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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
Map of South Ponto Beach
Encinitas, US
8:30 pm, March 18, 2024
temperature icon 59°F
L: 56° H: 66°
Feels like 58.48 °F clear sky
Wind gusts: 3 m/s
UV Index: 0
Precipitation: 0.03 inch
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 6:54 am
Sunset: 6:59 pm
Humidity 77 %
Pressure1016 mb
Wind 3 m/s

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