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Moonlight State Beach
Categories: Active Life Playgrounds Active Life Parks Active Life Beaches Playgrounds, Parks, Beaches [Edit]
400 B StBottom of Encinitas Blvd
(between 3rd St & 4th St)
Encinitas, CA 92024
Neighborhood: Encinitas
(760) 633-2740
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
66 reviews for Moonlight State Beach
66 reviews in English
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Review from Tiffany W.
Encinitas, CA
9/18/2011
We love this beach! It is not the biggest out there but it is very family friendly. Nice play area, volley ball courts, and fire-pits. (Though you do have to get there early on the week end to stake a claim to the courts and fire-pits....like 6:30am early. Parking can be a pain on the weekends or on holidays, but if you park North of B street on a neighborhood street you are going to be more likely to find something with less of a walk. (There is a parking area, but it usually fills up fast.)
There is a lot of beach debris if you walk to the left of the beach access point, but to the right it is pretty clean with very few rocks and much less seaweed. There are also fewer folks to the right, which means you're less likely to be encroached on by the ever growing party group next to you.
Only bad incident we've had was on a holiday weekend. We set our towels out and we're playing, about two hours later friends of the group next to use showed up and literally started put boards and letting their kids run all over our stuff. (Jerks!)
Overall we couldn't ask for a more convenient, family friendly beach. -
Review from Jenna D.
Encinitas, CA
1/7/2012
Growing up by the ocean, you would think I love the laying on the beach, but I don't. What I do love are the walks I take up and down the shore, the bonfires made with friends and the safety I feel whenever I do decide to plunge into the ocean. Moonlight Beach is a great start to a invigorating walk. There are multiple stairwells along the shore allowing one to get back to down town quickly.
Bon Fires bring me nostalgically back to high school. Moonlight has among the sturdiest fire pits I've seen. I usually at some point during the night I sit on one of the concrete edges. I feel safe, warm and cozy by the fire. If you think this comforting to you, keep in mind a few things: 1) Get your pit early. In the summer I tend to see people blocking their pit with caution tape as early as 12 PM and 2) Plan to leave by 10 PM. When the beach closes, the police kindly ask you to leave. -
Review from Lila Z.
San Diego, CA
11/13/2011
probably one of the most beautiful places ever. used to come here with friends in high school. what a great mix of beach, park, and grassy area for organized sports or picnics.
my fave memory is a bonfire at night with friends. -
Review from Rod A.
Encinitas, CA
2/8/2012
If you are a tourist or visitor, you get on I5, go west on Encinitas Blvd and arrive when you hit the ocean.
If you are a local you get on either 101 or Encinitas Blvd (or walk) to get to this classic California-cool beach.
Moonlight Beach isn't the largest beach, but it is a bit like a Swiss Army knife... it has:
* Volleyball courts
* Bathroom and showers
* Lifeguards
* Plenty of parking
* Surfing designated beach
* Non-surfing designation as well
* Classic sand
* An iconic palm tree in the middle of the beach
* Fire pits (hard to find these days)
* Snack bar with hamburgers and ice cream
* Generally gentle waves
* Laid back locals
I could go on, but you get the idea.
It hosts a Woodie Car Festival once a year and there are often little "events" from small vendors to surf contests to...
Parking is safe, but get there early on nice days. If you need to eat while at the beach, besides the little food stand, you should just leave your car and walk into downtown, old Encinitas.
Bring your sun umbrella, your beach chair, your surfboard and park yourself. After about 15 minutes you would swear it was the 70's.
As a bonus, except a super high tide, you can walk for a couple of miles along the beach, either going north or south. The bluffs provide a peaceful boundary protecting you and your thoughts from the normal hectic SoCal lifestyle.
There is more information on Moonlight at http://www.MoonlightBe... and a FaceBook page to follow local news at http://www.facebook.co... -
Review from Nino R.
8/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
The best thing about this beach are the fire pits...that's if you can get there early enough to snag one. But they're usually claimed by large groups that eventually congregate into drum circles as the day turns into dusk.
Walking along the beach, especially when you get closer to the water can be hazardous. There's tons of oceanic debris strewn about. A walk is doable but running may be a bit more tenuous.
Parking can be a breeze if you plan a visit during the week, but once the weekend hits you can pretty much forget it. Think about parking near The Lumberyard or Whole Foods--if you're lucky.
There are two access points to beach; one off D Street and the other off Encinitas Blvd. The D Street entrance will require you to navigate down several flights of stairs so if you have a bunch of beach equipment, do yourself a favor and unload at the Encinitas Blvd access point.
So what's the best aspect of this beach?
Ummm, it's a beach... -
Review from Justin R.
Escondido, CA
12/22/2011
Great beach for walks or bonfires. One of the nicest beaches I've ever been to.
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Review from Erin S.
San Diego, CA
8/1/2011
How bad does a SoCal beach have to be to get less than 4 stars? I just moved here from Seattle, so I'm not a super experience (or super picky) beach-goer, so take this review with a grain of salt (water)
It's Beautiful. It's clean, well guarded (lifeguards, that is) big, it's surf-able, it's swim-able, it's sandcastle build-able, it's bury your friend in the sand up to her head-able.
It's the Beach, its 78 and sunny, it's got a nice breeze. now if only I didnt have to work...... -
Review from Marlo P.
Encinitas, CA
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Review from Will G.
Encinitas, CA
5/27/2011
This beach will always have a special place in my heart! This is the beach I grew up going to and the beach I still go to today!!! It's the first stop in downtown Encinitas and the best way to start out your day!
It's right off of the I 5, just head west! Literally you don't even turn, it will take you straight to the beach!!! Just so you know the parking lot is up on the left!
This beach is family friendly and great for kids! The head lifeguard station is the first thing on the sand, so you know you're safe and there is a fire station one block East!
There are two sand volleyball courts, a playground, a snack bar, showers!!! Not to mention everything else you need is within walking distance in downtown Encinitas! Parking isn't too bad, if you're a tourist then plan on getting here early. There is a parking lot just for the beach, but during the summer it fills up fast. Street parking becomes limited and competitive during the sunny, San Diego days, so unless you're a local, come early!
Everyone is nice and beautiful, obviously, its Encinitas!!!
If you have a family this is your beach!Listed in: Sober people can have fun…
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Review from Vanessa C.
Las Vegas, NV
7/25/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Moonlight beach is a great family beach! There is plenty of parking on the side streets. They have a concession stand for snacks and drinks and a lifeguard stand front and center.
moonlight beach also has a small park for the kids to blow of some steam. Right up the street there is a great little organic coffee shop called the Lofty Bean that is perfect to hit after your beach run or play time with the kids. -
Review from Andrew F.
Escondido, CA
6/22/2011 3 Check-ins Here
This is my favorite beach. Period.
Quintessential beach experience (I was midway through typing that when I saw Erika's review. This beach has it all). There is a large parking lot at the top of the hill, but on crowded days you will have to hunt for street parking. There are fire pits, volleyball courts, a concession stand, and plenty of room for frisbee. It's a family friendly beach, complete with playground for children. If you're a little older, you only have to go a short distance south and you will be away from the tikes.
I can't say enough good things about this beach. It has provided me with great memories including bonfires and moonlit swims. -
Review from Erika E.
5/8/2011
Open swaths of beach and a bevy of beach blanket bingo.
Quintessential beach experience.
Food, bathroom, showers, volleyball and a playground - perfect day. -
Review from Maria C.
I've been to this beach several times over the years. I decided to come here to check out the area for a run. During downtime, there is ample parking with a couple lots in the area and ample street parking.
I typically go to the beach right after work to ensure a sunset run. The sunset didn't disappoint, but the beach was a bit on the dreary side. There were a lot of seaweed and kelp on the beach, which created hesitation for my run.
I'll return soon when the weather is warmer to actually do a beach run. Until then, the beach needs a bit of a clean up before I head back. -
Review from Spencer C.
Carlsbad, CA
12/14/2011
Great beach and all, but in the summer time it is way too crowded, especially with tourists, which I wouldn't mind but they all dress like they are in Hawaii and it weirds me out.
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Review from Baxter C.
Carlsbad, CA
9/30/2011
This is just about as good as it gets... kids play ground, bathrooms, showers, nice beach break, volley ball, snack shack (not really sure of the hours there... it seems closed more than it is open). Lots of great sand to dig in and the parking is pretty good.
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Review from Sharon V.
11/30/2010 101 Check-ins Here
How can you not love Moonlight Beach? It's clean, safe, pretty large in size to accommodate families, surfers, swimmers and other beach goers and not to mention...it's beautiful.
