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.
Quiet Mind Mountain Lodge, Retreat and Spa
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, a Hyatt Luxury Resort
The Sofia Hotel

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
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
Across From The White Sand Of Moonlight Beach - Full Ocean/Beach View

Across From The White Sand Of Moonlight Beach - Full Ocean/Beach View

Encinitas
Across From The White Sand Of Moonlight Beach - Full Ocean/Beach View
Experience coastal charm near Moonlight State Beach

Experience coastal charm near Moonlight State Beach

Encinitas
Experience coastal charm near Moonlight State Beach
Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas

Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas

2 out of 5
410 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA
Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas
The Perfect large Family Beach Getaway! 3 Min Walk To Beach - Family reunions!

The Perfect large Family Beach Getaway! 3 Min Walk To Beach - Family reunions!

Encinitas
The Perfect large Family Beach Getaway! 3 Min Walk To Beach - Family reunions!
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

Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas offers a variety of activities for visitors, including surfing, enjoying live music, and catching a theater performance. You can take a relaxing beach trip, enjoy a short walk along the shore, or visit nearby golf clubs. Don't miss the boardwalk concessions for tasty treats, and explore other beautiful beaches in Encinitas for a perfect coastal getaway.

Food and drinks

Indulge in fine wines at Carruth Cellars Winery, located 4 miles from Moonlight State Beach, or enjoy craft brews at Stone Brewing, 11 miles away. For a scenic experience, visit Orfila Vineyard and Winery, 15 miles away, offering delightful wines and a romantic atmosphere.

Shopping

For shopping near Moonlight State Beach, visit Carlsbad Premium Outlets, 6 miles away, offering a variety of brand-name stores. Also, check out the State Street Farmers Market, located 8 miles away, for local goods. If you're up for a drive, Westfield UTC is 13 miles away with family-friendly options.

Recreation

Experience the lush greens at Aviara Golf Club, just 3 miles from Moonlight State Beach, perfect for golf enthusiasts. For a more laid-back atmosphere, visit Encinitas Community Park, 2 miles away, offering serene walking paths. Families will enjoy Pelly's Mini Golf, located 5 miles away, for a fun-filled adventure.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of surfing at Eli Howard Surf School, located 2 miles from Moonlight State Beach, where you can catch some waves. For hiking enthusiasts, Hosp Grove Trails and Iron Mountain offer scenic trails 9 and 16 miles away, perfect for exploring the great outdoors.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Moonlight State Beach is vibrant and varied. Enjoy a captivating performance at North Coast Repertory Theatre, try your luck at Ocean's Eleven Casino, or unleash your competitive spirit at Boomers Vista's arcadeAdventureZone. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere for unforgettable evenings.

Find the best attractions near Moonlight State Beach

Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas, California, offers a delightful blend of beach experiences and urban parks for travelers seeking culture and outdoor activities. Nearby attractions include Solana Beach and La Jolla, perfect for exploring stunning coastal views and vibrant local culture. Whether you're relaxing on the sands or enjoying the local college scene, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

  • LEGOLAND® California: Just 6 miles from Moonlight State Beach, this vibrant theme park is a family paradise filled with life-sized LEGO structures, thrilling rides, and interactive attractions. Perfect for kids and adults alike, it offers endless entertainment and creativity.
  • San Diego Botanic Garden: Located only a mile away, this lush botanical garden features diverse plant collections, tranquil walking paths, and beautiful landscapes, making it an ideal spot for families, romantic strolls, or peaceful retreats in nature.
  • Del Mar Beach: Also 6 miles away, Del Mar Beach boasts stunning coastal views and a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for sunbathing, beach activities, or enjoying a sunset stroll along the shore.

Best time to go to Moonlight State Beach

The best time to visit Moonlight State Beach is dependant 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainSunnyLowSlightly Low
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
March57.9°F (14.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May62.1°F (16.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June65.5°F (18.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighSlightly High
July69.8°F (21.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighSlightly High
August71.4°F (21.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighSlightly High
September71.2°F (21.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October67.5°F (19.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November62.1°F (16.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyLowSlightly 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, take advantage of its free entry and explore nearby attractions like Del Mar Beach and Carlsbad Premium Outlets, which also have no admission fees. Plan your visit between November and January for lower accommodation prices. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Consider bundling your hotel stay with flights and activities for additional savings, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and rewards on future bookings.

  • 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 best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Moonlight State Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, 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.