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    Moonlight Beach Overlook

    4.5 (26 reviews)

    Moonlight Beach Overlook Photos

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    Mel M.

    Off to the side above the beach there's this nice little lookout to catch the sunrise or sunset. Cool spot to watch surfers. Benches to check your social media and listen to the ocean. Get some meditation in. It's a quieter spot to hangout at the beach without having to walk down a hill or get sandy. Mel M Yelp 17:74

    Well Kept Benches and View
    Jack M.

    This is a cute little over look right above and on the south side of Moonlight Beach. There is a small little grass area for picnics or activities such as the yoga class that was going on when I visited. There are several well kept wooden and concrete benches that face predominantly west for beach, ocean, and viewing that fantastic San Diego sunset. Land escaping is maintained and clean. I can see how this little gem is many North County's residents to come and enjoy the view, and it would not be to bad of a place for a proposal. The immediate parking is limited, but I am always able to find parking up the street into the neighborhood. Anyways, next time you are in the area, and want to relax and enjoy the view, check this overlook out.

    Flock of seagulls
    Maria C.

    Not a bad spot to check out the sunset on an evening visit. This outlook is nicely maintained, small and quaint. There are a couple benches for you to soak in the sun or sit with special someone. There is a small parking lot that sits on the bottom of the outlook with about 10 spaces. Otherwise, there is a parking lot across the street and ample street parking within a block or 2 distance. Just watch out for the "flock of seagulls"...

    Toni A.

    GORGEOUS GORGEOUS GORGEOUS!!! I've been to this spot a few times before sunrise!! YES, around 6:15am. I don't have to tell you it's super chilly and a bit spooky seeing as how the open water is dark and beach area isn't lit BUT as soon as a bit of light starts to peak from behind illuminating the sky, its magic! Most people use this overlook to park and nap...but I had to get out and take in all the splendor! You'll often see groups of workout buddies, runners and yogis and occasional meditators along the beach too. I mean, it is ENCINITAS! :)

    A spectacular fall sunset in Encinitas
    Vicki C.

    This perch sits just on the south end of Moonlight beach. You can take a couple of steps up to an alternate reality where benches, and green grass grows right above the magical beach beneath it. This little park is adorned with decorations etched into the cement and tile mosaics decorating the waste bin. You can catch a breathtaking fall sunset, watch the surfers, bikinis or speedos and of course the kids. Access can be tricky from a car, especially in the summer or during a spell of gorgeous weather. I recommend riding a bike or walking in to get the moonlight experience all day, every day.

    Overlook entrance
    Matthew Y.

    A lovely addition to Moonlight Beach. It's a simple overlook, but includes a nice elevated view over the beach, beach-goers and oceanside. Located right across Moonlight Beach entrance and free parking, it's definitely worth a quick stop. Bring a blanket for the small grassy area, along with some drinks and food for a picnic. The main beach facilities make this an easy stop with available food and parking.

    Sunset
    Marlane R.

    Maybe it's because of nestalgia, but this is one of my favorite beach spots in North Country of San Diego! No, its because it's awesome and has a calm, peaceful beauty that can't be beat. I love to pick up Raul's Shack amazing chicken soup and drive here and park and eat it on the benches over looking paradise on earth! I saw whales or dolphins splashing yesterday, pure free magic! There's fire pits and the best children's play park! Nice clean bathrooms and usually hot life guards on duty! Love, love, love you Moonlight Beach! I remember watching a Lunar Eclipse from your cliffs 10 yrs ago. And 16 yrs ago playing chase with my 6 fingers black cat around your canary palm, before you were all development and still wild and raw!

    Vincent C.

    A small but wonderful spot to relax with a great view. It's basically a very small park with a few benches and one table. There's a small grass area that would be a nice place to lay down a blanket and have a picnic. I usually come here with some snacks and enjoy the view. Not too many people are here which is a good thing only because it is so small.

    Julie G.

    This is a sweet little overlook where locals and visitors frequent to relax, read a book, write a poem, picnic, surfer watch or simply check out the scenery. A nice place to tie the knot but small so only immediate family and friends like maybe 10 max. Only one handicap parking spot so park on C street or the lot at the top of Moonlight Beach.

    Jodi C.

    Perfect spot to enjoy the view either for a picnic or just for a few minutes before continuing your day. When time allows, it's a great spot to head off to enjoy the beach as well.

