Moonlight State Beach

We grab some food at Q'ero restaurant in Encinitas and my girl wanted to eat it there. We agreed to eat it near the beach. After driving a couple of blocks, we found moonlight State Beach and it was excellent for a brief picnic. We ate our food and looked at the ocean and walked around a bit. We enjoyed the views and the excellent landscaping and the weather was very comfortable despite being in late December. This is an excellent facility and definitely worth the visit.

If you're looking for a great public beach that has it all, this is the spot. You've got volleyball, a kids' area, and calm water, but you can also find some solid surf waves if that's what you're after. Just remember that it can be a little foggy in the mornings, but the famous California sun usually breaks through in the afternoon. I got here bright and early on a Sunday (6 a.m.!) and had no problem with parking. It definitely fills up later, but there are lots and street parking to choose from. A quick tip: park in the residential area near the volleyball if you want to skip the stairs or hill. My favorite part was getting to watch the surfers while I went for a run—and the outdoor rinse-off area was perfect for removing all that sand before heading out.

Moonlight State Beach was hands down one of the best beaches I’ve been to in a long time. The atmosphere was incredible—families gathered around a cozy fire pit, sharing food and enjoying each other’s company. Even though it was a little chilly because of the time of year we visited, it was still relaxing to have our feet in the sand, breathing in the ocean air. There was such a good vibe all around—peaceful, friendly, and full of life. It felt like a perfect blend of fun and relaxation. The beach was super kid-friendly, which made the visit even better. There were plenty of people out surfing, giving it a lively, active feel, and the playground nearby kept the kids entertained when they weren’t splashing around. The showers and restrooms were convenient and clean, which made the whole experience that much more comfortable. Plus, the big lifeguard building nearby gave me an added sense of safety, knowing help was close if needed. I could definitely see myself coming back again—whether for a full beach day or just to catch a sunset by the fire.

I had some time to kill before heading to San Diego and was pleasantly surprised to find such a beautiful spot to have lunch. I was expecting to pay for parking but it was free.

Nice beach in the Encinitas area!! Sand is super nice and soft. Lots of people watching the Pacific ocean. A volleyball court and children's playground. Nice and clean restrooms. Plenty of space to walk along the beach and a decent parking lot which is free. Also a good spot to get great tacos.

Pretty cool beach. They have decent bathrooms and outdoor showers. There was a little Cafe and playground. There are also rentals (like surfboards). I rode my bicycle and they had plenty of good bike racks, that were buried in the concrete, not just loosely bolted in. So I felt comfortable locking up my bicycle, along with all the other bikes. They also had volleyball nets.

One of the best beaches in the county IMO. Facilities are well-maintained, and there is normally free parking in the lot on the overlook. Gets busy on weekends, go there early. A popular surf break that is decent but challenging. Very shallow next to shore, then drops off, so it always closes out if it's larger.

This is such a great place with so many things to do! They have a pretty awesome concession as well! You can rent boogie boards and volleyballs to play in the sand courts. The lifeguards are amazing and actively running the beach and in and out of the water. They go above and beyond to ensure the safety of the people. I felt super safe knowing the lifeguards are actively watching and protecting!

Beautiful, family-friendly beach with great amenities Moonlight Beach is one of my favorite spots in Encinitas. The beach is clean, wide, and perfect for families or anyone wanting a relaxing day by the ocean. There's a great playground, a large and clean restroom building, and a convenient concession stand for snacks and food. The volleyball area features a shaded area with multiple thached roof umbrellas, that almost give off an island vibe and make it easy to escape the sun. There's also another area near the restrooms with fire pits and picnic tables, which is perfect for hanging out, grilling, or enjoying a break. Free parking is a big bonus, though it's limited and fills up fast, so arriving early is best. Lifeguards are on duty, and the whole beach feels safe, welcoming, and well-maintained. A fantastic spot for families, locals, and visitors looking for a clean, convenient, and enjoyable beach day!

