Dockya

South Carlsbad State Beach

Beach·Carlsbad·San Diego Bay·No reviews yet
Location
Carlsbad Blvd, 3 mi south of Carlsbad
Park closed
11 p.m.–6 a.m.
South Ponto
Sunset–7 a.m. closed
North Ponto
10 p.m.–7 a.m. closed
South Carlsbad State Beach
1 / 2
  • Kayak & SUP
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Camping
  • Accessible
  • Restrooms

About this beach

South Carlsbad State Beach is about 3 miles south of Carlsbad on Carlsbad Boulevard. Its bluff-top campground looks over the ocean, with four sets of stairways down to the beach. The park also has the South Ponto and North Ponto day-use areas.

On the beach

People come for swimming, surfing, skin diving and fishing. Kayaks and other hand-powered craft are allowed except where surfing is closed, but other boats can't be launched or beached. South Ponto has the easiest beach access, with an accessible route and a beach wheelchair.

Hours

The park is closed 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. South Ponto closes at sunset and North Ponto at 10 p.m.; both reopen at 7 a.m.

Rules

Fires are allowed only in the state's fire pits (self-standing propane burners are OK on the beach). Alcohol is allowed only at campsites, and glass isn't allowed outside the campground. Stay off the bluffs and keep gear at least 10 feet from the edge. Drones need a permit.

Getting there & access

Getting there

The park is along Carlsbad Boulevard about 3 miles south of central Carlsbad. The campground and the South Ponto and North Ponto day-use lots are all off the boulevard.

Down to the sand

Four sets of stairways run from the campground to the beach. The ramp between sites 179 and 180 isn't recommended because of erosion.

Day-use lots

Vehicles over 25 feet long or 9 feet wide aren't allowed in the South and North Ponto lots.

Camping
Bluff-top campground
Phone
(760) 438-3143

What's here

  • Camping

    Bluff-top campground, some hook-up sites

  • Swimming

    Swimming, surfing and skin diving

  • Fishing

    Surf fishing from the beach

  • Kayaking

    Hand-powered craft allowed except in no-surfing zones

  • Restrooms

    Campground restrooms with token showers for campers; South Ponto restroom and rinse shower

  • Accessible

    Beach wheelchair and accessible route at South Ponto

Rules & official resources

  • Fires only in state-provided fire pits; self-standing propane or butane burners allowed on the beachparks.ca.gov ↗
  • Glass containers prohibited outside the campground; alcohol only at designated campsitesparks.ca.gov ↗
  • Stay off the bluffs and set up at least 10 feet from the edgeparks.ca.gov ↗
  • Boats may not be launched, beached or anchored; kayaks and other hand-powered craft allowed except where surfing is prohibitedparks.ca.gov ↗
  • Drones prohibited without a permit; remote-control gliders allowed at Dave's Beach near Palomar Airport Roadparks.ca.gov ↗

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Questions boaters ask

The park is closed 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. South Ponto closes at sunset and North Ponto at 10 p.m., both reopening at 7 a.m.

Use one of the four stairways at the north and south ends. The ramp between sites 179 and 180 isn't recommended because of erosion.

Only in the state's fire pits. Self-standing propane burners are allowed on the beach.

Yes, hand-powered craft are allowed except where surfing is closed.
Sources: parks.ca.gov · parks.ca.gov · Last checked Oct 26, 2026 ·

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