South Ponto Beach

​A Calm Spot with a Few Caveats ​Carlsbad State Beach offers a wonderfully calm and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a quiet day by the ocean. While the vibe is peaceful, the shoreline is often covered in a significant amount of seaweed, which can detract from the overall cleanliness. ​Parking is a definite challenge; although free street parking is available along the boulevard, finding an open spot requires both patience and luck. ​Perhaps the most important factor for families is the beach's steep slope. The shoreline drops off quickly, creating strong waves and currents that might not be suitable for young children or inexperienced swimmers. It’s best to stay close to the shore and be mindful of the conditions. Overall, it's a nice beach for sunbathing and enjoying the view, but be prepared for the seaweed and cautious about the water safety.

Pros- not a lot of people, suitable for walking, surfing, fishing, peaceful... and there's an overlook. Cons: strong fish smell from the rotting seaweed, small beach area if you prefer larger beaches.

A very nice beach. Water was comfortable. Lots of families with children. Free parking. Fairly easy access to the beach, with the exception of a large border of rocks to walk through.

I gave this spot 2 stars because it has way too many rocks on the shoreline which makes it very uncomfortable to stay there. The views are great however I would not recommend going to this beach. There are plenty of better beaches to choose from.

Wanted to go somewhere close to my work and google suggested this place. I fell in love. Parking is off the highway, on the sand and is free. Short trip to the water after some sand, and a hill of rocks. The water is an amazing turquoise, clear, and had fun sun bathing and swimming. Pretty active but not too crazy around 245pm-3pm. Only bummer is that the bathrooms are kind of far from where I parked. My new favorite beach until its not.

Such a beautiful beach ⛱️ parking was easy to find on sunday afternoon

The views from South Ponto Beach are stunningly gorgeous. This beach is very rocky, and not one where you'd lay out to get some sun at, but this place is still worth a visit for the amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.

It’s an okay beach. It’s very rocky, even the sand has rocks. Parking is hard to find and there are only portable toilets. It can get busy on weekends

South Ponto beach is a popular beach in Carlsbad. There is some free parking along the street or paid parking in a private lot operated by the State Parks. You can have a bbq using an electric or gas grills. Charcoal is no longer allowed nor wood bonfires. The beach closet to the paid parking lot and the Alila Marea hotel has too many rocks so I prefer the beach closest to the campground because it has less rocks. Dogs are not allowed on the beach but you can walk along the street or in the campground with your furry friend.

This is definitely a hidden gem amongst the San Diego beaches. There's a smallish strip of beach that sits between a bluffside hotel and a jetty. There's limited free parking, but there's a pay lot at the south end that is smallish for a beach parking lot. I think it is $15 but not sure. We arrived a little after 10am and some of the early crowd was just leaving so we got a spot off the road. This weekend....what a relief! It was 100+ degrees in most of San Diego but because of morning marine layer it was maybe mid-70s. Obviously, all of the beaches would be similar in that regard, but there weren't a lot of people while we were there and that was the huge win. There is an upper and lower beach that was separated by a rocky patch that was likely eroded sand. We set up shop on the beach that was closer to the water, unsure if the tide was going to come up and wash us away. It didn't though, so it was perfect!

No dogs allowed and pretty small, right by the freeway, the sand is literally on the side of the freeway and its pretty small. Also has a row of pebbles which is strange before getting to the water/sand

This really isn't a review of the beach because it's closed... it a review about Mother Nature and how she has reclaimed her beach. I walk past this big sandy beach about 4 times a week and I swear the birds talk to me... they are so loud and seemingly happy to have their beach back. They soar and dive for food and ride the wind currents. The water until red tide this week has been pristine and you can actually see fish when you cross the bridge. So I guess my point is.... when the beach opens again we all (me too) go back in the water, we should remember who's beach it really is and respect that. That should be our lesson from this very tough time. This beach has been here a lot longer than us and maybe knows it needed to take a break. As for all of us.... hindsight is 2020.

Beautiful, clean, uncrowded, peaceful place to go and just Zen out as the sun sets. Even saw some surfers catching some small waves.

What a gorgeous beach, we came on Super Bowl Sunday and it was so peaceful. We put our easy up and took a nap. The other guests were respectful of noise and space. Parking was along the beach and steps away from the sand. It was the easiest beach set up ever. We would definitely return to check out the weekend crowd on a non-Super Bowl weekend. Great spot, great parking, fun place.

I have been coming to this beach since 1976. It's changed a lot over the years but it's always a hidden gem. It's not the best for beach right now as the sand is all gone and the beach is all cobble. High tide is somewhat dangerous and I would not bringing young children here until the returns in the summer

Read in hear that this was a kid friendly beach . Very misleading . Was upset to see nothing but rocks along the beach. Hard to even get to the water front. So my advice if you have little ones not the beach to go to. Also restrooms were so far away .

