Moonlight State Beach

Address:	400 B St, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA
Phone:	+1 760-633-2740
Site:	parks.ca.gov
Rating:	4.7
Working:	5AM–10PM 5AM–10PM 5AM–10PM 5AM–10PM 5AM–10PM 5AM–10PM 5AM–10PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 15

So Californian

Parking extremely difficult at busy times but worth the walk! We prefer to go off busy times but even on a very busy day made it work. They have life guards who really are on top of their game. Our son, a strong swimmer and EMT, got trapped in a rip current and life guards went straight out to help. He ended up knowing the guy, another EMT, who went to rescue him. They actually saved a lot of people who ventured past the sandy shorelines and out into surf to swim. They have clean bathrooms, a place outside to rinse off, 3 handicap spots right at the beach, 2 drop off locations and a parking lot up a steep path. When thats full you have to park in the neighborhoods if you cant grab the 4 or so parking spots on the street. Theres beach volleyball, a food stand, a creek which young kids play in but shouldnt as it comes from the storm drain, and a small bridge over it. There are boulders at some of the cliff lines and dangerous unstable cliffs that back the shore at another part but danger signs are posted to keep you far enough away. But the beach is long, sandy, and lined with beautiful rocks and shells for the youngsters to explore. Our 3 year old grandson loves this beach and jumping in the waves... Attended of course at all times! And after were done at the beach for the day we head to the playground attached to the beach while grandpa gets the car! They have fire pits but we brought our own picnic. As a heads up theres no glass bottles, no feeding the birds, and no dogs allowed at this beach. But they do have wheelchairs with the big blue up wheels for the beach for disabled individuals to get into the water and have fun too!!

Gabriel Dalim

Best beach ever for family with kids. Why? Cause, first of all Free parking, then its only few steps to get to the beach. Even though my 6 year old daughter playes with the sand by the waves or get wet in the shallow water me and my wife enjoy the comfort of laying down and be sure that everything gonna be okay as the water is just few feet away. No matter its high or low tide the beach is mostly shallow and ideal for kids and people who cant swim. Then it comes to the shower, change room, restroom, food shop e.t.c. other facilities... wow again few steps away and always super clean. So this beach deservs 10 stars as The ideal family beach.

Chris McGreal

Great beach, lots of lifeguards on duty! The cafe is tasty! They have fire pits available, Volleyball courts that rotate often! There is also a boche ball court! Full on restrooms with a changing room, and showers. The one thing to keep in mind, the tide comes in and it comes in quick, if you are going to be there past 4pm try to get a spot further back on the beach, the first few rows of people get washed out! We have been there 2 times this week, and will be back!

Anjuli Quillin

This beach is a great family beach with every amenity we needed, bathrooms, volleyball courts, play ground, permenent shade structures, life gaurds and i saw the sheriff a few times circling around to ensure no unsavory characters were there. Lovely lovely beach. Near by parking in neighborhood you dont have to walk far. Oh and they have a concessions stand and meeting room available to rent, so great for a party as well.

Barbara Backyard

Crowded but in a good way. Lots of families with kids. Volleyball, friendliness, new snack bar usual fair, bathroom close. A play structure for little kids to play on. Fun beach. Peaceful and beautiful at night. Parking still has some challenges. Folks can drop and go park but it pipukar, close to town ie walking distance to shops etc. Kids were at Encinitas Marine Safety for a camp. Wish I had one of those as a kid.

Ashlee Palka

This place is on my top beaches in SD list. Amazing facilities, decent amount of parking, fir pits, great stuff close by. Really it has it all. The only downside is that this beach is really crowded all the time. Its really popular for families with kids since theres also a cute park attached. If you walk down the beach a ways, youll find a spot to set up, but you wont get the quiet, serene beach experience here.

Noel Meza

One of the the best beaches in San Diego. It can get pretty crowded on the weekends and during summer, but theres a reason why. Moonlight Beach is a familys Paradise, volleyball courts, a new playground, bonfire pits, clean, new, and large public restrooms, showers, and a snack shop. Only 2 blocks away from the Encinitas Highway 101 strip, where there are lots of delicious restaurants, shops, and recreation!

Ethan Spitz

My favorite beach. Tucked away, has a large free parking lot. Lots of street parking. Usually plenty of space on the beach right there, but if not, you can walk down to the water and the walk north or south to find a more secluded spot. Food at beach is actually quite good. I really liked the sandwiches. Bathrooms are pretty good considering they are a beach, and there are plenty of shower/rinse stations.

Don S

Excellent Beach Facilities: Lifeguard towers; great for wading, boogie boarding, surfing; high quality snack bar with friendly staff; showers; restrooms; childrens playground; sand volleyball courts; multiple parking options - parking lot, local street parking, easy access from nearby (2 blocks away) train and bust stations. Lots of restaurant food options within 3 - 4 block radius.

Alastair MacPhail

Impressive - all the amenities youd expect and more. Not just fire pits but also an excellent playground for kids. Not just public restrooms but also clean, well-lit public restrooms. Volleyball, rental equipment. Easy access two blocks from PCH in Encinitas. Avoid the crowds and go for a moonlight stroll. Makes me want to move to California.

hillary c

A great location for a bonfire. They have several (8?) designated fire pits with picnic tables nearby. They are not reserved, just grab one. Its a great place to sit on the sand and toast some marshmallows. Easy walk to the ocean to watch the waves too. But be careful, they ticket cars parked in the lot after 10pm! $53 fine. :(

Jessica Craig

Handicapped accessible! Lovely small beach. Clean public restrooms, family restrooms, showers, concession stand, playground, volleyball, picnic tables, firepit. Handicapped parking very close. Lined wheelchair pathway to beach. Lifeguards have special beach model wheelchairs available upon request. Very nice!

Prabhu Kandasamy

Excellent beach. Has some volleyball courts. Parking is on the street close to the beach or in a parking lot little above the beach. Plenty of disabled slots close to the beach. Has play area and showers. Theres a nice green area for picnic. More a local destination so not as crowded as La Jolla or Del Mar.

Mark S

All in one Beach Park, a family Oasis that has stunning beach walk views, surfer watch, lifeguards,separate surfer and boogie boards areas, sunsets, playground, volleyball, fire pits, grills, lower handicap parking and an awesome climb to guarantee you dont miss your workout, on the walk to upper parking lot.

Tyler Wolfe

Hung out here from 11 am til 10 pm. Beautiful beach, and we had a fire at night. This beach has a full concession stand, bathrooms, and shops probably a quarter mile away. The beach was packed, so you want to get there early to find parking and a spot to lay out in. Overall great experience and nice beach!