Beaches of Encinitas-A Photo Tour

Beacon's Beach Beaches of Encinitas

I have been visiting Encinitas’s beaches for over thirty years, and I have many pictures to prove it! If I had to pick my favorite stretch of beaches on the 70 miles of coast in San Diego, it would have to be the beaches of Encinitas.

Would you like to join me on tour?

Let’s Go!

The Beauty of Encinitas Beaches

The beaches of Encinitas cannot be defined by one word but by many. Spectacular, astounding, magnificent, eye-catching, and breathtaking immediately come to mind to recall past trips to this area.

I love the beaches of Encinitas. Is this possible? Well, I say yes, and this is why.

These beaches are beautiful to the eye and serene and comforting to the soul.

There is so much to take in and to be a part of when encountering the beaches of Encinitas for the first time that you may have sensory overload.

The sheer magnitude of the towering cliffs, the soft sand beaches, and the lulling of the offshore waves might be too much for some people. May I suggest taking a deep breath, drawing in the beauty and energy within, and holding it for a while?

Where is Encinitas?

Moonlight Beach Beaches of Encinitas
Moonlight Beach

Hands down, the beaches of Encinitas are some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Southern California,

Surrounded by Batiquitos Lagoon to the north and San Elijo Lagoon to the south, the beaches of Encinitas cover 6 miles of rugged coastal terrain. All beach entries are bluff except for Moonlight State Beach and Cardiff State Beach, where both have street-level access.

Encinitas Map Beaches of Encinitas

The beaches of Encinitas (Spanish for “little oaks”) are approximately 25 miles north of Downtown San Diego in the North County area of San Diego County, California.

When imagining the stereotypical beach town, Encinitas might come to mind. Encinitas has an easygoing, laid-back, and mellow vibe, and the people are friendly and warm to each other.

Go figure!

The surf culture rules here and is evident by the sheer number of surfboards seen everywhere.

Surfer.com even named Encinitas the #7 Best Surf town in America in 2017!

The Beaches of Encinitas Through the Years

Stonesteps Beach Beaches of Encinitas

 For over 20 years, my family and I have been walking up and down this Beach countless times. Whenever we had a chance to go to the Beach, we always ended up at Moonlight State Beach.

This Beach is centrally located so we would venture south and occasionally north. Remember, I have the pictures to prove it!

We will now start our tour of the beaches of Encinitas, beginning at the most northern Beach, Grandview Beach.

Ok! Let’s go!


Grandview Beach

Grandview Beach is located at the northern end of Encinitas,  in the community of Leucadia. The entryway for this Beach is squeezed into the corner of a residential area along with a small parking lot. Once parked, a long, steep staircase will take you down to the sand.

There is a lifeguard tower and shower at the base of the stairs. This Beach is preferred for surf schools to teach beginners because of the consistent beach break.

This Beach is narrow, so it is very dependent on the tide. There are no restrooms here, but Carlsbad’s South Ponto beach is less than a mile walk north if you need to go.

1700 Neptune Ave, Encinitas, CA 92024

Grandview Beach Access Sign

Grandview Beach Parking Lot Sign
There are about 20 spaces in the parking lot.

Grandview Beach Stairway Beaches of Encinitas

Above North View Grandview Beach bluffs sandy beach

Above South View Grandview Beach

South View Grandview Beach Beaches of Encinitas


Beacon’s Beach

Beacon's Beach Switchback Trail

Beacon’s Beach is 1 mile south of Grandview Beach, located on Neptune Ave, between Jasper St and West Leucadia Boulevard.

This beach is one of the leading neighborhood beaches in the area, with an iconic narrow switchback dirt path that turns three times against the bluff before reaching the bottom.

Fun Fact- This beach once had a Coast Guard beacon tower, located north of the dirt path that would help guide warships during WWII.

Beacon’s Beach is a local hangout for surfing and its picturesque views. This Beach has no restrooms.

948 Neptune Ave, Encinitas, CA 92024

(760) 633-2740

Beacon's Beach Trail Beaches of Encinitas
The Beacon’s Beach Trail

Beacon's Beach Ocean View

South View Beacon's Beach

North View Beacon's Beach

South View Beacon's Beach Beaches of Encinitas

North View Beacon's Beach
North of here is where the Coast Guard Beacon used to be.