In the summer it is tough to get to Ponto. When the parking lot is full cars line up way out into the road just waiting for people to leave so they can score a parking spot. Junior lifeguards, surfers, volleyball players, joggers, and tourists flock to South Ponto during peak usage. Other times the beach is empty and I savor the moment that this happens for me. This beach has paved steps leading up to a magnificent view. Intricately detailed decorations are made into the cement. It is a great place for Sunset photographs, sans cocktails. This is a dry beach, unfortunately this is not an oxymoron.

What else are you going to do on a warm summer afternoon while in Southern California? Hit the beach and hope you're the only one with this idea! Well, unfortunately this beach is hot on the minds of most other locals on any given day of the week. It's a great location on the south side of Carlsbad with plenty of beach for surfers, boogie boarders and swimmers. Jr. Guards use this beach as their camp site so it can definitely get crowded during the summer. Parking is super tight as their is really only one small area along the roadside. Not a lot of organization to it other than find space and park. However, most locals will do a fairly good job of leaving space for passers by. There was one jerk off who decided to park blocking the access to the rest of the parking area to anyone else who was looking for space. A great beach for year round visitors! Keep on Yelp'n!

We came here for 30 minutes today since we checked out of our nearby hotel in the morning. Saw lots of surfers and people paddleboarding. Seems pretty relaxing. No life guards on duty at 9-10am.

Went to this beach the other day for the first time and loved it. I've driven past it a ton of times, but never stopped. It is super easy access. You park and literally walk out right to the sand. I went during the week and it wasn't terribly crowded. I'm sure on the weekends it is really crowded. There isn't a ton of parking too, so I'm sure that can be an issue when it is crowded. BUT, I prefer beaches that don't have a ton of parking because then hopefully less people go. I have a little toddler, so I loved how close my car was to the sand. Beautiful beach!

South Ponto is a small area where the locals go. The sand is white and soft, and not many people really know about this part of Carlsbad. The parking lot SUCKS since there are no designated spots. It's pretty much a free for all. The only positive is that it's FREE! Cars are parked every which way and sometimes even double parked. We watched a small SUV do an Austin Powers and did the whole back up 1 inch, move up 1 inch, back up 1 inch and so forth. It was sad... Who knows how long they were trying to get out for! Such a pretty beach with surfers, volleyball nets, and sunbathers. There's stairs south of the beach that people work out on and other running, walking or biking along the strand. Great place to watch the sunset!!!

This was the only beach near San Diego that we could find parking at. The beach itself is somewhat rocky in areas and it wasn't squeaky clean, but overall it's a nice place to visit and play in the surf.

I always liked South Ponto Beach Beach it's got a good break and there's always plenty of action here. It seems like there's usually more Surfers then Boogie boarders. Although for Boogie boarding it is a very nice break. It's also a very nice family beach because the parking is so convenient right next to the road. You can also grab plenty to eat within just a couple miles of this beach so it does make it quite convenient. Once in awhile there's a few fishermen fishing along the shore this is really not a nuisance it's just a minor distraction. I've rarely met a beach I didn't like so that's why I usually give them all 5 stars. If you're ever by the water drop in.

Very nice expansive beach front. You'll notice the surf camp and boutique hotels set up and down the coast making it seem very jam packed. It's gorgeous and points for state beach providing public restrooms. There's the southern end that has a great set of stairs for work out!

Awesome beach! I like that it's not as busy as other beaches. The rocks on the right and cliffs on the left provide a more secluded atmosphere. You can't here the freeway because the waves are so overpowering! We will be back soon!

Want to get away from it all? A great California state beach that has simply a big lot of sand, good waves and the ability to have a bonfire (need a enclosed pit). Parking is extremely limited and thus the coolness factor. You can play volleyball and enjoy a nice frozen treat during the summer with the vendors. Alcohol is not allowed which makes for a nice family beach day. Warning: surf can get jacked. Paddlers beware.

Drive right onto the beach from coast highway 101 !!! Super easy for a quick walk before sunset, or if there is a crowd you can park in the main parking lot for a fee. This is my favorite beach in Carlsbad just because of the ease of access. There is plenty of sand and space available, they even have volleyball courts set up in the sand. If it is not too crowded stop by and enjoy one of the many beautiful sunsets !!!

Cool beach with lots of pebbles. Easy access but like most beaches, parking can be a pain. If you want to have less of a mess to clean up after the kiddos, this is a good option. Not a sandy beach. No dogs allowed, no showers or bathrooms.

