is embedded in the middle of a community of cliff dwellings. There was plenty of parking on a rainy Sunday afternoon, but I suspect it would have be tough to find an open space on sunny weekends and during the summer. Otherwise, you'll likely have to park somewhere off the 101.. You don't to have hike down to the beach to enjoy the seabreeze or the view of the ocean from atop of the cliff-side parking lot. Those with dogs, or those looking for a beach walk can trek down the switchbacks to the actual beach. At the bottom, no matter which direction you choose to walk you'll get a great view of the homes perched above. You'll see the homes with staircases leading down to the water and hobie cats that have been wrenched half-way up the cliff and parked vertically waiting for summer to start. While there wasn't anything special about the beach, it wasn't crowded and looking at the homes along the cliff made this a fun excursion. Note - The hike back up to the parking lot might be a bit too much for those with leg/foot issues.

Another San Diego county beach that has a bit of a walk and somewhat steep steps/trail to get down to it, but unlike Black's Beach in La Jolla is not nudist, and as well the access/trail isn't nearly as steep or long as the one to get to Black's. Last time we went down there on a weekday it was mostly surfers down there, although we went ahead and swam in the ocean anyway. There is limited parking at the top but we found a spot right away, and as others have mentioned, a short wait at the top usually rewards you with a parking spot. It is a mostly younger fit crowd down at the beach. Some families. Very casual, and nice energy north county vibe.

Peaceful paradise after a wee trail walk down the man-made up ramp. It is a low impact of a walk but just be aware. It is a low profile beach from the tourist. I love it! Do I need to say more! It is a must explore beach as you are heading down San Diego.

This beach is beautiful! My little family and I got a room a half mile a way and decided to visit the beach. The views are amazing! Nice walk up and down, surfers, beautiful currents and waves, very nice place to take your family on a vacation. We will be returning!

Such a Gorgeous beach, simply peaceful and serene. Beautiful views, the air smells amazing and you instantly feel it is. It wasn't too hard to find parking and it was well spread out. Great place to take kids and a fun spot to watch surfers and the waves crashing.

When you think about it, Beacon's is an interesting name for this laid back beach in Leucadia. A beacon, commonly visible reflectors or light stations are designed to attract attention help people navigate. Throughout history travelers have relied on manned beacons for traveling. Crowds tend to flock to the other beaches in Encinitas and Beacon's kind of flies under the radar. At Beacon's beach access via a system of dirt paths and stairs prevents many of the kooks from invading a quieter beach. The little free parking lot is always bustling with activity, especially at sunset. The beach is safe and good for both swimming and surfing and has a little more local flair than the big box beaches to the north and south.

I grew up coming to this beach and it's one of my all time favorites. The steep bluff trail keeps out (some) tourists (nothing against them, but it's nice to have a bit of a local spot.) also- this place is to take pictures. Photos by @stephsousaphoto

Sshhhh. Yet another super-secret North County beach. Conceptually, it should be easy to find: From the I5 go west on Leucadia Blvd until it deadends at the Pacific Ocean. Having said that, most visitors can't tell there is a beach there because the last of Leucadia Blvd is winding and the beach is at the top of a 100' bluff. You just can't see the ocean until you actually park in the lot. Pathway To Heaven There is a dirt path that looks more like an old Indian trail. And in true funky Leucadia fashion, that path is just wide enough for 1.5 people. Someone always has to yield to another person. Of course, this gives the locals a chance to chat about if the tide is rising, how the surf is and where to sit in the lineup. What's In A Name? There is now a bit of a dispute over what the real name of Beacon's should be http://www.moonlightbeach.com/beacons-beacon-whatever/ Used To Be Dog Beach Dogs used to be allowed here, but due to many "accidents" that privilege was lost. Some people try and sneak man's best friend down there, but the lifeguards frequently use a Jeep to patrol this stretch of beach. Not For The Faint Most of the people going down the path are healthy teens and adults. Kids who go down the beach and play all day are especially prone to demanding that a parent carry them up the bluff. It isn't easy just walking up, let alone carrying your surfboard, kid, and assorted beach gear. Surfing The waves rarely get big, but on occasion it happens. You can see one such day here bit.ly/BeaconsBeachBigWaves Even More A few things not very many people know about Beacon's: * There are always surfers there at sunrise. * There are always locals to watch the sunset and, hopefully, a green flash. * When there is a red tide, many people come down at night to watch the water glow neon green. And when it is stormy, those "green" caps illuminate the night as far out as you can see. * While we don't have thunderstorms very often, when we do, especially at night, cars will pull into the lot - just like a drive-in theater - and watch the lightning, hear the thunder and feel their car rock in the wind. * Many times you hear that Southern Californians just are very friendly. But if you come to the beach and just stand at the top of the bluff for a while, you will find yourself meeting new people. There are a couple of other resources for more information in Beacon's Beach. http://www.BeaconsBeach.com and a Facebook page for news just for the Leucadia locals https://www.facebook.com/BeaconsBeach/ Whew, you made it to the end. Thanks. I would be very appreciative if you could respond below: Was this review Useful / Funny / Cool Read all my reviews here bit.ly/RodsYelpReviews

