GRANDVIEW

Grandview Beach is a narrow beach below high bluffs and is technically "North Leucadia State Beach." At high tide there isn’t much beach exposed, but otherwise this beach is excellent for walking, sunbathing, or just lounging around. Grandview can be accessed by descending a long wooden staircase or you can walk along the beach for about a half mile to the north from Ponto State Beach in Carlsbad

BEACONS

Beacon’s Beach is technically “South Leucadia State Beach” because it is the southern beach access of this state park, but this beach has been called Beacon’s for years. The beach here is tucked below the bluff and access to the beach is by way of a narrow trail with three switchbacks that descends the bluff face to access the beach. This is a great beach for walking, sunbathing, or playing, but at high tide the beach becomes quite narrow.

MOONLIGHT STATE BEACH

Moonlight State Beach is the main central beach in Encinitas. This beach has a grass park with a kids play area, three sand volleyball courts, and a large family-friendly beach. This beach is very popular and due to its proximity to downtown Encinitas it can become crowded very quickly. This beach is great for large gatherings, sunbathing, beach sports, and because it has full facilities you can plan to spend the entire day here.

SWAMI’S BEACH

Swami’s Beach is a famous surfing spot at the south end of Encinitas. When the tide isn’t too high, you can walk south for quite a distance but there may not be an opportunity to walk to far north. There is a long stairway that descends the steep bluff from the parking lot to the beach. These beach is a great place to watch surfers, explore tide pools which can be found during low tide, and watching sunsets.

SAN ELIJO STATE BEACH

San Elijo State Beach is a long beach state park that has a large campground facility on the bluff overlooking the ocean. Several long stairways and ramps lead from the parking areas and camp spots down to the narrow sandy beach. Swimming here can be dangerous because of the rocky ocean floor and rip currents. Surfers are the biggest users of San Elijo State Beach. During high tide the ocean comes almost all the way to the bluff, while at low tide you may find tide pools, have plenty of room for walking or sunbathing.

CARDIFF STATE BEACH

Cardiff State Beach is another popular surfing spot located south of San Elijo State Beach. The rocky ocean floor creates a nice long wave that surfers can ride. This beach has some rip currents but at low tide is a great place to explore some tide pools and marine life. South of the reef is a nice sandy beach which is great for spending the day