It gets really crowded during the summer months but I've been appreciating just as much the last few months with the cooler weather and there are far less crowds. I'm not one to lay out and soak up the sun nor am I one who can stay still for long but I love coming here to swim, BBQ with friends and family or have a sunset dinner with the hubby. We love packing a picnic and enjoying a sunset dinner on the beach. Most of the families have packed up by then so this is my most favorite time to come. I'd recommend it!
This is also a great meeting spots to go for runs or rides with friends. It's usually where you can find me on the weekend meeting up with friends for a long ride. During the summer months, there's nothing better than going for a long ride, followed by a quick run and a dip in the ocean. That is heaven!
Parking can be tough during the summer months but this time of the year, it's not a problem. I hope you enjoy this beauty as much as I do. Just remember to leave with everything you came with to protect our coastline and keep our beaches clean. = )Listed in: Staying Active
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Review from Sarah E.
8/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love going to the beach and this beach is pretty nice. I will admit that parking can be a bit tricky and it's hit or miss if you get a good spot, but at least it's free! This place is usually crowded everyday of the week, but you can always find a spot. This is my fav beach in Encinitas!
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Review from Jonathan W.
2/13/2011
You have a lots of choices of beaches in this area, la jolla shores, solana, but moonlight ranks up there.
Decent sands with some beach volleyball courts and fire pits seem very popular. Well kept and groomed sands with the occasional wildlife roaming, this would be a great place to BBQ and hang. -
Review from Mike S.
Oceanside, CA
11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
seriously something is really wrong with you and you should get some professional help if you give this place less then 5 stars, you will never be happy with anything with that attitude, good luck
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Review from Grace B.
Oceanside, CA
5/19/2011
I like this place in the winter or early spring when it isn't packed with so many people. Despite my preferences, this place is a great place to go to. Like La Jolla, it has the same pristine cliffs that make this place seem secluded but is actually quite accessible. It has a long stretch of beach- perfect for prolonged walks with friends or a significant other. I like that the water is calm and the water gradually gets deeper making it a good place for people to go in the water. It has all of the amenities for a fun day/night: bonfire pits, volleyball courts, showers, a nearby playground, and bathrooms.
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Review from Maureen C.
San Diego, CA
7/7/2010
I LOVE SD!
I was just about to give it a 4-star, but realized I was being influenced by June-gloom, and Moonlight beach itself deserves the 5-star rating.
Great expanse of good sand, much less seaweed pollution that you can find elsewhere along the SD coast, great combo of park and beach (so if you have little kiddies that prefer grass, or too young yet to send out into the water, you have the option of a small playground), and is clean.
Parking is a you-know-what, but at least it's free! Our group all surfed, and the surf was great here that day.
BBQs are 1st come, 1st serve, but are a fun way to spend the afternoon or evening.
Enjoy this beautiful place! -
Review from Heide J.
San Diego, CA
8/8/2011
One of my new favorite beaches. Parking wasn't a nightmare like some beaches here in San Diego. The beach is small but stretches down the cliff for a bit. Very tropical feel to this beach and the water wasn't too bad. All kinds of people here too from families to just random individuals. Love to people watch. Look for the girl with binoculars and the blue beach chair. The more the merrier is my opinion. if you've never been, its worth the 20min drive out of San Diego proper up to Encinitas.
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Review from Bryan T.
Escondido, CA
7/30/2011
It doesn't get any better. Parking either at its lot on the hill with a magnificent view, or on the local streets, bathrooms, showers, summer Sunday free concerts, great surf, concessions stand, tables, fire pits. My favorite so cal beach.
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Review from Christine D.
Escondido, CA
6/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love most beaches here in SD & Moonlight Beach is no exception. Its really easy to find parking here since they have a couple of parking lots right next to the shore. There's a couple of local restaurants and shops all within walking distance of the beach so after a swim or maybe before you can walk around & see what Encinitas has to offer.
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Review from Prakash G.
San Diego, CA
10/10/2010 57 Check-ins Here
What is not to love about Moon light Beach, it is very well maintained, it is a beach, with lots of Fire pits for Bonfire, Volley ball grounds, kids playground, a food stand and plenty of parking.
It is a great place to spend on the beach with family, kids, friends or even just by yourself. -
Review from Brian R.
San Diego, CA
7/15/2009 ROTD 1/9/2010
"Hey, come with me to the beach!"