- Locale Destination - It's on Neptune and Leucadia Blvd in Encinitas. Great "low key" or "well kept secret" local beach. You'd pass here easily unless you were local or used "Yelp". Great for surfing (long lefts), paddle boarding, kayak (easy waves - low tide), swimming, chilling, swimming, or watching sunrises and sunsets. Very quiet and small beach. What a secluded nice beach! Parking: It's a very small lot, but you can find street parking spots within 5 minute walk. Neptune is an one way street so if you find a spot past the 700's and take it. The walk down: It is a switch back, so fairly easy to take down a surf board and to walk. It looks kinda cool - see my picture. Sunset: So unreal and beautiful. Surf: Yes Bike lane: No Beach volley coats: No Bathroom: No Showers: No Surfing lesson: No Rental bikes: No Scuba: No Sea creatures: Sea lions Eateries on beach: No - Conqueror's Deduction - A total hidden local beach. They're so lucky to have such a secluded and beautiful beach right by the residential area.

This is a beautiful small stretch of beach located at the bottom some tall ocean bluffs. Although it is a popular destination for beach goers and locals, it is a popular spot for many surfers because of the small reef located off the beach. The beach is secluded, a perfect spot for picnicking or a romantic get away to watch the sunset. Parking is very limited I notice, mostly along residential streets with a small parking lot off Neptune Ave. It is also important to note that dogs are not allowed, alcohol for sure, and no glass containers of any kind. There are no public restrooms at this beach, so plan accordingly, but the beach is worth an afternoon or at the least a quick stop over.

Four stars because even though this secluded stretch of beach for the locals and surfers is one of my favorites, it is secluded and in a neighborhood where there is very little parking. You have to know where this entrance is. Once you do get there, everyone needs to be in decent shape because it is a very steep de/incline to get up and down the beach since it is surrounded by cliffs to give it the more secluded feel. Once you're down there though its worth it for this small stretch of heavenly real estate. I love this beach, and I hope I can forever make it up and down the Cliffside trail.

Awesome beach. Wide open. Great place to take walk and enjoy the surf. Perfect place to spend the day!

Really Love this beach. Special Magic!! The winding path, Surfer's with boards on their heads. Private...

We're staying at the Leucadia Beach Inn on the 101 and this was an easy 15 minute walk away. Getting there's half the fun as it's a funky neighborhood to walk through with some beautiful homes to gawk at. We were there in mid March and though most of the people in the water were surfers, there were some swimmers bracing the water as well. My daughter and I had fun playing in the waves and probably would have jumped in if weed been eating suits. We're from BC and the water temperature in March seemed about the same as the ocean back home in Summer. Don't get me wrong, it's chilly but doable. Nice stretch if sandy beach and not crowded. Lots of cool rocks and seashells to look at as well. We didn't find the walk back up the bluff to be challenging in the least.

This is one of North County San Diego's hidden treasures. Located in the Leucadia section of Encinitas, the view from the cliff is spectacular. However the decent down to the actual water is long and windy and not for everyone. It's just as well as the locals like to keep the crowds away. In summertime there is always enough room to spread out and the water seems to be warmer here as the shallow bits extend for a while before the remnants of the breaking waves spread out upon the shore. You find lot's of longboarders here but the inside set is also decent for the fast trackers. http://www.beaconsbeach.com/

Driving by on Neptune Drive over the Columbus Day weekend and stopped here to take a look see out over the cliffs. Nice area and watched the sun as it was descending over the ocean. Very pretty here.

What a beautiful beach! I highly suggest taking a walk alongside the water away from the main area. It's much more peaceful and serene, almost as if we had the beach to ourselves...and honestly, who doesn't enjoy long walks on the beach?

