Encinitas Forum teamStaff
Where can I access the beach in Encinitas, and where do I park?
Visiting family soon. Which beaches have parking lots or restrooms, and what are the beach rules?
Accepted answer
Encinitas Forum teamStaff
Hours
City beach parking is open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and beach use is 4 a.m. to 2 a.m. Lifeguard towers are staffed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer season, from late June to Labor Day [1].
City beach access points
- Grandview Beach, 1700 Neptune Ave: parking lot with ADA spaces, no restrooms [1]
- Beacon's Beach, 948 Neptune Ave: parking lot with ADA spaces, no restrooms [1]
- Stonesteps Beach, 350 S. El Portal: on-street parking, no restrooms [1]
- Moonlight Beach, 400 B Street: ADA accessible, year-round lifeguards, restrooms, showers, fire rings and a parking lot (ADA spaces along B Street) [1]
- D Street Beach, 450 D Street: on-street parking, no restrooms [1]
- Swami's Beach, 1298 S. Coast Hwy 101: parking lot with ADA spaces, restrooms [1]
Moonlight State Beach is operated by the City of Encinitas [2]. San Elijo State Beach runs along Coast Highway 101 near Cardiff-by-the-Sea and is managed by California State Parks. Its page has camping and reservation details [3].
Rules
No dogs, portable grills, alcohol, smoking or glass on Encinitas beaches [1]. Also: no climbing on bluffs, fires only in the fire rings at Moonlight Beach, no surfing in flagged swimming areas at Moonlight, and no sky lanterns [4]. Surf instruction needs a special permit from Memorial Day to Labor Day [1].
Sources
Sources checked Oct 3, 2026. Rules and hours change, so confirm with the source before you act. This is general information, not legal, medical or financial advice.