We came here to commemorate our step-grandson's birthday. It's a pretty beach & kept very clean. The parking is a bear! A band was playing on this day. The weather was perfect for a family & friends gathering. Logan loved the water and we could feel him in spirit. He is so loved and missed by many.

Free parking!! Small beach with takeout from Beach Wolf. Free parking lot above it, with lots of street parking too. Loved their food menu. Order at the cashier, and eat on the beach. There's plenty of concrete picnic tables off the sand and on the sand. There's a playground too. Just no dogs allowed. And no alcoholic beverages to skateboarding allowed. Tons of benches at the parking lot cliff area, with amazing beach views from above. Overall, love that we can dine on the sand like that! Restrooms are also very clean. I'm definitely bookmarking this beach to visit again. I bet it's packed on the weekends and such. Pork plate! The pork was overly saucy but still a great deal, and not bad. Our friend liked his curry tacos too. We visited on a Wednesday 12pmish in mid Oct 65F weather, on the way toward East SD. It was empty, amazing scenery, lots of free parking and seating. Good amount of surfers in the water, and people setup on the sand.

Came to Encinitas to walk around the holiday street market. We were lucky enough to find a parking spot at Moonlight State Beach. Before heading to the market we spent some time admiring the beach. It was a beautiful day and we saw so many flocks of seagulls and pelicans flying above us. It was just beautiful! A nice beach to bring a picnic lunch and just admire the water and nature.

Very nice beach experience here at Moonlight State Beach. A nice flat area of beach that doesn't have you worried that the cliffs are going to come down on you. Plenty of lifeguards here and a designated swimming area so you aren't run over by the surfers. On my recent visit, the weather was perfect, the waves made for some fun ocean experience, and the water was SO clear. A mid-week early afternoon is a perfect time to visit so that you can avoid the crowds. Parking is plentiful and free - so take advantage of this. The bathroom and shower areas are sufficient and relatively clean for a public beach area. And they have the Beach Wolf concessions which has a variety of offerings. Plenty of seating, a great playground. I can see why so many people say this is the beach to visit if you're here in Encinitas!

One of the best beach experiences I've had this summer in SoCal. I went during a weekday afternoon and the place was busy, but not overcrowded. It was honestly everything I can ask for--clean sand, clear waters, big waves, towering cliffs. It was so picturesque and felt great walking along the cliffs getting further away from the crowd. Also they have smooth stones scattered throughout the sand so I was able to skip a few rocks. There's a bathroom and shower on hand so clean up is easy. Parking lot is free, but can get busy during peak hours. There's plenty of street parking otherwise.

A busy beach with many amenities and walkable neighborhood. It's a favorite amongst locals and tourists. Large sprawling beach with huge crowds, yet never hard to find a spot to settle in. Plenty of restrooms and showers. Lifeguards throughout keeping swim and surf zones well managed. Sandy volleyball courts and grassy picnic areas, as well as a playground. Parking lot is available, but almost always full. Two good loading areas so you can drop off your stuff while someone parks in the street within half mile vicinity. Downtown Encinitas is just blocks away and perfect for an after beach dinner.

Great spot to enjoy your summer day! Parking was rough on the weekends but we were able to find a spot. There's multiple ways you can head down to the beach - the stairs or the main entrance. There's a playground for kids! The beach is very clean and the water is blue!

This beach makes top 3 in my favorite sd beaches list. On weekdays, it's not overly crowded. At least it's not when I go. Sand is perfect. I love how clean it is. Barely any trash or litter around. There's an awesome playground for little ones. There's also a cafe that serves breakfast and lunch. The views are breathtaking. Oh and the sunsets are pretty epic here too. The only downside is parking. Street parking only and not too much of it.

I love this beach! I must say, the best bathrooms around. Lifeguard are awesome. Parking can be a challenge, but if your patient, you'll find some.

Moonlight State Beach is my favorite public beach to go to for beautiful sunrise and sunset walks. But of course, you can do other things. It has fire pits to get your celebrations on, volleyball courts to get your game on, picnic tables to get your eat on, a playground for the kiddos to get their playtime on, and importantly clean restrooms as well as an awesome concession. You can practically spend the whole day at this beach. No worries for the parking situation...parking is FREE and always available. If you're looking for a well-maintained beach with lots of activities, Moonlight is the one to consider.

