Dawn patrol surfing in Encinitas

Access is via the staircase at Beacon's Beach, located at the west end of Leucadia Blvd in Encinitas. The trail switchbacks down a steep bluff—it takes about 5 minutes to descend and is moderately strenuous on the way back up. The stairs can be slippery when wet. Once on the sand, walk south about 200 yards to reach the reef break.

Free street parking along Leucadia Blvd and the surrounding residential streets. The small dirt lot at the trailhead fits maybe 15 cars and fills early on good swell days. Overflow parking is available along Neptune Ave. No meters, no time limits, but be respectful of the neighborhood—don't block driveways. On big days, parking can extend several blocks from the access point.

State lot + shoulder parking; bring a pass or pay

Head to the end of D Street in downtown Encinitas and take the concrete staircase down the bluff to the beach. The stairs are well-maintained and have a handrail. It's a short but steep descent of about 80 steps, so factor that in when carrying a longboard.

Free street parking on D Street and the surrounding residential blocks, but it fills up fast when there's swell. Two-hour limits are enforced on some blocks, so read the signs carefully. The Moonlight Beach lot a few blocks north is an alternative but also competitive on weekends.

stairway access

Free street parking along Neptune Ave at the top of the bluff. The parking strip is narrow and fills early on weekend mornings, especially in summer. No meters and no time limits. Overflow parking is available on side streets off Neptune Ave. During peak summer, you may need to park several blocks away and walk. There's no dedicated lot—it's all residential street parking.

Main access is at the end of B Street (Encinitas Blvd) with a wide concrete staircase down to the beach. There are also stairway accesses at the south end near D Street. The beach has full facilities: restrooms, showers, a snack bar, fire pits, and volleyball courts. Lifeguards are staffed year-round. ADA-accessible ramp available at the main entrance. The bluff-top park above the beach has picnic areas and a playground.

The main Moonlight Beach parking lot at the end of B Street has around 150 spaces and fills by 9-10 AM on summer weekends. Free street parking along 3rd and 4th Streets fills fast too. There's metered parking along Encinitas Blvd approaching the beach. Your best bet on busy days is to park a few blocks east on residential streets and walk—it's flat terrain. The lot is free but has no time limits, so all-day beachgoers lock up spots early.

Enter from Swami's Seaside Park; long wooden staircase down the bluff. Check tides - beach narrows at higher tides.

Small lot at Swami's Seaside Park often fills; overflow along Hwy 101 and nearby streets. Expect a stair descent to the beach.