City of Encinitas Beach Sign

Beacon's Beach Bluffs Beaches of Encinitas

Beacon's Beach Beaches of Encinitas

Beacon's Beach at Low Tide
Beacon’s Beach

Beacon's Beach Bluffs Beaches of Encinitas

House of Bluff Beacon's Beach

Beacon's Beach Bluffs Beaches of Encinitas


Stone Steps Beach

Stonesteps Beach Entrance Sign

Stone Steps Beach is located north of Moonlight Beach and is a local favorite spot because hardly anyone knows it.

At the top of the stairs, there is a small parking lot. A steep staircase takes you down to a narrow stretch of Beach with many stones. Again this Beach is tide-dependent, and it is not unheard of to get stuck when the high tide comes in.

The cliffs are unpredictable in this area, so do not lie too close if you are interested in sunbathing here.

There are no restrooms here, but Moonlight State Beach is just a short stroll away.

350 South El Portal, Encinitas, CA 92024

Underneath Stonesteps Beach Stairs
Stone Steps Beach Stairwell.

South View Stonesteps Beach

Stone Heart on Stonesteps Beach Beaches of Encinitas

Stony Stonesteps Beach

North View Stonesteps Beach

Stonesteps Beach Beaches of Encinitas

Pelicans Over Stonesteps Beach

South View Stonesteps Beach of Encinitas

Stonesteps Beach people seaweed piles

California sea lion Stonesteps Beach
A California sea lion visited Stone Steps Beach one day.
California Sea Lion Stonesteps Beach
Do you notice the yellow tag on its right flipper?

Moonlight State Beach

Moonlight State Beach Beaches of Encinitas

Moonlight State Beach is the most popular of the beaches of Encinitas.

First of all, this Beach is in the center of town, and likewise, it is one of the few beaches in North County San Diego with level car access and a drop-off point (on B St.) to the Beach. And one more thing,  there is a significant free parking lot!

Did I mention that parking is free? Well, regardless of whether parking is free, during the primetime hours (12-4), you will have difficulty finding a place to park, so patience is a must!

Some other great features offered at this Beach include ample restrooms, a food stand,  a beach rental stand, three volleyball courts,  a grassy park, a children’s playground, picnic tables, and fire pits. This Beach has everything, including the crowds, but it is not bad.

The waves sometimes get rough, but three lifeguard towers watch the action.

Urban Runoff and Moonlight State Beach

Cottonwood Creek Moonlight State Beach
Cottonwood Creek
Cottonwood Creek Runoff Beaches of Encinitas
Cottonwood Creek runoff- Do not play in this water; it can make you sick.
Moonlight State Beach Beaches of Encinitas
The creek water was making its way onto the Beach.

Cottonwood Creek empties into the ocean at Moonlight Beach, so you should keep this in mind if you visit this Beach after it rains.

As a rule of thumb, the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health advises not to go into the ocean or bay waters for up to 72 hours after it rains due to potential health hazards from the urban runoff.

Moonlight State Beach Special Events

  • Free summer concerts every Sunday.
  • Encinitas Beach Kids- a non-competitive beach program for kids ages 6-8, emphasizing learning beach safety and awareness, first aid, marine life awareness,  introduction to body surfing, and just having fun on the Beach.
  • The local Temple Solel holds some of its services down on the Beach.
  • Volleyball tournaments and held here year-round.
  • Surf Camps for adults and children are offered on this Beach.
Temple Solel Service Moonlight State Beach
Temple Solel conducting services on the beach.

Fun Fact- In the early 1900s, there was a bathhouse, playground, a boardwalk, and a dance hall situated here at this beach. Moonlight Beach got its name around this same time, because people would come out here at midnight when the moon was bright and have picnics.

400 B St. Encinitas, CA

(760) 633-2740

North view Moonlight State Beach

Moonlight State Beach Beaches of Encinitas

Summer Day At Moonlight Beach

Moonlight Beach Beaches of Encinitas

Summer at Moonlight Beach

Moonlight Beach Parking Lot
The parking lot is up on a hill for Moonlight State Beach.
Moonlight Beach Ramp Beaches of Encinitas
Here is the ramp that goes up to the parking lot.
Moonlight Beach Ramp
Another ramp goes up to the street and a further drop-off point.