Yeah, that sounds harmless enough. Sure, I'll get my shit together and drive up to Encinitas. no worries. I have a small crush on you so why wouldn't I drive 20 or some odd miles outta my way to see you in a bikini!?
Well I wouldn't if I knew it was gonna be myself, you and your ex boyfriend. That's so awesom and completely not awkward for me...
The fact that this beach is amazing just saved your ass. They have a lot for parking but I was able to find a spot under a tree just two blocks away. The actual beach was awesome and I'd seriously drive up there again sans the stupid girl and her stupid ex boyfriend. I mean why not, there was plenty of good looking girls there and who knows...I might get me a date. Yeah a date with a girl that wants to date just me...not me and her ex boyfriend.
I say if you live in north county or even if you don't...scope this beach out...Listed in: My ROTD..
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Review from Kevin D.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
6/28/2011
I always recommend this beach to Snow Birds with kids. It's a family beach so kids can find friends to play with. I don't know anything about the snack stand, but I'm sure it's convenient, once again for kids. As is the toilet and changing facilities. You can stroll three miles north or 2 1/2 miles south. Moonlight Beach is a jewel!
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Review from Jay D.
Updated - 2/7/2009
RAWEARARAWRAR
I'd slap this beach's bum every day.
It's that hot.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/12/2008
It's a fun beach with a little bit of everything for everybody: a playground, fire pits, a little… Read more »
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Review from Ryan H.
Encinitas, CA
8/5/2011 1 photo
I LOVE ENC !! FROM Ryan Hutchins ! My E-mail is ryanhutchins74@yahoo.com Love to her from you ! Have a Lovely TGIF,And Sat,& Sunday.!!.
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Review from Richard T.
Carlsbad, CA
7/28/2008 2 Check-ins Here
FIVE Solid Stars for the Lifeguards and fellow surfers here, in addition to it being a rocking beach for running, picnics, and some of the best/cleanest beach volleyball lots in North County.
Last weekend one of my surfing buds was hit by a stingray deep in his right ankle and it turns out that he is really allergic to the venom. Boy, you should have heard him scream, in and out of the water! The Moonlight Beach Head Lifeguard and ALL of his staff were awesomely professional and gave some of the finest emergency care. They deserve major recognition for superior excellence in helping people!
Major kudos also to the other surfers who kept watch over our boards and backpacks on the beach while we spent 90+ minutes at the lifeguard station.
While the surf can be hit or miss here,it's good to know that you are in safe hands with the solid H2O safety professionals at Moonlight Beach! Shuffle,shuffle, shuffle those feet people!Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Donna Y.
San Jose, CA
6/7/2009
Who wants a home near or on the beach? I do! I do!
I love the beach, it makes me feel so carefree and all the stress, worries, and drama just melt away.
This is one of the nicest beaches I been too. It was a great day to go, not to hot but the sun was out and nice breeze. This beach was nice since its rare to see the whole coastline of the beach. You can see down the coast to Carlsbad.
Great place to walk, workout, or just lay out and get some sun. Great place to people watch or just watch the surfers. The beach is so relaxing and the waves today look greenish-blue. They have bluffs on the beach too. They are hills on the beach that have running water off them. I don't know where the water comes from but its cool and has made all the rocks different colors and neat since I have never seen that before. I think its more of a local beach and everyone in the area just goes to hang out or chill.
Would love to come back and enjoy a picnic on the beach. Plus enjoy a day at the beach. -
Review from Nick T.
San Diego, CA
1/4/2009
Awesome view. I went this morning and hung out for awhile.
Bunch of volleyball players, joggers and surfers out and about.
I need to get my lazy ass in the water and learn how to surf. -
Review from Brooke R.
Bay Area, CA
5/30/2007
Always fun. They have a divide so the the swimmers don't bother the surfers, and vice versa. If you park in the parking lot you have to walk down a hill to get to the ocean, but you can park on the street on the other side of the beach if you'd rather not walk.
Summer = tourists. The beach is big though so even though there are millions of people there, you have your space.
The beach is always kept clean and there isn't kelp or seaweed floating around in the water to strangle you and make you drown. Good beach with showers and bathrooms. -
Review from Andy C.
Carlsbad, CA
Updated - 3/25/2008 1 Check-in Here
Moonlight beach is an awesome beach!!
