Sunset sessions 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.

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.

stairway access

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.

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