Moonlight Beach

Moonlight Beach is Encinitas's main family beach, at 400 B Street. It has a playground, picnic areas, volleyball and tennis courts, fire rings and a concession that sells food and drinks and rents beach gear.

Who goes here

Families spend whole days here. Volleyball players use the courts, and surfers and bodyboarders work the waves outside the flagged swimming areas. In the evening, groups gather around the fire rings, which are first-come and can't be reserved.

Lifeguards and hours

The beach has year-round lifeguard coverage, and the towers are staffed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer season. Swimming is permitted from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m. The beach parking lot is open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Rules that catch visitors out

Encinitas beaches don't allow dogs, portable grills, alcohol, smoking or glass. Smoking is also banned on beachfront sidewalks. Fires are allowed only in the fire rings at Moonlight Beach, and sky lanterns are prohibited. Surfing isn't allowed in the flagged swimming areas, and surf instruction needs a City permit from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Accessibility

The City lists Moonlight Beach as ADA accessible, with ADA parking spaces along B Street.