Picturesque, great for people watching, but at least during our summer visit, the surf was virtually non-existent. That didn't keep the local surf set out of the water -- more power to 'em -- but I came to do some rad bodysurfing and found nary a wave over 2-3'. Of course, the whole North County shore was hurting (real surf happens in the winter), but that's what most tourists and day-trippers are going to find. For surfing and bodysurfing, I'd greatly recommend Carlsbad or Cardiff and of course, Windansea and Blacks as more viable alternatives. If you want to watch people or just laze, however, Beacon's fine, it's mostly populated by locals, without the tensions that plague more-accessible, crowded beaches in the area. Parking is a bear. The one lot available on the bluff above the beach holds maybe 20 cars ... and that's it. The streets are hardly big enough for the locals to park, let alone tourists. Bring your own refreshments and be prepared to walk down a zig-zag path maybe 100' from top to bottom. Everyone we saw had no trouble and people were very polite, but those who have difficult walking and climbing stairs perhaps should seek a more accessible situation. We loved the Leucadia neighborhood. We stayed in a bluff-top B&B with parking and easy access to the casual shops and cafes on Highway 101. The neighbors are friendly as they come and the homes beautiful. But keep your retirement dreams in check: our nice but not exceptional place went on sale while we were there for $2.2 million. My longtime dream of living here in old age has become hopeless.

One of my favorite spots to work out or just enjoy an amazing view. The parking lot and the street does get a little crazy on the days where the weather is perfect but I do recommend checking this spot out, you won't be disappointed!

Great beach because it's usually not very crowded and its a very chill crowd. There is a trail to get down to the beach instead of steps which makes for a fun scenic walk. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is because there is no bathroom. I don't mind but I know that can be tough for families. On the flip side, that's probably what keeps it less crowded and relaxed.

Not crowded at all. Surf is pretty good and the water is warm. Of course this comes from an East Coaster so take that with a grain of salt.

All of the beaches in San Diego are incredible...except for this one. You'd be happier somewhere else, I can tell by the way you're reading this. I mean, you're going to have to walk down a big hill...then back up it...if you can even find a parking spot....you really don't want to do all that do you Why don't you head back down to moonlight, you'll like it there!

You're so ugly. {I've never seen a more beautiful display of gold sand grains, teal water breaks, or tanned, toned surfers.} You smell awful. {That salty sweet air breeze that is your cologne must be an aphrodisiac.} What a workout. {Like sex on the beach. I mean.... wait, what?} You're so unpopular. {I hope to keep our relationship monogamous.} I hate you. {I love you.}

As a native Leucadian and someone who learned to surf here and who has surfed this spot for more than 20 years, by the surfer code I'm probably supposed to write a fake-bad review and try and get people not to come here but I can't do it. Even though I consider Beacons to be my home break (although I no longer live as near it) I have to admit that it is the perfect spot for people of almost all surfing stripes to come to. For beginners the place is perfect, with it's predictable lineups and relatively soft-breaking waves. Longboarders will enjoy the long lefts off of south-reef (lineup off the house on south end of the parking lot) and the nice big channel to paddle back out in. Young rippers might get a fun wave or two that hits the inside and stands up, but if you're looking for high-quality, high-performance waves there are other beaches nearby that break better. Non-surfers should enjoy the beach too. In the summertime there is now a lifeguard on duty, low tide reveals some nice tidal pools when the sand isn't covering them all up, and the view of the cliff and surrounding area is very beautiful. Come here to get a more mellow 'local' vibe than at the more 'urban' nearby beaches like cardiff or moonlight or ponto.

The best beach in Leucadia! Here's why: - It's the closest beach within walking distance from our house (0.2 miles to be exact). I jog here to begin my beach runs at least 1 or 2 times per week. - It's pretty low-key, people don't flock to it as much as Grandview because there's no shower. -Low-profile since it's a little more hidden. It's mostly just surfers and a few sunbathers. The sand is nice, especially during low tide. - I took my first surf lesson here from Kahuna Bob. He's a real character and always out and about at Beacon's. -We often take our pups here for a little walk after grabbing some fish tacos at Haggo's. Even though they aren't allowed on the beach, they enjoy looking down at it from Neptune with the ocean breeze in their ears ;) -And my favorite reason: My fiance proposed to me at this beach one year ago. Pups in tow, it was simple, romantic and very us.

Yay! Great beach! There's actually a parking lot but - good luck with that. But you can vulture around the neighborhood and find something without too much trouble. The descent down the bluff is easier in that it's a trail with switchbacks rather than stairs, but it's also longer, so pick your poison. This beach is wider that those a bit south, so you don't get that squeeeeezed feeling at high tide. The waves were breaking nice and evenly on Sunday, so that may have colored my opinion. But this was a FA-bulous beach. And again, relatively hippo free (except for me). No bathrooms, no booze, no dogs. Duh.

