Spending time on a beautiful beach with palm trees makes everyone feel like they are on a tropical vacation. It’s hard to believe that a place like this is located close to Encinitas. Moonlight State Beach is a hidden gem located just west of the San Diego Freeway, near Moonlight Lane and Avenue B.

Moonlight State Beach is the perfect location for families to spend a day or a weekend. The beach is not only clean, but there are concessions, restrooms and picnic tables nearby. For those who enjoy camping, sites are available on the cliffs, and if you would like to go to the beach, just walk down the stairs to the rock and sand beach. There is a Main Lifeguard Tower that is wheelchair accessible with ramps and adapted surfaces for accessing the beach. And if the beach wasn’t enough, there are also volleyball courts, geocaching, and hiking trails.

If water activities are what you are looking for, Moonlight State Beach also offers fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, and windsurfing. There truly is something for everyone!

“How does it get better? While finding (free) parking can be challenging, combine beautiful sunshine, a lovely long beach, great people watching, many things for the kids to do, surfer watching and good facilities; you have a perfect sunny day.”

“Great beach to spend the day! Bring your beach chairs and umbrellas to sit and watch the waves as people walk by. A children’s playground and a concession cafe with a sitting area were on the beach too. Moonlight Beach was clean and beautiful as we observed walking for a mile. It’s a beach for the entire family to enjoy.”

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 “Best Beach” rankings lists.

Being at the beach and enjoying all the amenities can be a much-needed break from everyday life. Be careful not to lose your footing while roaming, but if an injury does occur, one of Encinitas best chiropractic offices, Innate Health and Healing, is located less than a mile away east of the beach.

Driving directions:

1. Leaving 400 B St, head northeast on B St toward 4th St
2. Continue onto Encinitas Blvd
3. Turn left onto Saxony Rd
4. Turn right onto Sunny Dr
5. Arrive at 169 Saxony Rd #105

If you prefer a quieter place than the beach, with the ability to roam through cooler temperatures inside, the Encinitas Public Library is just half a mile away via Vulcan Avenue. Bring your kids to the library to explore different worlds and make new friends. Perhaps learn a new hobby or explore new languages.

If you prefer a more structured athletic adventure, the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course, with its award winning layout, is located nearby. Surrounded by picturesque scenery, the course is loved by everyone, from beginners through to professionals.