Moonlight State Parks on the Beach - Guide to Moonlight State Beach

Moonlight State Beach in Moonlight, California (near Encinitas, CA in San Diego County)

Moonlight State Beach is a state beach in Encinitas, California. Located at the terminus of Encinitas Boulevard, it has been called the epicenter of recreation and social life in the town. It is appropriate for both children's and adults' recreation. It is popular with both tourists and residents, and it is one of the most visited beaches in Encinitas. This sand beach is used for surfing, swimming, surf fishing, beach volleyball, and bonfires.

This wide, sandy beach offers swimming, surfing and fishing. Facilities include volleyball and tennis courts, recreational equipment rentals and a snack bar.

The "moonlight" in the name of this beach comes from the fact that local residents used to come to the area for midnight picnics early in the early 1900s.

Surfing of Moonlight State Beach

“Moonlight Beach is not a great longboard wave anymore. It's changed and it's pretty much a shortboard wave now. It really breaks hard and fast now. It wasn't like that. It was a fun beach break.” - Linda Benson, five-time women's world surfing champion. Benson learned to surf at Moonlight Beach in the late 1950s.

Volleyball of Moonlight State Beach

Lifeguard Station with View Looking North-West Across Moonlight State Beach, Encinitas, California

Since the early 1950s two-man volleyball has been played at Moonlight Beach. Several of the players from the Pro Tour practice their game at Moonlight. Originally, there was just one court in the middle of the beach. Presently there is three courts on the north end of the beach. Every year since 1964, in the month of October, a Mixed Doubles Volleyball Tournament is held and many of the top beach players in the world participate.

Facilities of Moonlight State Beach

The beach is open for use all day except between 2 and 4 am. There is a parking lot above the beach which is open from 5 am to 10 pm. No dogs, alcohol, or glass is allowed on the beach. The lifeguard towers are open 10 am to 6 pm during summer months. Provisions at the beach include handicapped access, picnic facilities, restrooms, telephone, concessions daily Easter through Thanksgiving, fire rings, playground equipment, and tennis and volleyball courts.

Location of Moonlight State Beach

Location: Use following Coordinates:33°2'51"N 117°17'51"W in a GPS for exact locations. The beach is located west of I-5 on Encinitas Boulevard in Encinitas. Moonlight State Beach can be contacted at 760-633-2740. Here is a driving map to Moonlight State Beach.

View Larger Map

Here is a detailed list of other state beaches of California besides Moonlight State Beach.