WONDERFUL beach for young adults [12 to 70]... This beach has a small parking lot but the good thing is there is typically parking within 5 minutes of a walk. Neptune is a one way street so if you find a spot past the 700's take it. The walk down is a switch back...so fairly easy to take down a surf board / stand up paddle board. When you get to the beach you can go left or right. I always go left where if you walk down a block there is a beautiful area with the bluff, trees, sand..you feel like you are in another world. The surfing is good...there are a few breaks. There are surfers out from dawn to dusk. There have also been a ton of stand up guys...where you can easily paddle out to a kelp bed not that far off shore. The sunsets are unreal here ~ the colors in the sky to seeing many green flashes...People are always walking the beach - just realize that the tides vary pretty often...so check the tides prior to arriving.

Love me some Beacons. The walk down is half the fun - and it's a great longboarding spot. Be advised that it is on a ONE WAY street people. If you miss the parking lot, you cannot turn around and go back. It's a small lot, so if you don't know where you're going, keep an eye out!

A wonderful place to relax and enjoy the scenery. Not a busy beach; more exclusive.

Our family has a beach house on Neptune and the obvious highlight of our summer is walking down to Beacons beach. There is nothing more beautiful than looking out our beach house windows and seeing the dolphins jumping and all of the surfers waiting to catch the next perfect wave. My daughters took their first surfing lessons their as well. One of my favorite things about Beacon's beach is that the main entrance to get to the beach is a somewhat steep climb... I know it sounds crazy but I enjoy the Leg workout that I get going up and down the beach. I also really like that they have a lifeguard on duty. The only reason that I don't give Beacon's a 5 star is because they don't have a bathroom. This is a beach that memories are definitely made of.

Very small and secret-ish beach by my parent's house in Encinitas, my most frequented beach over the years since it is just a short jog. Impressive in that it requires a bit of a walk to scale down the steep cliff face to get to the bottom. Not a lot of room for sunning but there is quite a lot of surfing activity around here usually. On lower tides you can jog north or south to the connecting beaches. The top of the cliff in the small parking lot is a great place to come watch the sunset with a panoramic view of the ocean.

Great place to surf, relax, and watch the sun go down. Parking is limited and you have to hike down to the beach.

Love this place! The small parking lot, long trail down the hill and mellow waves are what make up its charm. The beach is tucked away in Leucadia and most people from out of town tend to go to Moonlight, which is a good thing! Some other cool things about this spot is that there is always a killer view of the sunset, lots of peaks to surf, and the lack of agro bros with stickers all over their boards! Only tip I can give is, wear sandals on the trail during the summer time. The trail gets hot!

My brother lives next to this beach, and will always be my go to beach to enjoy the sun. It's accessible - if you know where you're going - not too many people on the beach. It gives you a sense of seclusion from the world, it's awesome.

This beach has amazing views from the parking lot, and yes there is a small parking lot available. It is a nice clean beach, bit of a walk to a scale down the steep cliff face to get to the beach. I mostly go for the views, when I am walking Neptune.

Beautiful. Clean. Secluded. You have to climb down a long ramped path to get to the beach. Saw alot of surfers so it must be a good spot for the locals. If I lived in this area I would come here regularly.

Great view. Watch sunset from here. Feel like a local when you check out the surf

I've been here since 1954 and it only gets better. I live right down the street from "B E A C O N". No "S". It was so named because there was a tall steel navigational beacon at the north end of what became the parking lot until after the War. Until the early 70's there was a nice platform at the top of a set of stairs that went down to the beach. It was called "The Ramp" and all the senior citizens living in the three "trailer parks" used to bundle up in long coats and sit watching the sunset. But rain and age and disrepair doomed it. When we moved to Leucadia there was a dirt road that went down to the beach and three wood and palm frond shacks at the bottom of the cliff. I spent many, many nights sleeping on the beach as a kid. My folks are now in their 90's and would live nowhere else. Although my knees don't let me stand up much anymore, I still paddle out on my sponge sitting and talking with all the young guys and gals in the water. As a kid I used to help feed us. I would get my goggles (only one eyepiece had glass), fin, and wooden pole with a nail in the end and spear fish for dinner. As a teenager it was a great place to drink beer and catch girls. I doubt I'll ever live anywhere else. Long live "Beacon".