10 Photography Hotspots Along the San Diego Coast
The San Diego coast provides endless opportunities to capture stunning photos. See 10 photography hotspots along the San Diego coast.
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Overall Score: 6.6/10
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Summary
Overall, Moonlight State Beach gets a rating of 6.6/10. The beach is located within a short walking distance of the main stretch of shops and restaurants in Encinitas and there are tons of activities to be enjoyed here. Its enjoyable for families and singles alike whether you're trying to relax or have an active beach day. The beach scored average or higher in all categories, due to endless options of what it has to offer.
Notable Mention
Please note that there are many different areas of the beach and different factors coming into play as some areas will be more crowded than others. Overall, Moonlight State Beach is a very nice area to enjoy a beach day.
Scale
1 - Worst Case Scenario
10 - Best Case Scenario
Continue reading below for an in-depth analysis of Coronado Beach and an understanding of each score. If you have any questions or think something should be added, feel free to comment below or send us a message via chat!
Parking
At Moonlight State Beach, there are multiple parking lots with convenient beach access, as well as a considerable amount of street parking in the area surrounding these parking lots.
On busier days, try to find parking in the nearby residential neighborhoods, as it is still within a short walking distance to the beach. You can try to find street parking on 4th Street, 3rd Street, and 2nd Street, as well as C Street, D Street, E Street, and so on.
On weekdays, parking is generally easy to find, but during the summer, especially on weekends, it can fill up quickly. If you plan to visit during peak times, arriving before 10am is recommended to secure a spot.
Rating = 6/10 - Overall, the parking situation is slightly above average, with plenty of options if you're willing to be flexible or walk slightly further.
Crowds
In the main area closest to the lifeguard station and parking lots, it will be the busiest, however, if you walk slightly further away from these areas in either direction there will be fewer people and it will be less crowded.
Depending on how far you're willing to walk, you can definitely find places of the beach where you'll have solitude. Even entering from different access points such as from D Street Viewpoint can make it easier to avoid crowds.
However, during the week and other non-peak times, this beach really isn't too crowded, similar to most other beaches in San Diego.
Rating = 5/10 - This beach follows a pretty typical and expected pattern in regard to its crowdedness, but if you're willing to walk further away from the main area, you can still find places away from crowds.
Amenities
Moonlight State Beach is packed with amenities, making it a great spot for a busy day at the beach. You’ll find everything from concessions and rentals to a playground, picnic tables, fire pits, and beachfront parking. There are also volleyball nets for some beachside sports, plus plenty of showers and bathrooms to clean up after a swim.
On top of that, the beach is conveniently close to local restaurants and shops, making it easy to grab a bite or explore nearby.
It’s a well-equipped beach, perfect for families and visitors looking for convenience and access to whatever might be needed.
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Rating = 8/10 -There are a ton of amenities available right off the beach and even more available within just a short walk.
Safety
The beach is considered relatively safe, with lifeguards patrolling the area to ensure visitors' well-being. However, as with any natural environment, there are inherent risks, and visitors should exercise caution, especially in highly trafficked areas like the beach and ocean, and a lot of people coming and going from the area.
***Please note that the ocean is unpredictable and there can be strong currents anywhere on the beach at any time. Be sure to take necessary precautions before getting in the water and always ask a lifeguard if it is safe if you are unsure.
Rating = 7/10 - This beach is typically safe, but there can always unforeseen elements when in nature.
Beach Cleanliness
The beach is generally nice, though a lot of rocks can wash up onshore. As with any busy beach, some litter may be left behind, especially since it's such a popular spot.
During high tide, certain areas of the beach can feel smaller, as the water comes up close to the cliffs. While it doesn’t stand out as exceptionally clean or dirty, it is well-maintained and falls in the average to slightly above average range for beach cleanliness in San Diego.
Rating = 6/10 - The beach is well-maintained and generally clean, but can feel smaller in certain areas during high tide and less clean in heavily trafficked areas.
Water Quality
The Water Quality at Moonlight State Beach is generally the same throughout. It is generally safe to swim in the water, meaning the levels of bacteria in the water do not exceed the recommended amount. The water is tested by the City of San Diego every six days and posted on this website: County of San Diego Beach Water Quality (sdbeachinfo.com). It never hurts to check the status before going to the beach to make sure it's safe.
It is important to note that after rain, it is recommended to wait at least 72 hours before getting back in the water due to increased contaminants and sewage going in the ocean.
Rating = 7/10 - Typically clean, unless there is a storm. Be sure to avoid areas by river mouths and such in those cases.
Activities
Moonlight State Beach offers plenty of activities for all types of beachgoers. You can hit the waves for surfing, boogie boarding, or swimming, while the beach volleyball courts are perfect for some friendly competition.
There's also ample beach space for other fun games like frisbee or beach soccer. Whether you're looking to get active in the water or on the sand, or just enjoy a relaxing day under the sun, Moonlight State Beach has something for everyone.
