Moonlight State Beach is situated in a residential neighborhood
at the bottom of a hill which gently slopes to the Pacific Ocean.
A wide, sandy beach offers swimming, surfing and fishing. Facilities include
volleyball and tennis courts, recreational equipment rentals and
a snack bar. The "moonlight" in the name of the beach comes from the fact
that residents used to come to the area for midnight picnics in the
early 1900s. Moonlight
Beach is located on the West end of B Street at 4th and B Streets, Encinitas,
California
Another spin on the name,
Moonlight Beach, says that Chinese immigrants building the railroad
system gave way to smuggling of liquor during the prohibition of
the early 20th century. A boat came to the shore of Moonlight beach with
cans of illegal alcoholic beverage.
Gazing toward a landmark palm which stands alone, you
might see "peace" and "love" signs planted way up on the tree. Sometimes
the signs are changed, lights are added or whatever is in season.
A wheelchair access ramp which extends toward the ocean,
allows the disabled to enjoy the beach and waves.
Residents and tourists can now "stroll" along the sand, thanks to a $7,00
polyethylene walkway installed by the City of Encinitas. Parents with strollers enjoy the ramp, too. Moonlight
Beach is located west of I-5 on Encinitas Boulevard in Encinitas.
San Diego Coast State Parks Management District operates this facility
which includes picnic tables, fire pits, view point benches, grass thatched
awnings to watch volleyball played on sand courts and rest rooms.
Popular for classic car
shows such as an annual gathering of Woodies, the parking lot for the beach
sits back high atop the bluff. It is large but fills up in the summer months.
Try parking on 4th and 5th streets to the north or take Coaster and
walk from Encinitas train station five blocks away.
Restrooms: Moonlight Beach has
both showers and restrooms.