Beach that locals use a lot. There is limited free street parking and a paid lot with bathrooms and amenities. Beach volleyball courts (bring a net), hike up the cliff stairs, and enjoy!

LOVE LOVE LOVE this beach! Has a parking lot or you can park off the street. Waves ore calm which makes for great swimming. Every Easter there is a sunrise service here that is absolutely beautiful. Hundreds of people show up and many of then are baptized in the water after the service. I did this myself two Easters ago. Service is held by North Coast Calvary Chapel. Other than that, SUPER DUPER beach! Very fond memories :)

Amazing views and great surf, you just can't go wrong making Ponto Beach your fun summer destination for the day...

Great beach, clean, has snack bar, it sucks you have to pay $15 for parking tho. Come on!

I'm just not into this beach. This is a local's beach, not touristy at all. It is basically a big rocky sand dune that gets very crusty and full of debris. It will chew up your bare feet. Then down closer to the water piles of seaweed sit rotting everywhere -- it stinks, brings out flies and other pests. Seagulls pester us a lot here, likely due to all the picnicking. You may be tempted to place your towels closer to the water where the sand is cleaner, but by mid-afternoon when the tide comes in you'll be wet or clamoring to move farther up. It has the feel of a good swimmers beach, but in fact it's notorious for dangerous rip tide. Get here early for free beachside parking. Road parking can get tight and cars line up for spots in the summer. Another option is the parking lot on south end, but it's a bit pricey for the day. That's where the bathrooms and showers are located. This beach just has issues and a feel I don't care for.

This is a decent beach for San Diego/Carlsbad. Parking is close to the sand -- if you happen to score it. The sand, as on every other beach in Southern California, is the type of sand I'm just not crazy about--tiny grains that stick to your skin...not at all the nice gravelly sand that you'd find in Hawaii. Our beaches also tend to drag up lots of kelp on the sand. The rotting kelp draws flies. Dogs are not permitted on this beach. I believe alcohol may be permitted....if it's in a pitcher. At least I've seen people bring alcohol to this beach. Bonus Tip: Be very careful of riptides at this spot. Something about the currents and geography here makes it a rip tide vortex.

UPDATE: NO MORE WOOD FIRES AT THIS BEACH EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. *****CAUTION***** IF YOU DRIVE A MOM-MOBILE, SEDAN, OR ANY TWO-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE, DO NOT PARK ON THE SAND- YOU WILL GET STUCK AND CAUSE A FRUSTRATING EXPERIENCE FOR PEOPLE WHO KNOW HOW TO DRIVE AND PARK HERE!!! If I'm there and you're stuck, I may offer to rent a shovel for $10, or pull you out for $40. Cash only. There are also spaces on the shoulder of the road that are designated as entry and exit points for this parking area- do not park in these areas. Be considerate of others. Just because people have parked and blocked off others or taken up large amounts of parking space by not pulling forward as far as possible does not mean it's acceptable to do so. Contrary to what you may think, it is NOT permitted to have a FIRE DIRECTLY ON THE SAND. I have arrived at this beach many times to find hot smoldering coals where people have not properly extinguished their fires from the night before. Besides that, the coals left on the beach are unsightly and detract from the beach experience IMO. Please remember to pick up your trash and sand toys you and your kids may have deposited in the sand. The trash fairy does not visit this beach. Doing so yourself will keep the beaches cleaner and more enjoyable for the rest of us.

STINGRAY ATTACK!.. It hurts me to give this beach a one star review, but I have no choice! Earlier this afternoon, the family and I headed to the beach to surf and relax. Clear skies and warm water, (perfect day for a stingray attack) :/ I went out surfing and immediately got stung!! And I was doing the "stingray shuffle". I was bleeding really bad and my little girls had to run to the lifeguard tower. Okay this part right here is where I'm giving this place a one star review... a female lifeguard was on duty.. just her! To watch a beach that had more than 150 people on it. And she told my girls she couldn't do anything for me. Sure I get it, she has a job to do and has to watch over all the people. But here I am, bleeding immensely out of my foot. I couldn't even walk. There should have been another lifeguard on duty who could have at least rushed towards me to help me up, pour some clean water on my foot, get me to the parking lot?! Idk anything could have helped. A local surfer man helped me out of there and gave some tips to help the pain. (God blessed this man for coming to my rescue) As he was holding me up he said, bummer! This is the second attack this morning, I said, excuse me what?! Whyyy aren't there signs posted?! Warning people there are stingrays in the water. He said, it's because they don't want to scare the tourists.. WOW seriously unbelievable. Putting people at risk like that. The attack hurt as if a shark bit my foot off, level 10 pain. I rushed immediately to urgent care! Don't wait! Let professionals help.

