The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department is responsible for the maintenance of approximately 45 acres of beaches and the many beach access stairways, viewpoints and beach facilities. Moonlight Beach in Encinitas is one of San Diego County's most popular beach destinations, boasting a beautiful sandy beach, plenty of free parking and state of the art facilities. It's no wonder why Moonlight Beach regularly shows up at the top of the list of "Best Beach" rankings. Another local favorite is Swami's Beach Park, featuring public art, gorgeous views, world class waves and plenty of local lore. Encinitas offers miles of beach to explore, so get out and enjoy!

To report a maintenance problem at one of the City's parks, beaches, or trails, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at (760) 633-2740 or email prca@encinitasca.gov.

Parks, Beaches and Trails Division Core Services:

• Maintain park, beach and trail facilities for the enjoyment of all residents and visitors
• Provide safe and aesthetically pleasing areas for residents' and visitors' play and recreation
• Administer capital improvement projects

General Beach Information

Beach Parking: 5am - 10pm
Beach Use: 4am - 2am
Lifeguard Towers Open: 10am - 6pm during the Summer Season (late June to Labor Day).

Please no dogs, portable grills, alcohol, smoking or glass allowed on Encinitas beaches.

All beaches are available on a first come, first served basis. Special Event and Special Ceremony Permits are available for select locations (see specific site information below). A Special Permit is required for surf instruction from Memorial Day – Labor Day. More information on special permits is available on the Rentals and Reservations webpage. Please call (760) 633-2740 to check for availability.

Our Beaches

Grandview Beach

1700 Neptune Avenue
No Restrooms
Parking Lot (includes ADA spaces)

Beacon's Beach

948 Neptune Avenue
No Restrooms
Parking Lot (includes ADA spaces)

Stonesteps Beach

350 South El Portal
No Restrooms
On-Street Parking

Moonlight Beach

400 B Street
ADA Accessible
Year-Round Lifeguard Services
Picnic Facilities
Restrooms
Showers
Concession (Food, Drink, Rentals) - info at www.Beach-Wolf.com
Fire Rings (not reservable)
Playground
Tennis Court (not reservable)
Volleyball Courts (not reservable)
Parking Lot (includes ADA spaces along B Street)
Special Events permits available for Limited Special Ceremonies and Events

D Street Beach

450 D Street
No Restrooms
On-Street Parking
Special Event permits available for Limited Aquatic Events

Swami's Beach

1298 South Coast Hwy 101
Restrooms
Parking Lot (includes ADA spaces)
Picnic Facilities

Viewpoints

No Beach Access
Hours: 5am - 10pm (unless stated otherwise)

All viewpoints are available on a first come, first served basis. Special Ceremony Permits are available for select locations (see specific site information below). More information on special permits is available on the Special Operations Permits page. Please call (760) 633-2740 to check for availability.

H Street Viewpoint

498 H Street
Picnic Facilities
No Restrooms
On-Street Parking

I Street Viewpoint

498 I Street
Picnic Facilities
No Restrooms
On-Street Parking

J Street Viewpoint

398 J Street
Picnic Facilities
No Restrooms
On-Street Parking
Special Events permits available for Limited Special Ceremonies

Moonlight Beach Overlook

400 Moonlight Lane
Hours: Dawn to dusk (unless permitted event)
ADA Accessible
No Alcohol
Picnic Facilities
No Restrooms
On-Street Parking
Special Events permits available for Limited Special Ceremonies