Moonlight State Beach

Moonlight is downtown Encinitas's main beach, at the foot of B Street, with a lifeguard stand staffed year-round and a large lot right behind the sand. Swimming and bodysurfing are allowed only in designated areas, so check in with the guards before you head out. After significant rain, give it three days, since bacteria levels rise near creek and storm drain outlets.

Directions

Photo: Invertzoo · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Latest reading · SwimScore 78/100 (Good swim) for a typical swimmer: air 23°C, wind 16 km/h, waves 0.9 m, UV 8. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Getting in: Exit I-5 at Encinitas Boulevard and head west; it becomes B Street after Coast Highway and leads directly to the beach lot. The state beach is operated by the City of Encinitas and does not accept the State Parks annual day-use pass.
Parking & transport: Large dedicated lot at the end of B Street.
Lifeguards: The Moonlight Beach lifeguard stand is staffed year-round; seasonal guards cover other Encinitas beaches in spring and summer.
Water quality: San Diego County DEH Beach and Bay Water Quality Monitoring Program tests for fecal indicator bacteria (same-day ddPCR method since 2022) and posts advisories and closures. County health officials advise avoiding ocean contact for 3 days after significant rain, especially near creeks and storm drains.
Season: Year-round.
Who swims here: Junior Lifeguard programs are run at Moonlight Beach, which the City of Encinitas operates.
Watch for: Swimming and bodysurfing only in designated areas
Elevated bacteria for up to 3 days after heavy rain
Facilities: Restrooms and showers · Snack bar and equipment rentals · Playground · Volleyball and tennis courts · Fire pits