North Ponto Beach in Carlsbad, CA

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About North Ponto Beach in Carlsbad, California

North Ponto Beach is the northern day-use beach access point at South Carlsbad State Beach. The North Ponto parking lot is located on the southbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard at the north end of South Carlsbad Campground.

The water quality at this location next to the Encinas Creek outflow has tested “excellent” year-round despite the Carlsbad wastewater facility nearby. The beach here is narrow unlike the wide beach at South Ponto at the other end of the campground.

Surfers park and head out from North Ponto, but few sunbathers and other beachgoers come to this location. But when the tide isn’t high this is a wonderful beach walk below the steep bluffs of the campground. Carlsbad State Beach has wider beaches located north of here along Carlsbad Boulevard.

Address: Carlsbad Blvd and Island Way
Carlsbad, CA 92011
Park Name: South Carlsbad State Beach
Owner: State Park
Pet Details: No dogs allowed on the beach
Fees: Fee for parking
Activities: Surfing, Swimming, Fishing, Scuba Diving, Sunbathing
Amenities: Restrooms, Lifeguard
Links: Water Quality
Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart