Moonlight Beach, located at the end of Encinitas Boulevard and just west of the Coast Highway/Route 101 in Encinitas (link is to a visual tour with music) is a terrific beach that appeals to a broad spectrum of folks, from residents to vacationers of all ages.

In the heart of a residential area, but just a short walk to all the shopping and restaurants of Encinitas itself along the coastal highway, this popular beach offers something for everyone, no matter what your favorite activity. The beach is so named due the its popularity as a"moonlight" picnic spot in the early 1900s.

Are you into having picnic or dinners at the beach, and doing your own grilling?

Moonlight Beach offers barbecue pits where you can have fires for hot meals, or just bring your picnic basket and settle on the beach. There are a number of picnic tables, too, with great views of the beach and water. During the off season finding a table and or fire pit is not difficult, but get there early during the warmer/busier summer months to claim your territory.

Love beach volleyball?

Great, as there are several courts here and you will frequently find groups of players - men, women, and coed - at all hours of the day. Some are casual gatherings while others are more competitive, well-formed teams. Take your pick...or just sit on the beach and cheer them on.

Are you a bird watcher?

There are plenty of shorebirds (whimbrels, willets, tattlers, several types of seagulls, pelicans, sandpipers) on the beach, at the water's edge, or flying overhead. Go when the beaches are less crowded to really see the most variety.

Are you a surfing enthusiast?

Moonlight Beach has that too. This beach is one of several along the Encinitas coastline that are popular surfing spots (along with Grandview, Swamis, Beacon's and Stone Steps). Even if you don't take part, watching the more experienced surfers is pleasurable by itself.

Because of the high bluffs on one side, topped by the most expensive homes in Encinitas ($2 million to over $7 million), and the expansive Pacific on the other, Moonlight Beach is wonderful for a solitary walk at sunset to just enjoy the peace and solitude, and marvel at the edge of the continent at it meets the sea.

There is parking along the neighboring streets (which get crowded during the summer months) and a large parking lot on top of the hill overlooking the beach - all free! You can also take the Coaster (the coastal train) and walk the five blocks from the train stop in town. There are showers and restroom facilities as well.

Moonlight Beach, managed by the town of Encinitas, is handicap accessible, with a wheelchair ramp on the beach. There are public phones and tennis, in addition to volleyball. The Moonlight Beach Motel is nearby on 2nd Street, as are other lodging options including homes for sale, and beach-front houses and condos for rent, some with spectacular ocean and sunset views.

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If I can provide more information about Encinitas, Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360
or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2007 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits