Sandwiched Between Los Angeles And San Diego Is California's Idyllic, Amenity-Rich Beach

The San Diego area might be best known for its celebrity-status beaches — ever heard of La Jolla Shores or the iconic Mission Pacific Beach Resort, an oceanside escape, boasting chic design and stunning views? But if visitors are looking for something a bit less glam-focused and more community authentic, they can still find some pleasant surprises.

Enter Moonlight State Beach, one of the most charming (and often overlooked) coastal spots in the vibrant Southern Cali beach city of Encinitas, located between Los Angeles and San Diego proper. Despite its dreamy, almost mystical atmosphere — after all, the name "moonlight" comes partly from locals' nocturnal shenanigans in the early 20th century — the beach is well equipped with a variety of amenities for people of all ages. These include restrooms, showers, a small beach café, a few fire pits (available on a walk-up basis), three well-maintained volleyball courts, and even a kids' play area hosted in the adjacent park. 

While the waves here aren't the largest in San Diego County (if you're seeking more advanced breaks, you might want to check out places like Black's Beach and the Lower Trestles), they are perfectly suited for casual surfing, bodyboarding, and boogie-boarding (rental equipment options are available on site). The beach itself is well connected to several interesting hotspots dotting the North County coastline along Highway 101, like Cardiff State Beach to the south (about an 8-minute drive), Swami's Beach and the beautiful Sea Cliff County Park less than 5 minutes away, and the quieter Leucadia State Beach (locals often refer to it as Beacon's Beach) just to the north. Need one more reason to put Moonlight State Beach up on your SoCal bucket list? Lifeguards here are on duty year-round. 

Despite being less renowned than other beaches along the San Diego coast, days at Moonlight State Beach are far from boring. Besides offering a wide range of watersports, recreational activities, and essential amenities for the whole family, the beach is also animated by a variety of events that bring the community together, especially during the summer season. 

One of Encinitas' most beloved events is the summer concert series that takes place on the beach. Live concerts take place twice a month in July and August, featuring talented performers across a range of genres, from reggae and jazz to country classics and '80s rock. The beach also hosts the two-day Bro-Am Beach Fest, "an annual celebration that gives back to the San Diego community." For over 20 years, the initiative's mission has been to mobilize resources and shine a spotlight on organizations supporting unhoused, vulnerable, or underserved youth, with a special emphasis on creative and surfing programs.

Accessibility is another one of Moonlight State Beach's strongest suits. Unlike many other popular spots along the San Diego coast that require steep descents, long staircases, or bluff-side access, this 25-acre Encinitas gem offers a wide, mostly flat stretch of sand, easily reachable from the city center. The drive from downtown only takes 5 minutes, and there is a free parking lot overlooking the shore. The main lot rarely fills up, and visitors can find additional parking on adjacent streets just north of the main beach area. 

Beyond its picturesque beaches (check out our list of underrated Californian beach towns if you want to escape from the crowds), the coastal city of Encinitas has a lot to offer when it comes to enjoying the local shopping scene. The center of the action is its bustling, pedestrian-friendly downtown: streets like South Coast Highway 101 are lined with surf shops, independent boutiques, and vintage stores. 

Among them is Thrifty Threads, a family-run secondhand clothing shop built around sustainability that also offers new and like-new surf, skate, and casual apparel for men and women. Next is Moonlight Marketplace, the satellite location of Silverlake Flea, which hosts a lively community gathering every weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along South Coast Highway 101 in downtown Encinitas. The flea market delivers big when it comes to its assortment of vintage clothing, handmade accessories, and unique collectibles.

Talking about food, the town is home to several interesting dining spots. With almost 4,000 4.6-star reviews on Google, The Taco Stand is one of the town's most popular spots. Although it's part of a small chain of restaurants spread along the West Coast and in Miami and Dallas, the Encinitas location on South Coast Highway 101 maintains a cozy, homey vibe. After all, the mission of the founders, Aram and Julian, is to immerse guests in the flavors, colors, and traditions of the Tijuana region. The menu features everything from fish tacos to carne asada burritos and Al Pastor quesadillas, along with a solid selection of vegan and vegetarian options.