Beaches & Sights
Moonlight Beach
Moonlight Beach at the heart of Encinitas is the place to be. It is one of San Diego’s best beaches. Moonlight has it all; easy access, sandy beach, surf, volleyball courts, lifeguards, toddler and child play area, snack bar, fire pits, restrooms, and showers. To get there just take I-5 to Encinitas Blvd and head west. There’s a large parking lot above the beach. Typically during the summer there will be concerts and live music on Sundays. It is also a popular place for parties, events, and barbeques. Dolphins are usually a common sitting.
Like long walks on the beach? The stroll from Moonlight Beach south to Swamis is superb. It’s approximately 1 mile from Moonlight to Swamis, but no need to stop there; you can continue all the way to Cardiff By-the-Sea. The walk is along the dramatic bluffs, it offers astounding views of the coastal landscape, ocean, and sea life. It can be difficult during especially high tides, so try to plan it during normal or low tides. For safety reasons it is good to avoid walking directly under or near the bluffs as occasionally there may be unexpected landslides.
Swamis
World renowned as a great surfing spot, Swami’s is a an amazing place to catch a wave or to watch the surf. It is just south of Moonlight Beach. Sitting below the Self-Realization Fellowship, Swamis got it’s name from Swami Paramahansa Yogananda. The grounds at the Self-Realization Fellowship is in itself a sight to see. A top the bluffs in the parking lot of Swamis is a great view of the ocean, coastline and surf. You can watch some of Southern California’s best surfers strut there stuff on this reef break known for its long clean right breaks. Down a long flight of stairs gets you access to the beach. Paddle out for a wave, soak up some rays, or stroll to the right and explore the tide pools (best at low tide). The tide pools are a great for kids, try to find a sea anemone.
Cardiff By-The-Sea
South of Swamis, around Manchester street is Cardiff By-The-Sea, an offshoot of Encinitas. Bring out your longboard, and catch a classic reef break wave, or relax and fill your tummy at one of Cardiff’s great restaurants right on the ocean with amazing views.
Beacons & GrandView
North of Moonlight Beach are the hidden gems of Beacon’s and Grandview Beach. Lying below Neptune street, these beaches offer access to great surf spots and more secluded beaches. To get to Beacons from the I-5 take Leaucadia Blvd west until Neptune street. If you continue down North on Neptune, it dead ends at GrandView. Both beaches have a parking lot as well as a path / stairs down to the beach. The walk from Beacon’s to Moonlight Beach is another great stroll on the beach. It is especially fun to see all the oceanfront homes along the bluffs.