South Ponto Beach in Encinitas, CA

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About South Ponto Beach in Encinitas, California

South Ponto Beach is a day-use area at the south end of South Carlsbad State Beach at the city border of Encinitas and Carlsbad. This prime location and the size of the beach (much wider than nearby beaches) will draw enough people in the summer to fill the parking lot here. At other times of the year the free parking spaces along the southbound lanes of Coast Highway will be sufficient and the paid lot will be empty.

Above the lot there is an ocean overlook and some paved walking paths. Surfers enjoy this beach and sunbathers do too. Sometimes however the winter storms can rob much of the sand on South Carlsbad State Beaches leaving mostly smooth cobblestones behind.

South Ponto is on the large sand spit that protects Batiquitos Lagoon, a nature preserve that has access points along the north side. The bluff-top campground at South Carlsbad State Beach is just north with an entrance at Poinsettia Lane.

Address: Coast Hwy and La Costa Ave
Encinitas, CA 92024
Park Name: South Carlsbad State Beach
Owner: State Park
Pet Details: No dogs allowed on the beach
Fees: Fee for parking in lot, free parking outside
Activities: Surfing, Sunbathing, Swimming, Fishing, Diving, Whale Watching
Amenities: Restrooms, Showers, Lifeguard
Links: Water Quality
Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart