Moonlight State Beach Tours

Photo by L. R.
Photo by Wendy Montroy
Photo by Tracy McMillan
Photo by Tatiana Soto Zárate
Photo by Blake Swanson


Find somewhere to sit, close your eyes and listen to the water lapping at the shore at Moonlight State Beach. If you're craving some vitamin sea, this is the place to get your fill.

This Encinitas stretch of coastline is an ideal spot to kick off your day of sightseeing. There's plenty to see in the vicinity, such as LEGOLAND® California, Carlsbad Premium Outlets, and Del Mar Beach. Wander around at your leisure at Moonlight State Beach before hitting up these other fine sights.

Plan a trip to see Moonlight State Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Sofia Hotel
Sand Castle Inn
Pacific View Inn

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Moonlight State Beach

The Encinitan Hotel & Suites

The Encinitan Hotel & Suites

3 out of 5
85 Encinitas Boulevard, Encinitas, CA
The Encinitan Hotel & Suites
Moonlight Beach Motel

Moonlight Beach Motel

2.5 out of 5
233 2nd St, Encinitas, CA
Moonlight Beach Motel
Experience coastal charm near Moonlight State Beach

Experience coastal charm near Moonlight State Beach

Encinitas
Experience coastal charm near Moonlight State Beach
2-blocks to Moonlight Beach, Private Yard, AC,  bikes, Over 200 5-star reveiws

2-blocks to Moonlight Beach, Private Yard, AC, bikes, Over 200 5-star reveiws

Encinitas
2-blocks to Moonlight Beach, Private Yard, AC, bikes, Over 200 5-star reveiws
Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach

Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach

2 out of 5
133 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA
Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach
Charming, Elegant, Luxury, Walk to Moonlight Beach & Downtown

Charming, Elegant, Luxury, Walk to Moonlight Beach & Downtown

Encinitas
Charming, Elegant, Luxury, Walk to Moonlight Beach & Downtown
Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas

Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas

2 out of 5
410 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA
Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas
Inn at Moonlight Beach

Inn at Moonlight Beach

3.5 out of 5
105 North Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas, Encinitas, CA
Inn at Moonlight Beach
Oceanfront 4Br House, Indoor Heated Pool, Sleeps 8-10

Oceanfront 4Br House, Indoor Heated Pool, Sleeps 8-10

Encinitas
Oceanfront 4Br House, Indoor Heated Pool, Sleeps 8-10
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Moonlight State Beach

At Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas, California, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including surfing the gentle waves and taking in stunning ocean views. The beach provides a perfect setting for relaxation with beach chairs available for rent. Additionally, the area features live music and theater options, enhancing your beach experience and making it a memorable destination for tourists looking to unwind and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Moonlight State Beach, visit Cedros Avenue (4 miles away) for unique boutiques, or check out Carlsbad Premium Outlets (6 miles away) for discounted brand names. If you're up for a drive, explore the State Street Farmers Market (8 miles away) for local goods.

Recreation

Aviara Golf Club offers a picturesque golfing experience with lush greens and stunning views, perfect for those seeking outdoor activity. For relaxation, Encinitas Community Park provides tranquil spaces for yoga and meditation, while Belly Up presents lively music events that uplift your spirits and energize your wellness journey.

Adventure

At Eli Howard Surf School, located 2 miles away, immerse yourself in the thrill of surfing with expert guidance. For family fun, The Wave Waterpark, 11 miles away, offers exciting water slides and attractions. Explore the scenic beauty of Hosp Grove Trails, 9 miles away, with its stunning hiking paths.

Nightlife

In Encinitas, the North Coast Repertory Theatre offers a blend of culture and romance, perfect for an enchanting night out. For family fun, Boomers Vista provides thrilling arcade adventures, while the New Village Arts Theatre showcases captivating performances, ensuring a memorable evening by the beach.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Moonlight State Beach

Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas, California, offers a delightful mix of outdoor activities and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Encinitas beaches, explore the scenic Moonlight Beach, and engage in various recreational activities at nearby urban parks and theme parks. This vibrant coastal area is perfect for those seeking sun, sand, and fun, making it a great destination for tourists looking to relax and explore the local attractions.

  • LEGOLAND® California: Experience a world of creativity and imagination at LEGOLAND® California, where families can enjoy thrilling rides, interactive exhibits, and stunning LEGO displays. Perfect for kids and the young at heart, this theme park offers a fun-filled day of entertainment just 6 miles from Moonlight State Beach.
  • Del Mar Beach: Relax at Del Mar Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. With its picturesque views and inviting atmosphere, this beach is ideal for a laid-back day by the ocean, located just 6 miles away.
  • Del Mar Fairgrounds: Discover the excitement at Del Mar Fairgrounds, a vibrant venue for various events and fairs. With its outdoor spaces and family-friendly activities, it's a great spot for enjoying seasonal attractions, just 6 miles from the beach.

Best time to go to Moonlight State Beach

The best time to visit Moonlight State Beach is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is sunny with no rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainSunnyLowSlightly Low
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
March57.9°F (14.4°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June65.5°F (18.6°C)No RainSunnyHighSlightly High
July69.8°F (21.0°C)No RainSunnyHighSlightly High
August71.4°F (21.9°C)No RainSunnyHighSlightly High
September71.2°F (21.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October67.5°F (19.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnyLowSlightly Low
December57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Moonlight State Beach

To save money on your trip to Moonlight State Beach, plan your visit between November and January when prices drop. Stay on a Tuesday for the best rates, avoiding the pricier Saturdays. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by filtering for the lowest prices and consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Additionally, explore free activities like beach access and local parks to maximize your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Moonlight State Beach are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Moonlight State Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Moonlight State Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options by specifying your budget, desired location, and preferred type of hotel. To find the best prices and deals available, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Moonlight State Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia