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South Ponto Beach, Carlsbad
California Beach Photos and Information
Carlsbad, Calif. --Carlsbad beaches are made up two state
beaches--Carlsbad State Beach and South Carlsbad State Beach, Carlsbad City
Beach, and South Ponto Beach.
Carlsbad Blvd north of La Costa Blvd
Carlsbad, California
North Ponto Beach in Carlsbad is part of
the
South Carlsbad State Beach.
While South Carlsbad Beach (operated by California State Parks) does include
beach camping, this portion of the beach doesn't. The popular beach that
has camp sites at the top of the bluffs prohibits beach camping in this area.
The sign on this page shows that beach hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and
further states that the beach doesn't allow camping, bonfires, glass containers,
alcoholic beverage or dogs. The beach parking lot closes at 11 p.m. so you'll
presumably get a ticket if you don't scoot your car and yourself out of the
beach after that time. Located south of Batiquitos Lagoon and the jetties, if
you continue driving south from Ponto you enter Encinitas and its famous surfing
beaches. North of Carlsbad is Oceanside, a popular vacation getaway and
home of Camp Pendleton.
It's a little confusing...a south beach
that's named north. North Ponto is set at the base of the road (Highway 101) but
is located on a stretch of road called Carlsbad Boulevard, which runs parallel
to 101. I quick exit off the Interstate 5 will get you over to the beach in
speedy time. Parking at the beach includes paved parking just upslope on a bluff
above the beach allowing for easy road side parking, though parking spots are
limited in summer months. There is some free parking and pay parking. Both come
at a premium during the summer.
North Ponto beach terrain is a mix of
boulders, rocks and sand. It offers vistas as far as the eye can see out to the
Pacific Ocean. The beach is popular with locals for surfing, jogging, and
sunbathing or beach exploring. As you can see in the photo above, a mom and her
cute little toddler explore the beach for a morning outing.
You'll find Ponto approx. three miles
south of the main beaches of Carlsbad and the village.
South Ponto Beach is on the south end of
South Carlsbad State Beach, and just south of Batiquitos Lagoon and the jetties.
South Ponto Beach is a popular surf spot with occasional surfing events. South
Ponto Beach is just north of Leucadia, where the bluffs end and the open stretch
of ocean begins. The beach is secluded with its high sand dunes and tends to
have a lot of polished stones washed up.
Where to stay? There are a number of
affordable beach hotels in Carlsbad. One of the nicest accommodations is the
Hilton Hotel overlooking the ocean. But other
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