Best tourist beach with a giant playground and shop to get snacks or drinks at. Love that it's walking distance from the 101 to get a burrito at taco stand

Whoa, this beach is very popular- a little too crowded for my liking. However, it does have a children's playground, lifeguard station, beach wheelchairs, a concession stand, rinse station, rental booth, and a free parking lot (street parking as well). Plenty of sand on the strip but the sand kinda drops off into the water, at least during my most recent visit. There are other entry points along the streets with access to the beach; however most will likely involve walking down a fairly large staircase.

What's not to love?! Moonlight State Beach is easy to access with free parking, lots of sand, and some beautiful walks up and down the coast. There's a small concessionaire in case there's something you need, and a pretty decent bathroom for a beach location. The lifeguard tower is modern, and there are volleyball courts and plenty of places to lay out. Barbecuing is encouraged. This is one of my favorite North County beaches.

Our favorite spot for a beach day! A little crowded but we like that and bathrooms nearby

This is a nice beach in Encinitas. There have definitely been some improvements made with the redesign. There is even free street parking. It is in a neighborhood, so there are plenty of people looking for parking, even if not going to the beach. It is clean, there are restrooms, a nice lifeguard station, and plenty of room on the beach close to the water, or even more up away from the water closer to the snack bar and structures. The only negative are the groups of religious zealots who hang out there, have bonfires, and feel the need to approach you and tell you about their god and religion. It is a shame that people like that have to spoil the vibe and fun for everyone.

I come here all the time and can't believe I haven't left a review! Although it's March, this past weekend was perfect weather to walk around the beach. I wasn't as daring as some people who were laying out and event swimming in the water. The parking near the beach can always be challenging but worth the search. You're near so many shops and restaurants to visit on the 101 to grab lunch or take a break from the beach.

We enjoyed this beach! We went early in the morning to avoid the crowd and heat. Beach was clean. Showers to wash off. Bonus playground for the kids. Perfect for playing in the sand. A convenient parking lot at the intersection of 3rd St and C st. Will need to walk down the paved path to get to beach.

This is a very nice and clean beach with a free parking lot! I came here on a day when there was a free summer concert, so the lot was full, but I was able to find street parking a block away. The beach is blocks away from the main strip where there are many cool restaurants and bars. I did not enjoy the concert (country music at the beach just didn't seem to be the right fit) but had a nice time enjoying a picnic with my MeetUp Fun Diego Ladies. The sand was soft, the water was warm, and we had great company!

Gorgeous family friendly beach. They have a parking lot and plenty of street parking nearby. If it's a Holiday, you may have a difficult time parking, but otherwise it's not an issue. This spot has it all, the beautiful beach, big playground for the kiddos, a concessions and restroom...all close by and convenient. We put a blanket on the grass across from the playgroup and had a great time relaxing and enjoying our time. I think this is a great place for family, large groups, even little birthday parties. No doubt I'll be back.

My wife's favorite beachside park in San Diego, and it's not hard to see why. Gorgeous views of the (somewhat perilous) Pacific Ocean from the rocky shores (be careful of riptides and undertows, should you dare to venture into the sea). Paths, trails and green spaces; volleyball nets; a nice playground for the little ones; public bathrooms and showers; picnic tables and BBQs, a concession stand; and walking distance from downtown Encinitas, her favorite part of the city. It's clean, uncrowded, accessible, and has a little something for everyone.

My morning visit to Moonlight State Beach was calm and peaceful. The beautiful landscape, the sound of waves lapping the shoreline, seagulls gliding over the breakers and a touch of early morning sunlight welcomed the new day. This community beach is in the city of Encinitas and many events are held here during the year including concerts, family movie nights and car shows. The beach is carpeted with soft, white sand and includes a children's playground, volleyball and tennis courts for those who want to enjoy a little fun and exercise, recreational equipment rentals and a snack bar. The Encinitas Marine Safety Center is also located right on the beach. Be sure to check out the Moonlight Beach Overlook with sweeping views of the beach and shoreline below. It's located just south of the Marine Safety Center. If you ever get a chance to plan a visit to Moonlight State Beach earlier in the morning or later in the day at sunset, you will see why the locals take pride in this wonderful gem.

Perfect day to be at the most amazing beach in North County San Diego. Parked a few blocks away in the residential neighborhood and we're enjoying a walk on the beach at high tide. You could walk all the way back to Carlsbad or as far south as Solana Beach. They have a play area for a little kids.

A very nice beach and has a large kids play ground! Just beware it is an incline to get back to the parking.

This family-friendly park has it all: swimmable beaches, 3 sand volleyball nets, restrooms, outside shower, concession stand, picnic tables and fire pits, BBQ grills, life guards on duty, and 2 free parking lots. Wow, that was a mouthful. In addition, it's clean, safe, and open late. Lots of activities and a variety of people. Swimmers, surfers, waders, people picnicking, playing volleyball, and fishing. There were even some students having a bonfire with end-of-year homework when I was there. What an awesome beach. So much to do. Or just do nothing. Loved it, loved it, loved it.

What a great beach! Moonlight Beach is everything you want in a beach: It's clean, there are waves that are big enough for kids to go boogie boarding in but they're not too big, there's a great snack bar on site with amazing food, there's a playground, there are clean bathrooms and showers, and it's typically not really crowded. My kids really wanted to use their boogie board at the beach, and this was the perfect place to use them because there were waves, but the waves weren't super big and intimidating. We were able to enjoy the ocean, and I was able to relax and not be afraid that the Pacific Ocean was going to swallow up my children. And bonus: We got to see a pod of dolphins swimming by! I've been to many beaches on the west coast, and I've never seen dolphins at the beach. These creatures were very close to the shore, which was really cool. We visited on a Monday during the summer, and it was surprisingly crowded after lunchtime. There were lots of people! But the people cleared out after around 3:30, so if you're looking to beat the crowds during the summer, come before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

Moonlight State Beach is quite the place: large life guard station, concession stand, board and chair rentals, large restrooms, fresh water showers PLUS easy walking to Hwy 101 bars and restaurants. The beach is fairly flat and wide enough to hang out all day and not get wet, yet you can walk out a bit and still only be hip depth. The few days we were here, there wasn't the kelp mess that was at other nearby beaches. As you can see from pics, the sunsets are great. But you won't be alone: there is quite the sunset crowd that shows up. The people watching can be as amazing as the sunsets. There is surfing - keep an eye out for flags and proper areas. While we were there the waves were smallish and the sets were tight together. Boogie board paradise, perhaps??

Very beautiful, very clean, very well-maintained beach in North County. Came here recently with some friends and was impressed with how clean this beach is. There's shower facilities, lots of bathroom stalls that were all very well-maintained, children's playground, picnic tables. All very nice and clean. There's also a very large lifeguard tower which obviously makes you feel safe swimming in the ocean. Lots of families and children here, does get busy on the weekends. Parking on the overlook parking lot. very nice beach to spend a couple of hours.

Love this beach it's big and I like the fact that it's easy to find parking spots. a big bonus is that there's bathrooms showers and even a snack stand #BeachVibes #EasyParking #SnackStand

This has become one of my favorite beaches in the area. My good friend lives about five minutes away so I always stop here to decompress after the long drive from home before visiting. This beach offers so much in terms of recreation. They have volleyball courts, fire pits, picnic tables, plenty of beach to walk and run on. A great beach for little ones too as there is a playground. I enjoy the sunsets here every time I visit as the beach is never over crowded. Today I am sitting on a cliff overlooking the beach and ocean and I couldn't be happier and relaxed. I highly recommend a stroll on this beach when you are here, and hopefully some moonlight will guide you.

