When you think of San Diego beaches, you don't typically think of Carlsbad State Beach - it doesn't have the reputation of Mission Beach, or the piers of Ocean and Pacific, or the backdrop of Coronado. But that doesn't mean it's deserted - on the contrary. Carlsbad is popular with Carlsbad residents - low bluffs and sandy stretches, and easy access make it a good family beach and if you're a North County resident, you're just as likely to hit Carlsbad - especially the Tamarack Blvd. stretch - as any other beach.
Moonlight State Beach is one of the favorite beaches in North County and why not? You have a wide swath of sand, picnic facilities, volleyball courts, playground, snack bar, fire rings and just an overall friendly vibe that makes it the pride of Encinitas. Great place to surf, swim and sunbathe. Oh, and like its name, a great place to hang out at moonlight, too.
Well, the name says it all. Sunset Cliffs is the place to just sit and watch the sunset. The sandstone cliffs and crashing waves below make for a setting found in very few places. Just south of Ocean Beach and on the west side of the Point Loma peninsula, Sunset Cliffs isn't a sandy stretch of beach for frolicking. It is a favorite spot for surfers willing to make their way down the slippery rocks to catch waves. But it is the scenic viewing that makes Sunset Cliffs a special place. And if you bring binoculars, you can even spot a gray whale or two passing through.
San Onfre State Beach
La Jolla Shores