Great location with easy parking (if you can find any during peak times). I have found that late mornings during the week are a great time to snag a spot with no issue. I like to bring my youngest child here as there are no stairs to conquer. Also, a beautiful place to watch the sunset!

Lots of space to set up a sun tent and spend the day at the beach. Waves weren't too rough for my 5 year old daughter. Wasn't crowded at all and we had an easy time finding parking. Clean and calm, a wonderful spot.

Great, clean wide beach with restroom and showers. Perfect for a day trip or to watch the amazing sunsets. Northbound access is more difficult requiring driving a distance past and then coming back to park entrance.

Pinto is another good all around beach. There is plenty of sand at the south side of the jetty. The north side has a lot of rocks a lot of the time and it's a pain to get in and out of the water on this side. Parking here is hit or miss. There is street parking and there is also a free lot. Be ware of the high amount of sand in the most northern part of the lot because I always see a lot of people get their cars stuck in the sand here. They have lifeguards on duty dieting the spring weekends and summer days. This place is great for surfing. It's good for all stages of learning but there are mostly advanced surfers at the Ponto Point. There are no bathrooms here and no food services. The closest place for food and use of a bathroom (besides the ocean) is the taco shop just south of here, which is really good.

Very clean beach with swallow clear waters perfect for families with little ones. Good beach to practice your stone throwing skipping techniques since they have stones everywhere, just make sure you don't hit anyone in the water. Also, great location for beginner bogie boarders and surfers. They offer surf lessons as well. 15.00 parking well worth it! You can park on the outskirts, but the trek is fairly far and you risk surfer dudes giving you door dings the size of a totally radical narly sizable size man bro. Make sure you wax the boards and throw on some screens bros! Sickkkkk review bro man dude and don't forget BYOB!!!!!

If you are looking for a beautiful, clean, friendly So Cal beach; you've come to the right place!!! Ponto is the perfect spot for people of all kinds, families, parties, beginning surfers, advanced surfers, swimmers, paddle boarders, sun tanners, beach walkers, junior lifeguards, and more! believe it to be the best beach is San Diego. I I've been coming here for the past 10 years, and it never fails me to have the beach experience I want! Even in the evening time, the sunset cliff above the bathrooms and showers is incredibly beautiful and romantic to watch the sunset at. The life guards are very friendly and helpful too if you ever have a problem also.

Really good beach secluded know people very good lifeguards one thing but I don't like about this year is that there is a lot of rocks last year it was good to run I went today to the beach and rocks were pounding my feet not a very pleasant experience but all in all it's a really good beach

It is so fun to play and the waves are always perfect. The people there are always nice to same with the lifeguards they also have some cool events.

Visited this beach twice in two days this last weekend. Saturday night was party time for groups of teens and 20 somethings with fires, beer and burgers. They were all friendly and in a good mood....except this one muscly dude with more temper than brains...but it is all good. Got some nice pictures of the beach and of the sunset. I returned Sunday for an hour to walk the beach. Saw many remnants of the nights parties (and a group of seniors cleaning up). Next time I return to Carlsbad, I plan to bring beach chairs and enjoy the sunset. Had a wonderful time at the beach!

So annoyed! We live in Carlsbad and are now told to go to Encinitas or Oceanside to have an evening campfire. There are no "designated fire rings" made available to the residents in Carlsbad to enjoy this outing locally in our own city. How do we get "designated fire rings" at Carlsbad beaches? Does anyone know?

Very special place - can be rocky at times, so bring your Tevas if you have them :)

Great beach for Bon fires! We met friends here & had a blast. Everyone was using the various fire pits & making food. Not a ton of parking - but the parking is free.

Is a nice family beach. The waves are moderate so boogie boarding was nice and fun. There are lifeguards out there, but you can go out 20 yards and still be in in 4 feet water. So it's great for kids with some swimming experience.

Good beach but bad rip tide. We had two cars broken into and the cop said it happens a lot there. Keep an eye on your car if you go to this beach.

So rare in So Cal to find a beach which helps you leave the industrial vibe. Here you can forget that millions of people are all around you.

There is not much beach this summer, and now there is a concession stand selling junk food and soda that has the plastic packages and bottles littering the shoreline and causing a hazard to sea life.

I recently visited Ponto Beach in late August 2016, and the sand situation has improved. While there are still lots of rocks, it is possible to walk down to the sandy beach from the State Park lot without clamoring over rocks. And there is a lot more sandy beach area to spread out your towels and play beach games. I hope the sand restoration continues to revive this beach before winter/spring storms wash the sand away again.