    Bridgette B.

    We love it here. Love the recent renovations to this beach area. They do run out of TP from time to time. So best to bring your own just in case. The lookout or outlook spots are really cool too. Haven't had a chance to try the concession stand yet. But will one day! Nice to have that as an option. Lots of cool stuf here that includes a Playground, volleyball area, fire pits and bench style tables near by. Nice & large parking lot too!

    California at her best!

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    10 months ago

    Favorite over look and would always bring a burrito here to hangout at. I recommend going with friends and having a picnic

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    Ask the Community - Moonlight Beach Overlook

    Review Highlights - Moonlight Beach Overlook

    Love the recent renovations to this beach area.

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    Swami's Beach - Xcorps Films Presents a documusical film called - Swamis Vibe.
 Buy Tickets link:
 http://www.swamisvibe.com/

    Swami's Beach

    4.6(95 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    I don't know what it took me years if not decades to review this fabulous surfers beach. Well, not…read moreonly surfers can enjoy it but you will need energy to go up and down the long stairs and compete for space with the surfers and their boards. The feeling of being in a exotic location is overwhelmingly beautiful. Total vacation vibes, a place of peace and joy. I went there after a long time a couple days ago on my way to interpret in the area and stopped for a picnic at the little park before you get to the stairs. All very clean and perfect even if small. Restrooms, grass stra, picnic tables, perfect trees and plants, benches. Just a few parking spots which means most probably you have to park nearby and walk. The vistas from above the beach are spectacular. The sand is warm and thin, perfect for long walks or taking a quick nap.

    Favorite beach! Even if you get farther parking you can walk on the beach to get to the main stairs…read morecase area or you can walk the trail which are both really good views A great spot for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, reading, jogging etc Love to come here all day to tan, eat some sandwiches and enjoy the cali sun!

    Photos
    Swami's Beach - Xcorps Films Presents a documusical film called - Swamis Vibe.
 Buy Tickets link:
 http://www.swamisvibe.com/

    Xcorps Films Presents a documusical film called - Swamis Vibe. Buy Tickets link: http://www.swamisvibe.com/

    Swami's Beach - The Swamis Vibe Film series - Sky lit scenes and dramatic sunsets from Swamis Reef Surf Park Encinitas California.

    The Swamis Vibe Film series - Sky lit scenes and dramatic sunsets from Swamis Reef Surf Park Encinitas California.

    Swami's Beach - Panorama 180 shot at the Swamis Surf Park overlook Encinitas California.

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    Panorama 180 shot at the Swamis Surf Park overlook Encinitas California.

    Grandview Beach - Look at all the rocks

    Grandview Beach

    4.4(47 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    The Grandview stairs are unfortunately closed through May 2026…read more Posted info states: CONSTRUCTION ALERT GRANDVIEW BEACH STAIRCASE RESTORATION AND CLOSURE CLOSURE DATE: February 3rd 2026 ESTIMATED REOPENING DATE: May 25th 2026 (Memorial Day) Beach access via the staircase will be closed during this time. The majority of the parking lot will be closed 24/7 to vehicles during this time. Grandview Beach will remain open and is accessible via South Ponto Beach from the north and Beacons Beach from the south. Thank you for your cooperation and patience during the project. We apologize for any inconvenience. City Contact: Braden DeWhite Engineer - I CIP 760-943-2245 bdewhite@encinitasca.gov Contractor: HSCC 619-333-1076 NOTICE GRANDVIEW BEACH ocorporated 199% STAIRCASE CLOSED STAIRCASE IS CLOSED DUE TO CONSTRUCTION. DANGEROUS CONDITIONS AT HIGH TIDE. USE ALTERNATE ROUTES FOR BEACH ACCESS. CLOSURE DATE: February 3rd 2026 ESTIMATED REOPENING DATE: May 25th 2026 (Memorial Day)

    This is definitely just a beach I come to just to watch my friend surf, it isn't a great one for…read moreswimming because of rocks and reef. Stay away from the bluff because they do occasionally collapse and people have passed unfortunately RIP to them and condolences always to their families. Beautiful spot to just sit have a picnic and watch some surfers. Parking isn't awful but it's not amazing either so if it's a busy beach day and you see street parking take it and just walk. No bathrooms

    Photos
    Grandview Beach - Happy Monday and happy January!