They have a lovely area and such a wonderful clifftop view if you don't want to get into the sand. I love coming to the beach every single summer to just meet up with my friends and met new people and have a nice little chat with people in the area.
In the summer, the children can go and play at the playground area that they have set up on the side. There are private bathrooms and family bathrooms there. They also even have a little snack shack on the beach. There's a lifeguard tower so closer there, and the lifeguards are so friends to help you out in any situation.
I went one summer, my friend and I got dragged out in a rip tide. The lifeguards were right there helping the both of us out at one time, and I am always so grateful for them being there. Also, one summer my friend was out surfing and cut her leg out in the ocean, and we went up to the lifeguard tower and they cleaned off my friends leg and bandaged it.
The beach also has separated areas for surfing and swimming.Listed in: Parks, Schools, and etc.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/15/2008
This is a wonderful and totally beautiful beach!!!
There is a divider for the surfers and the… Read more »
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Review from bob p.
San Diego, CA
5/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
i love this place it is so great to go to enjoy our fantastic ocean. I was there for a fox 5 live morning news broadcast so it was festive at the time but im sure it can be anytime i will go there again and again and it great for familys as they have a playground etc
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Review from Devin W.
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
9/16/2008
I love moonlight, it's one of the best beaches in San Diego. You don't get all the surfer "brahs" you get slightly down south and the water is cleaner up here.
Walk up past the beach and enjoy a quiet stroll along the cliffside. Overall this beach is all that and a bag of chips. Don't bring Grandma though unless she can make it up the hill!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Brent S.
Encinitas, CA
4/26/2011
Been coming to Moonlight since I was a kid in the late '80's. Nothing but love and great memories. Glad to be back.
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Review from Andy U.
4/21/2008 1 photo
Moonlight Beach
Beautiful name for a beach in my opinion. I never really ventured into Encinitas before. I also know it for it's reputation for a quiet beach town, away from the hustle and bustle one would think at places like Mission Beach, PB, or even La Jolla Shores. Parking didn't seem that hard. We were able to find a good spot right away. It was so so weather that day. I didn't venture out as the waves were pretty flat. Later in the evening it picked up a bit, but not enough for me to venture in my rashguard and board shorts.
The drinking ban on most city beaches was expected. My impression was that it didn't apply to county beaches as well, but I guess I was wrong. However there are other ways to drink on the beach w/out making it known. I'll leave that up to your discretion.
Pros: chill atmosphere, good place for a late night with the significant other. Volleyball courts set up already for you.
Cons: I didn't like how the firepits were too close together. A little more spacing in between would have been nicer. Didn't see much of any nearby bars.
Overall: Quiet/chill atmosphere. At least the weekend I went. No drama as you can possibly expected at Mission Beach or PB. Good place to take the family. -
Review from Gail P.
San Diego, CA
2/20/2010
Did a BIG Surfrider beach clean-up here and was impressed with the nice people and great beach. It reminded me of the neighborhood beaches in Hawaii and the water was just as equally beautifully blue.
Not impressed with the nasty bathrooms. They seemed grimy and no light switches once you lock the door behind you. Now I know these are "public restrooms" but I have been totally spoiled by the plush potties at La Jolla Shores or even the rebuilt ones in Mission Beach. Encinitas needs to raise some taxes and get those substandard toilets up to par.
Like that there was a snack shack that opened up and had a variety of drinks and goodies. Lots of the parents took their kids over and got them a drink-I have never seen a food vendor right up on the beach like that before, except for Venice Beach. I walked around a little bit and checked Moonlight Beach out and want to come back in the summer and give the water a whirl.
Moonlight Beach surely has that mellow North County vibe and the lifeguards ride around in cool golf carts that look like fun. This looks like a way too knarly hang to NOT hang out at! -
Review from Mark A.
Encinitas, CA
7/19/2009
The Ultimate California Beach.
There really is no other beach in all of San Diego that offers such diversity of activities and facilities. It is also just plain one of the nicest beaches in California, with its natural beauty, cleanliness, and fun/family oriented people. One can enjoy being in the middle of a crowd or simply walk a block or so and enjoy solitude as well. I cannot find anything the least bit negative to write about this beach, and I am very happy to be able to walk there in a just a few steps...not that I need to, there is usually plenty of parking in the lot or on the busiest of days on the surrounding streets.
Yep, surely a solid five stars, or as Yelp puts it, "Woohoo! As good as it gets!"