Enjoyed my sunset in this new beach that I discovered near the Italian restaurant that I was going to for dinner called Buona Forchetta. The beach is small and pretty busy, but if you go up the hill to where the parking lot is you'll get some phenomenal views. It's several benches by the parking lot so that you can enjoy the sea views. Plenty of people where out there with their pizza, beer and wine just watching the sunset. It was actually quite magical!

It's my favorite place to take my niece!!! The playground is amazing. They add the sand back!!! Yeahhhh!!!

Plenty of free parking in an off street lot overlooking the beach. There are benches on the cliff near the parking where you can watch the waves and get a cool breeze. There are a couple of ways to get down to the beach. The beach is clean with plenty of lifeguards.

Peaceful yet busy. Beautifully simple. I came here after staying at a local air B&B. I walked over from the Main Street area down B street which was a short distance (approximately 3/10 of a mile). Upon entrance, there are several beach volleyball courts that are being utilized. Across the street, a playground for all the little people which was being used. The beach was at high tide, so there was not much beach. What beach there was, it was being used to play, build, run, body surf until land, and frolic happily. I would definitely come back here with my son. One thing to note: no dogs. While I was there, two doggies got loose and the lifeguard was asking the owner to leash them as she chased after the furry creatures and they enjoyed a short lived Scamper.

What a great beach!! I went here in the summer and they had a bunch of surf camps/lessons for kids (not sure if they have these year round). The beach was packed with surf lessons, but it was still easy to find a spot to lay out a towel in the sand. Lots of families with young children as well, overall very kid/family friendly. There is a main parking lot, but also lots of free street parking. Parking does get full but street parking wasn't too difficult to find. They also had lots of facilities nearby. Besides surf lessons, there were beach volleyball courts, a big restroom right by the beach, and outdoor showers to wash off sand. Also, it's walking distance to nearby bars and restaurants. Absolutely loved coming here and I'm sure it'll be a staple beach spot for me in the future.

Moonlight beach is a gem for parents with kids! You can have it all here! What makes it 5 stars? - massive, flat beach with soft, white sand. You can be right next to the water or further back next to the volleyball courts and tiki huts. - a free parking lot (with maybe 40-50 spots) and many neighboring street parking options (the only thing is on the weekends or a hot day, it will likely be busy) - clean bathrooms right next to the shower stalls to wash off the sand - a large playground right next to the entrance of the beach with swings, slides, rock climbing, and jungle gym - a concession stand in case you forget to bring your own food and drinks - a designated pathway from the start of the beach to the waters for easy access with strollers, wagons, and kids instead of walking through the hot sand - several cement tables all around the entrance of the beach and the playground - the beach is right off of the freeway Just FYI though, no dogs allowed at this beach.

For some reason yogurt tastes so much better when it's enjoyed on a clean beautiful beach. Especially when that beach has so much FREE street parking nearby. Snack shop, life guard station, clean restrooms and even a patch of grass for those who are ?allergic? to sand.

Beautiful beach. Came here with my family and I loved it here. Beach is nice with lots of birds and nice clear sand. They even have a big playground right next to the entrance and my daughter loved it. Nice swings. Beach has fire pits , showers to freshen up, clean restrooms and lots of benches to sit and do a picnic. It's even less crowded compared to other beaches in San Diego so Def recommend trying it out.

Beautiful beach and a nice place to walk around a block or two from the beach... coffee shops, quaint stores and restaurants. The beach has bathrooms, life guards driving by on the beach, fire pits, picnic tables and a playground. In warmer weather, I could spend the whole day at this gorgeous spot.

There is so much about this beach to love. It's a clear winner for families. -Unique beachside playground -Lifeguard towers everywhere -Clean restrooms -multiple showers -Lots of street parking + lot -"Stream" with rocks perfect for toddlers (just don't drink the water) if you feel like avoiding the waves you still have something enjoyable to do I could spend the week just at this beach and not grow tired of it. Just up the road from the beach are also lots of coffee shops, restaurants and tasty dessert spots.

