Moonlight State Beach Encinitas
A vibrant public beach in Encinitas with a playground, fire pits, concessions, and surf-ready waves.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure parking & fire pits
Moonlight State Beach Encinitas
Best Time
Secure parking & fire pits
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant public beach in Encinitas with a playground, fire pits, concessions, and surf-ready waves.
"Moonlight State Beach was hands down one of the best beaches I’ve been to in a long time."
🚗 Free Parking Perks
Arrive early for free parking! Residential areas near volleyball courts offer a shortcut.
🔥 Fire Pit Reservations
Fire pits are first-come, first-serve. Arrive early to claim yours for a perfect evening.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fire Pits & Sunset Vibes
Beachfront
Gather around a bonfire as the sun dips below the horizon. Perfect for s'mores and a cozy evening.
Playground & Family Zone
Near the concessions
A pirate-themed playground keeps kids entertained, making it ideal for family beach days.
Surfing & Ocean Activities
Oceanfront
Catch some waves or watch the surfers ride the Pacific. Rentals are available for water sports enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Fog
Family Fun & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Free Parking Perks
Arrive early for free parking! Residential areas near volleyball courts offer a shortcut.
🔥 Fire Pit Reservations
Fire pits are first-come, first-serve. Arrive early to claim yours for a perfect evening.
🚲 Bike-Friendly Beach
Plenty of secure bike racks available. Encinitas is great for cycling!
🍔 Concessions Available
Grab a bite at the snack bar for breakfast, coffee, or treats.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Free Parking Perks
Arrive early for free parking! Residential areas near volleyball courts offer a shortcut.
🔥 Fire Pit Reservations
Fire pits are first-come, first-serve. Arrive early to claim yours for a perfect evening.
🚲 Bike-Friendly Beach
Plenty of secure bike racks available. Encinitas is great for cycling!
🍔 Concessions Available
Grab a bite at the snack bar for breakfast, coffee, or treats.
🌊 Low Tide Exploration
Discover hidden treasures during low tide walks along the shore.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Moonlight State Beach is a highly-rated public beach offering a fantastic mix of activities for everyone, from surfing and volleyball to family-friendly playgrounds and relaxing fire pits. Visitors praise its free parking, clean facilities, and vibrant atmosphere, especially during sunset. While mornings can be foggy, the sun usually breaks through, making it a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike.
"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."
Erin Kelley
"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."
Kevin Cray
"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."
Kelvin Klemm
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Moonlight State Beach is located at 400 B St, Encinitas, CA 92024. It's easily accessible by car, with free parking available, though it can fill up quickly. Many visitors recommend parking in nearby residential areas if the main lot is full.
Yes, there is a parking lot at Moonlight State Beach, and it's free! However, it's known to fill up, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arriving early is your best bet.
Absolutely! Encinitas is a bike-friendly city, and Moonlight State Beach has plenty of secure bike racks. It's a great way to explore the area and avoid parking hassles.
Yes, Moonlight State Beach is known for its handicap accessibility to the ocean, making it a welcoming spot for all visitors.
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons. Weekends, especially during summer, can get very busy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Moonlight State Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. Parking is also free, which is a big plus for visitors.
Moonlight State Beach is open 24 hours a day, except for a brief closure between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. daily. This allows for late-night bonfires and early morning beachcombing.
Fire pits at Moonlight State Beach are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
Yes, Moonlight State Beach offers convenient and clean restrooms and outdoor showers, which are very helpful for rinsing off sand after a day at the beach.
Yes, you can rent various items like surfboards and boogie boards at Moonlight Beach, allowing you to fully enjoy the ocean activities.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Moonlight State Beach offers a variety of activities including surfing, swimming, beachcombing, volleyball, and enjoying the playground. The fire pits are also a major draw for evening gatherings.
Yes, Moonlight State Beach is known to have decent surf waves, making it a popular spot for surfers of all levels. You can also rent surfboards here.
Kids will love the pirate-themed playground located near the concessions. It's a great spot for them to play while parents relax nearby.
The sand at Moonlight State Beach is described as super nice and soft, making it comfortable for walking, playing, and relaxing.
Moonlight State Beach has a unique rock park where people paint beautiful designs on stones, adding an artistic touch to the area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a concessions stand at Moonlight State Beach that offers light breakfast, coffee, sandwiches, and other treats.
You can definitely have a picnic at Moonlight State Beach. The fire pits are also perfect for BBQs and roasting marshmallows, making it a great spot for a meal.
Encinitas has a vibrant food scene. While the beach has concessions, you can find great tacos and other dining options in the surrounding town of Encinitas.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers stunning light for photography. Sunsets here are often spectacular, with vibrant colors painting the sky. +2
You can capture beautiful shots of surfers, families enjoying fire pits, dramatic sunsets, and the general coastal California vibe. Don't miss the unique rock art!
The beach itself offers wide-open ocean views. For a slightly different perspective, consider the grassy park area overlooking the sand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The beach is also noted for its handicap accessibility, ensuring everyone can enjoy the day. Plus, the presence of lifeguards adds an extra layer of security. 🏄♀️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
🌅 Sunset Lovers and Photographers
🚶♀️ Beach Walkers and Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Encinitas Sunsets
For photographers, the 'golden hour' just before sunset provides ideal lighting conditions. The soft, warm light can elevate any shot, whether you're capturing the surfers catching their last waves of the day or the silhouettes of people gathered around a bonfire. The beach's wide expanse offers unobstructed views of the horizon, ensuring you won't miss a moment of the celestial show.
Family-Friendly Features at Moonlight State Beach
+1 Adjacent to the playground, a concessions stand offers convenient snacks, drinks, and light meals, perfect for refueling after a day of play. This makes it easy for families to spend an entire day at the beach without needing to pack extensive food supplies. Beyond the playground and concessions, the beach itself is welcoming to families. The waters are generally calm, making them suitable for children to splash around in. Furthermore, the beach offers handicap accessibility to the ocean, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the water. The presence of lifeguards and a large lifeguard building also provides an added layer of safety and peace of mind for parents.
Activities and Recreation Options
On the sand, beach volleyball courts are a prominent feature, often buzzing with friendly games. Visitors can also enjoy leisurely walks along the soft, sandy shore or explore tide pools during low tide, discovering the marine life that inhabits them.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit