Moonlight State Beach is a local favourite and one of the more family-friendly beaches in the area with its large variety of things to do. The beach gradually slopes downward, making it a safer place for children to swim. Past the swimming area, you can watch surfers and boogie boarders while you relax in the sand.

You can also find a grassy area and playground for children to play in. The beach was named by locals in the 1900s because it was a popular spot for starlight picnics, and it's still a great place to enjoy the evening roasting marshmallows around the provided fire rings.

Moonlight State Beach - one of the highlights of 10 Best Beaches in San Diego (Read all about San Diego here)

Highlights of Moonlight State Beach

Moonlight State Beach offers a snack bar with beach rentals where you can find a wide array of equipment, including chairs and umbrellas as well as surfboards, boogie boards, and wetsuits. If you’ve come to catch some waves, there is a special surf area available just past the swimming zone.

You may also enjoy a friendly game with your group in the California sun at the tennis and volleyball courts. You'll find several picnic tables as well as lush green grass where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy your lunch.

Good to know about Moonlight State Beach

You'll find Moonlight State Beach located at the crossroads of Highway 101 and Encinitas Boulevard. This area is home to Encinitas’s prime shopping and restaurants, so be sure to allow some time to explore the area.

The beach can get quite crowded, so if you're not able to find a spot, you can head south to D Street Beach or north to Stone Steps Beach. There is free parking on the street, but you will have to walk down and back up a steep hill. In the summer, these spots fill up fast, but there is also a paid lot off of C Street.

Moonlight State Beach

Location: 400 B St, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA

Open: Daily from 5 am to 10 pm

Phone: +1 760-633-2740

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

Start planning your trip

Where to stay in San Diego

Lobby
Wyndham Garden San Diego Near SeaWorld
7.2 out of 10, (3655)
The price is AU$257
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
Wyndham Garden San Diego Near SeaWorld
Aerial view
The Dana on Mission Bay
8.8 out of 10, (2976)
The price is AU$315
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
The Dana on Mission Bay
Rooftop terrace
Palihotel San Diego
8.6 out of 10, (1017)
The price is AU$354
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
Palihotel San Diego
Exterior
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
8.2 out of 10, (5538)
The price is AU$276
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Exterior
Bay Club Hotel & Marina
9.0 out of 10, (2349)
The price is AU$212
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
Bay Club Hotel & Marina
Aerial view
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
8.6 out of 10, (1982)
The price is AU$546
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Lobby sitting area
Omni San Diego Hotel
9.0 out of 10, (1759)
The price is AU$393
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
Omni San Diego Hotel
Terrace/patio
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla
8.8 out of 10, (1326)
The price is AU$274
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla
Reception
Kings Inn San Diego
8.8 out of 10, (3097)
The price is AU$314
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
Kings Inn San Diego
Pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, an IHG Hotel
8.4 out of 10, (1214)
The price is AU$291
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, an IHG Hotel

Related stories