This little hidden gem is thee best. And thanks to the excellent service provided by Jennifer! Spent last week there to be close to work, and again next week for the same. Being there makes work so much nicer. Thank you Jennifer for making sure we have an awesome experience! We appreciate you so much ‍

The first reason you reside in California is for the sun, the second reason is for the beach... Moonlight State Beach provides sun and beach, but it also provides so much more; a sense of community, surfing and yoga, in Encinitas this is the local flavor. Add, a playground for the kids, a concession stand for your food needs, a full life guard station for safety concerns. There are restrooms, showers, and equipment rentals for things such as boogie boards, chairs and more. Volleyball is here, sunbathers, and drum circles. Much goes on here. You can park in the lot or on the street with no fees. As a hatha (Sanskrit for sun and moon) yoga student in this community, I'm ready to get my sun salutations or moon salutations on here. On the last trip, I enjoyed kid yoga with the grand babes. Here's to the sun, the moon and one of my favorite beaches; Moonlight State Beach in North County San Diego. #Encinitas #MoonlightStateBeach #HathaYoga #Sun #Moon

Absolutely beautiful beach! I love that it is walking distance from downtown Encinitas, so it's convenient to enjoy the beach and quickly grab a bite whenever. Bathrooms are clean enough and easily accessible. Love coming here to unwind and watch the sunset! Only thing that would make it better is if we could bring our pugs with us.

One of our favorite spots over the last two decades for a picnic breakfast or lunch is atop the bluff overlooking Moonlight Beach. The view is spectacular. Today we picked up lobster rolls and headed over to Moonlight Beach -- this was also a guilty pleasure during the COVID shutdowns. The weather was perfect for enjoying our picnic. Parking is free. Access the lot atop the bluff from C Street. Enjoy the view in my photo!

It's a pretty nice beach. Don't know why there were rocks on the beach but it was a nice place to watch the waves

Free parking. Street parking available too. Showers and bathrooms open year around. Snack bar is awesome. Drinking water dispenser available so bring your own water bottle. Playground, volleyball quarters, open space for beach soccer located right on top. Plenty of lifeguard towers. Fire pits available. Stroller & wheelchair accessible! Soft sand and not too "rocky". Moonlight Beach does not disappoint!

such a beautiful place to go and be with friends and family. the beach is usually swimmable and theres tons of surfers and lifeguards. theres fire pits and people like to set up tents for parties and stuff. theres a concession stand with good food, a playground for kids, and a free parking lot!!

Well First I have been to many Beaches and This one is one of my favorites because there are plenty of parking and the Beach itself is really nice !! Also there is a playground for kids here also !! It's an amazing beach located in Encinitas CA SanDiego . The Sand here is pretty cool also !! Lots of people come here to Surf and Body Board too !! It's also an good beach to just layout and get a suntan also !! The views here at this beach is just beautiful !! The one thing you got to know about this beach is No Dogs allowed on this beach !! So if your planning on bringing your dog here !! Don't waste your time !! They will tell you to leave !!! As I was walking down to the beach here I can hear the lifeguards announcing over the loud speaker saying No Dogs allowed here !! But this Beach is great for photos also !! Perfect Beach to hangout and chill with family or friends even though it does get pretty busy on weekends !! Kids love this beach !! Overall Satisfaction: Cleanliness: 3 out of 5 Stars and it is one cool beach and well it's one of my Favorites to just chill and enjoy the Views !! Fun Factor: 4 out of 5 Stars there is plenty of things to do here and the cool Playground for kids is nice also !! Parking: Lots of Parking here you can park in the lot above the Beach or on the side streets !! It's all Free !! Overall Grade : 4 out Of 5 Stars and I can see myself coming back and enjoying again !!

Love this beach! Very clean, lifeguards present, family friendly. Not a place to find shells. For us walking was a challenge it may be better certain times of the year or day with the tide. Limited room to walk in either direction and the surf varies, there are a variety of rocks This beach beach doesn't allow dogs but the local shops are very pet friendly. Fire pits - showers and clean bathroom compared to most beaches in Southern CA