    Happy Monday and happy January!

    Grandview Beach - Surfers off to surf!

    Surfers off to surf!

    Grandview Beach - October 2023

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    October 2023

    Pipes Beach - Low Tide reveals an ancient fossilized reef  - Happy New Years Day at Pipes 2025

    Pipes Beach

    4.8(6 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    Gorgeous beach! So many good surfers to watch and it's kept clean. An amazing local find.0read more

    "Out of water, I am nothing..." - Duke Kahanamoku…read more Duke's quote also explains why, at any given time, there are so many people in the awesome line-up at Pipes Beach. Whether you surf, run, bike, or just want a chillaxin stroll or picnic along the sand, this place ROCKS and was one of the first places I began surfing regularly since moving to N. County from UTC almost a decade ago. Before moving, I asked a few of my bros where to surf up there and they were all like, "Pipes, Pipes, Pipes..." and I was all like "Bong?" j/k The bluff above the beach sports a paved trail along Hwy 101 where you can run or walk from Encinitas to Cardiff and back. There's also a bike lane too! One funny thing about weekend warrior surfers is that many don't want to walk very far to catch a wave. With Pipes all you have to do is park on the spaces to the west side of 101 or along the dirt road to the east of it (make sure you don't block the white lines marking the bike lanes and BE CAREFUL opening you car doors!!!). The beach is about a hundred feet down the steep paved main entry path or you can access it via the wooden steps leading from the San Elijo campgrounds. If you like a reef break, head south along the beach towards Cardiff while north you'll find solid beach and combo breaks. There's tons of fun-in-the-sun stuff to do on the beach but be careful about leaving your unattended picnic baskets out, otherwise the squirrels and seagulls will go to town! I once had a squirrel chew through my entire backpack looking for the bag of peanuts I left inside! The only restrooms to be had are also on top of the hill and they keep the showers very well maintained. When the surf cooks the line-up here gets packed but you can almost always find a pocket somewhere to catch a wave. Just don't turn all aggro on your fellow surfers since no one owns the ocean, okay? Just think about what Duke would do!!!

    Photos
    Pipes Beach - Hydroshort like magic at Pipes

    Hydroshort like magic at Pipes

    Pipes Beach - Pipes.. love this spot.. one of the first spots I learned to surf .,, glory days 1970's, still surfing it‍

    Pipes.. love this spot.. one of the first spots I learned to surf .,, glory days 1970's, still surfing it‍

    Pipes Beach - It's been awhile I came here

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    It's been awhile I came here

    South Carlsbad State Beach - Ice cream from our fellow campers.  Perfect for the hot weather we've been experiencing!

    South Carlsbad State Beach

    4.2(380 reviews)
    3.9 mi

    Camping at Carlsbad State Beach is unmatched…read more This campsite offers the best of both worlds: city life + beach life. It sits right on the ocean bluff with two sides, bluff-side (oceanfront) and streetside. Obviously bluff-side is preferred, but staying on the streetside is still a treat. A few things I love about this camping experience: - They allow all forms of camping. Tent, RV, van, etc. - The site has clean bathrooms and warm showers. Just be sure to purchase tokens at the front for the shower. - Dog friendly! You can bring your pet along but they must be on leash and aren't allowed on the beach. - Carlsbad has the most captivating sunsets, and if you're lucky, you'll even see a few dolphins. Truly the most memorable 32nd birthday activity with all my favorite people.

    Such a cool spot to beach camp. Also, live music, a store, a pizza and wing spot, and decent shower…read moreand bathroom for a state beach. It's a great place to catch the sunset on a Friday evening. We were lucky to book a bon fire pit near the music and lots of bench seating for the show. It does get crowded so glad we had our own space. The camp sites are pretty big also, fitting large RV's, two cars, and comes with an outdoor table. If parking off-site (like we did since we were just there for the evening), be sure to walk back to the main entrance to exit if later at night as the side entrances are locked at sunset. Great selection of beers, wines, pizzas, wings, and even some Mac & cheese bites.

    Photos
    South Carlsbad State Beach - ROTTEN FENCE

    ROTTEN FENCE

    South Carlsbad State Beach - Carlsbad SP Premium site.

    Carlsbad SP Premium site.

    South Carlsbad State Beach

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    Moonlight Beach Overlook - parks - Updated May 2026

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