Moonlight Beach Sunset Beaches of Encinitas

Moonlight Beach Parking Lot Sunset

Moonlight Beach Sunset

Moonlight Beach Palm Tree Beaches of Encinitas

Moonlight Beach Surf Circle
Surf Circle in the distance.

Sunset at Moonlight Beach

Overcast Day Moonlight Beach

Sunset Water Play Moonlight Beach

Sunset at Moonlight Beach Beaches of Encinitas


D Street Beach

D Street Beach Beaches of Encinitas

D Street Beach is another favorite surfing spot for locals, so much so that many on the website Yelp have left reviews begging (in so many words) for others to keep quiet about its location. With this in mind, let us look at D Street Beach.

This Beach is located at the end of D Street, just one block south of Moonlight Beach.

This southern portal has a large wooden staircase with an observation area that connects you to the Beach. At the bottom is one lifeguard tower, shower, and a short walk to a restroom at Moonlight.

D Street Beach Beaches of Encinitas
D Street Beach stairway.
D Street Beach Beaches of Encinitas
A view of D Street Beach from Moonlight State Beach.

D Street Bluff Beaches of Encinitas

D Street Bluffs Beaches of Encinitas

D Street Beach seagulls seaweed

Overcast D Street Beach Beaches of Encinitas
An overcast day at D Street Beach.

D Street Beach South View Beaches of Encinitas

Great Egret Bluff D Street Bluffs

North View D Street Beach

D Street Beach Pelicans over bluffs
Pelicans flying over D Street Beach

450 D Street, Encinitas 92024


Boneyard Beach

Boneyard Beach Beaches of Encinitas

Boneyard Beach is another favorite surfing spot, including all beaches south of D Street Beach and north of Swami’s Beach.

This dry sandy beach from low to mid tide is not accessible during high tide. The bluffs are very steep here, so the homes above the cliffs cannot see the Beach below. Because of this, this Beach attracts the ‘clothing-optional kinda crowd.

North View Boneyard Beach

Boneyard Beach Cliffs seeping water

Boneyard Beach Cliffs Beaches of Encinitas

Boneyard Beach Cliffs Beaches of Encinitas

Boneyards Beach Bluff closeup

South View Boneyards Beach

Boneyard Beach Algae Cliff

beaches of encinitas

Boneyards Beach Bird Reflected Sand

Boneyard Beach Cliffs Beaches of Encinitas

Boneyard Beach Palm Tree Beaches of Encinitas

South View Boneyard Beach

Boneyard Beach Rocks

End of Boneyards Beach Beaches of Encinitas

Fishing at Boneyard Beach
An angler fishing in the surf.

If you want to see this Beach, you may start north at Moonlight, D Street Beach, or south at Swami’s Beach.


Swami’s State Beach

Marine Protected Area Sign Swami's State Beach

You will find Swami’s Beach-Swami’s Seaside Park entrance, located right next to the Self-Realization Fellowship Center Temple and north of the San Elijo State Beach Campground. To be sure, this is another beach of Encinitas that the locals want to keep secret. Shhhhh.

This park has about 25 parking spaces, a large grass lawn, picnic tables, and a restroom. A large wooden staircase will take you down to this isolated beach oasis.

 From Moonlight State Beach down to Cardiff State Beach, you will find Swami’s State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA), three miles offshore. Since 2012, this site’s purpose has been to protect marine life by limiting the removal of marine wildlife within its borders.

Fishing onshore with hook and line is permitted, but no scoop nets are allowed. You may also spearfish here, but only for pelagic recreational finfish (Pacific bonito and white sea bass); sorry, no halibut.

For more fishing information, please see- Swami’s Marine Conservation Area (SMCA)

Swami’s Beach is world-famous when it comes to surfing. You will find other surfers up top checking out the action at any time of the day.

A reef and kelp forest are offshore, so diving and snorkeling are popular. If you would like more detailed information on this Beach, please see- Swami’s State Beach-Hidden Paradise

1298 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

beaches of encinitas
View of Swami’s State Beach from the end of Boneyard Beach.

Swami's Tidepools Beaches of Encinitas

Swamis Tide pools wave hitting rock

Swami's Tidepools mussels sea anemones
Tide pools at Swami’s State Beach
California Mussels Swami's Tidepools
California mussels.
Swami's Beach Tidepools Beaches of Encinitas
Super low tide at Swami’s State Beach.

Swamis State Beach Tide Pools

Swami's State Beach Tidepools Beaches of Encinitas
A local college was down here taking measurements of the tide pools at Swami’s Beach.

Swami's State Beach Reef

Swami's State Beach Tidepools

Swami's State Beach Tidepools

Swami's State Beach Beaches of Encinitas

Swami's Beach Staircase Beaches of Encinitas
Swami’s State Beach staircase. Let’s take a walk up to the top.

Swami's Staircase Going Down

Swami's Beach Staircase Beaches of Encinitas
Entrance to the stairway.
Swami's Beach Sign Beaches of Encinitas
Entrance Sign at Swami’s Beach Seaside Park

Swami's Tree Sculpture Beaches of Encinitas

Swami;s State Beach Staircase

North View Swami's Beach Beaches of Encinitas

South View Swami's State Beach Beaches of Encinitas

Swami's Beach Staircase bluffs palm trees

South Swami's Beach cliffs vegetation sand
I love how old this vegetation is, especially the palm trees.
Rock Art At Swami's Beach Beaches of Encinitas
Rock art at Swami’s State Beach.

Swami's Beach South View wet sandy shore ocean

Dolphins at Swami's swimming by
We saw a pod of over 20 dolphins before we left for the day!

San Elijo State Beach

San Elijo State Beach Beaches of Encinitas

The San Elijo State Beach entrance is on the southbound lanes of 101 near the intersection of Chesterfield Drive.

The San Elijo State Beach Campground is on top of the bluffs, with the campsites overlooking the Beach below. Several stairways and ramps nearby connect from the campgrounds down to the Beach.

Many reefs are onshore here, so tide-pooling and diving offshore in the kelp forests are popular. This Beach can be dangerous to swim in due to rip currents, so be cautious.

Restrooms and showers are available at the campground.

2050 S. Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007

(760) 753-5091South View San Elijo bluffs wet sand bluffs

San Elijo State Beach two girls walking

San Elijo Tidepools Beaches of Encinitas
San Elijo Tide pools
San Elijo State Beach Campground stairs bluffs wet sand
All the staircases lead to the San Elijo State Beach Campground.
San Elijo Staircase Bluffs Palm Trees
Let’s go up and see the view.
San Elijo Beach Looking down ocean
View from the San Elijo State Beach Campground.

San Elijo Coastal Bluff Information Sign

North View San Elijo State Beach

Surfing San Elijo Pipe
Surfing at San Elijo (Pipes).

San Elijo Tidepools Beaches of Encinitas

San Elijo Tidepools Beaches of Encinitas


Cardiff State Beach

Surfing Cardiff State Beach reef surfer walking seaweed

Cardiff State Beach is at the southernmost section of Encinitas in the coastal community of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. You will find this Beach just south of the San Elijo State Beach and where the San Elijo Lagoon enters the ocean.

The San Elijo Lagoon is one of the most extensive remaining coastal wetlands in San Diego County, covering over 1000 acres and hosting over 1000 plant and animal species.

This Beach is a gently sloping sandy beach that is very popular for surfing, swimming, diving, and beachcombing.

—>Best San Diego Surfing Beaches<–

Cardiff State Beach offers a whole list of amenities and two restaurants on-site. This Beach is perfect for kids, as there is so much to see and explore.

Notably, dogs are allowed here, provided that they are on leashes. No other beach in Encinitas allows dogs, even on leashes.

A parking lot is available for 15 dollars, but the lot closes at 10 pm.

2504 S. Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007

(760) 753-5091

Carlsbad State Beach Reef

Cardiff State Beach Beaches of Encinitas

Surfing Cardiff State Beach Beaches of Encinitas

Cardiff State Beach Tidepool Beaches of Encinitas

Cardiff State Beach Reef Beaches of Encinitas

Cardiff State Beach Parking Lot
Looking toward the Cardiff State Beach from San Elijo State Beach.
San Elijo Lagoon Inlet
Here is where the San Elijo Lagoon meets the Pacific Ocean.
San Elijo Lagoon Inlet Beaches of Encinitas
San Elijo Lagoon inlet.
Cardiff State Beach Beaches of Encinitas
Cardiff State Beach- looking toward Solana Beach

People on the Beach Cardiff State Beach

Seaside Beach South Cardiff State Beach
South Cardiff State Beach
South Cardiff State Beach Beaches of Encinitas
Seaside Beach- South Cardiff State Beach

The End of the Tour

First, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for joining me on this tour of the beaches of Encinitas!