Rating = 7/10 - There's a solid amount of activities available to enjoy, offering more than a lot of SD beaches.
Moonlight State Beach
Sleep, Eat, Play, & Relax In the Water, On The Water, or Near the Water!
This site only includes information and experiences relating to everything in, on, or near the water. When in San Diego, why not experience the beach and beautiful waterfront as much as possible!? From dining experiences to accommodation options, we have everything you need to start planning your waterfront vacation in Encinitas.
Check out the best beachfront accommodation and ocean views on Encinitas!
See all the waterfront dining options available to you and pick where in Encinitas you want to eat, grab drinks, and see the blue water!
Look at all the activities available in Encinitas and enjoy the ocean by trying something new or doing your favorite activity!
Accommodation
Moonlight State Beach
Between both vacation rentals and hotels, Encinitas has quite a few options to stay in on the water! See below for the different waterfront options available when staying in Encinitas.
Disclosure: This section features several affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. However, not all links posted are affiliate links. Click here to learn more.
Vacation Rentals
Staying in vacation rentals from sites like VRBO, Airbnb, Homestay, etc. can be a more costly option in Encinitas, but might be best if you are travelling in a large group and there is no budget for your stay. There are rentals in Encinitas with spectacular views of the water, but at times it might be hard to find them for a reasonable price.
Hotels
Alilia Marea Beach Resort Encinitas - This hotel offers stunning ocean views with an infinity pool that blends into the Pacific, a serene spa, and a farm-to-table restaurant with a terrace overlooking the waves. With direct beach access to South Ponto Beach and a variety of water sports, this resort is a great seaside escape.
The Enicitian Hotel & Suites - This hotel has private balconies with ocean views and guests can relax by the heated outdoor pool, enjoy a complimentary breakfast, and take advantage of the short walk to Moonlight State Beach. With its prime location, it’s the perfect base for exploring Encinitas.
There are other hotels located in or near Encinitas that don't provide views of the ocean or beach. Check out Expedia or Hotels.com to see what else might be available.
Waterfront Dining
Moonlight State Beach
Encinitas has a nice amount of waterfront dining options to choose from overlooking the ocean. See below for a list of restaurants, cafes, and more right on the water.
Disclosure: This section features several affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. However, not all links posted are affiliate links. Click here to learn more.
Oceanfront Dining
Pacific Coast Grill - Enjoy fresh seafood and California cuisine with panoramic ocean views from the outdoor patio on the beach. Open for lunch and dinner.
Chart House - This beachfront and upscale restaurant features stunning views and a menu of fresh seafood and steaks. Open for lunch and dinner.
VAGA Restaurant and Bar - Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas offers oceanfront dining with coastal-inspired, seasonal cuisine and stunning Pacific views. It's open for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday only.
View from VAGA Restaurant and Bar
There are several other restaurants and cafes located in Encinitas, but I only included the ones offering views of the water. There are a lot of restaurants in downtown Encinitas off of Pacific Coast Highway just a few blocks from the ocean.
Activities & Tours
Moonlight State Beach
Encinitas has several activities available to do on the water or with views of the water near Moonlight State Beach. See below for a list of activities available near the ocean.
Disclosure: This section features several affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. However, not all links posted are affiliate links. Click here to learn more.
Ocean-Related Activities/Tours
Water Sports - Surfboards, boogie boards, SUPs, Kayaks, and more are available to rent to enjoy in the ocean. Additionally, many companies offer private and group surf lessons at nearby beaches, so you don't have to brave the water alone if interested in catching some waves!
E-Bike Tours - Enjoy either a guided e-bike tour or a self-guided e-bike tour along the coast in North County San Diego, taking in the beautiful views along the way.
Professional Beachfront Picnics - Want to have a romantic lunch or dinner? How about a group picnic with friends at sunset where everything is taken care of for you? Enjoy a luxurious picnic on the beach from one of the many companies offering this service.
Bonfires - Nothing better than enjoying a bonfire on the beach after the sun goes down to end the day! There are several companies that will set everything up for you and all you'll have to do is show up.
Don't forget you can always enjoy beach games such as volleyball, spike ball, and more when at the beach!
Transportation
Moonlight State Beach
The best way to get around Encinitas is by car, foot, or bike. See below for more information.
Disclosure: This section features several affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. However, not all links posted are affiliate links. Click here to learn more.
The best way to get around depends on what you plan to do, where you're staying, and the time of year. During busy times such as 4th of July, there is limited parking so using your car is probably the worst way to get around, especially at peak times.
If you are flying into the San Diego airport, I recommend renting a car so that you can explore other areas too. There are many rental car companies to choose from at the airport.
Walking or biking between your vacation rental or hotel to the beach and to restaurants is a great option if you can handle it.
Overall, I believe it's best to have a car, as that gives you freedom to explore other areas without having to worry about public transport or lyfts/ubers. As long as you keep in mind where you are going and the parking situation, you should be fine. If exploring other areas nearby such as La Jolla, downtown, etc., you might have to pay to park if it is crowded.
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