Moonlight State Beach is nestled in vibrant Encinitas along California’s North County coast. It captivates locals and travelers alike with its golden sands. The beach has surf-ready waves and a laid-back vibe. Named for the moonlit picnics of the early 1900s, this mile‑long state beach offers accessible coastal fun just off Interstate 5, making it a beloved destination for families, surfers, and sunset chasers.
What Makes Moonlight State Beach Unique
Moonlight stands out as one of Southern California’s most family-friendly beaches. It combines well-maintained facilities with a year-round lifeguard presence. Visitors enjoy a playful mix of active recreation and coastal relaxation. The park’s setting, framed by bluff‑top greenery and just a short walk from downtown Encinitas, blends urban convenience with a quintessential beach escape.
Top Activities & Amenities
🏐 Beach Volleyball & Playgrounds
Three vibrant sand courts attract both casual players and pro-level matches year-round. Adjacent children’s playgrounds provide safe, shaded spaces for families to relax and play.
🏖️ Swimming, Surfing & Fishing
Designated swimming zones are supervised by lifeguards, while intermediate surfers thrive on consistent beach breaks. Surf and boogie board rentals are available nearby. Surf fishing brings anglers casting for perch and striped bass along the shore.
🔥 Bonfire Pits & Picnic Areas
First‑come, first‑served fire rings scattered across the sand encourage classic beach bonfires and evening gatherings. Shaded picnic tables and BBQ grills dot the bluff‑top area—perfect for sunsets with friends and family.
🚿 Restrooms, Showers & Accessibility
Multiple restroom blocks and outdoor foot‑wash showers ensure full comfort after a day in the surf. Smooth concrete pathways and beach wheelchairs make the shoreline accessible to visitors with mobility needs.
🍔 Snack Bar & Rentals
The Beach Wolf snack bar offers refreshments from spring through fall, along with surfboards, kayaks, paddleboards and boogie boards. Drinking water is available at concession outlets.
🐾 Wildlife Viewing & Beachcombing
Early mornings and low tides reveal tidepools brimming with marine life near Cottonwood Creek’s mouth. Birdwatchers may spot pelicans, oystercatchers and sandpipers feeding by the surf.
👮 Lifeguards & Safety
The lifeguard tower is manned year‑round, with additional seasonal staffing during summer weekends. Safety postings and first‑aid stations reinforce a secure beach environment.
Visitor Tips
- Parking: Free bluff‑top parking lot fills by mid-morning on weekends. Street parking is available nearby but can require a quick walk.
- Pets: No dogs or other pets allowed on the beach.
- Bonfires: Use designated fire rings only—no glass, alcohol or portable grills permitted.
- Swimming & Surfing: No swimming beyond roped zones. Rip currents can appear; wetsuits recommended year-round.
- Accessibility: Beach wheelchairs first‑come, first‑served from the lifeguard stand. Ramps lead to the sand.
- Beach Etiquette: Pack it out—no smoking, no glass and no collecting marine life or shells.
- Seasonal Hours: Lifeguards 10 am–6 pm (summer); park open dawn–sunset, parking lot 5 am–10 pm.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Visit at dusk during summer’s “Bro‑Am” surf festival. Alternatively, attend the wavecrest woodie auto show for perfect photo moments. Experience the electric community energy. In early autumn, wander north at low tide to Cottonwood Creek’s mouth—moisture pools here create vibrant tidepools and pull wildlife close to shore. For a quiet treat, grab a bench on the bluff as sunset lights up the Pacific and fire pits begin to glow, turning Moonlight State Beach into an unforgettable evening retreat.