Generally speaking, I am curious to know which one of these beaches caught your attention the most. You can see the beauty. To put it differently, which of these shores would you like to visit if you had the chance?

May I suggest you come here on a shallow tide day? And that way, you can walk 6 miles of Encinitas coast, from Cardiff north of Grandview Beach to Carlsbad!

But remember, those 6 miles will soon turn 12 before you know it.

Please leave any comments or questions you might have. Also, I would love to see any favorite beach pictures you might have and would like to share. Here is to another day and another beach!

Until next time!


 

 

22 Replies to “Beaches of Encinitas-A Photo Tour”

  1. That’s a lovely beach. I love beaches too. I have been to California once but didn’t know about this place, then. Great detailed post and lovely photographs.
    Thanks

    1. Hi Subhadeep. Thank you so much for visiting my site! Maybe next time in California you could visit Encinitas, it really is gorgeous. Thanks again!

  2. Wow those are beautiful pictures, did you take them? Being somoene who grew up along the coast, I’ve always been known as a beach kid. I mean really how awesome is the ocean? lol. I’ve never been to California but it looks and sounds awesome; more specifically the encinitas. That picture of a sea lion is crazy, I’d be terrified. You’ve given me a new set of places to visit though. Are the waves good there?

    1. Thank you for visiting Jasmere! It is great to find someone who loves and appreciates the ocean as well! Regarding the sea lion, I think he was just tired, so as long as you stand far away from him, no worries. The waves on these beaches that I presented are all pretty famous surf breaks. Thanks again!

    1. Thank you Michael. I have been taking many, many pictures since I got my first digital camera in 2005. I have many more from where these all came from?. I feel very fortunate to live in Southern Calif and I have been having a lot of fun trying to uncover many San Diego Beach Secrets. Thanks for visiting the site!

  3. Hi there!

    I live in Nelson, New Zealand at the moment and we have such stunning nature and beaches here as well.

    But beauty´s you have picked there! Unreal. I think Swami´s State looks the most interesting… I´ll visit at one point 🙂

    Thanks for that list, make me want to travel more!

    1. Hi Manny! Thank you! Going to New Zealand and Australia is my Dream vacation! I love Swami’s too. There is such a cool vibe there and to end the day there with dolphins, it is magical. Thanks again for visiting my site.

  4. Wow such amazing pictures all look like places I would love to go. I live in California and have never been here to these beaches. I will go when it warm back up though you have me sold on this. I am book marking this page to keep it for the warmer season .thank you for sharing this website.

    1. Thank you for visiting Crystal! I just love this place and hope to retire here in the future! I am glad you enjoyed the pictures.

  5. Super informative post! I did the PCH drive a couple years ago from SF to LA and it was so beautiful! I’ve never been to SD, but seeing how beautiful it is really makes me want to visit now!

    1. Thank you Stacy. When I moved to San Diego I was instantly in love with all of the beaches! The beaches of Los Angeles I would go to growing up look nothing like this. Thanks again!

  6. Hello and wow! This really felt like a virtual tour! I so enjoyed it.
    I love the coast line. It is so dramatic and beautiful. This made me want to come back and visit. Great job! ariel

  7. Hi there, wonderful these beaches. I’ve been to northern California a long time ago but never to San Diego.
    Looks like it is great fun there at the beaches too, not as crowded as in the north.
    Thanks for the show, have a great time.
    Stefan

    1. Thanks for visiting Stephan! I does get quite crowded down here in the summer, it is just that these narrow beaches of Encinitas are not that crowded because you have to walk to get there.

  8. Wow these are such amazing pictures and such a great post with loads of info, a complete tourist package. I love of the places. Lovely beaches Encinitas and you are right for some people like me so much spectacular beauty is just too much. I love that the people there are nice and easy going. Thank you for sharing.
    Raman

  9. I love your photos. I am a local painter and I wonder if I can create work using your photos as inspiration.

    1. Why, thank you so much, Reenie! Yes, please, and feel free to look around the website! All I ask is you tell me when you are done, as I would love to see what you create. Thanks again!

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