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Top picks in Encinitas

Beaches with nice views

You want to spend your time at the beach, and you expect a view that makes the trip worth the effort.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Stonesteps image 1
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Public beach

Huge beach with soft sand and great surf offers a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful ocean views. Stairs provide access but can be slippery and deter crowds, keeping the beach quiet. Families enjoy calm waves and a small spillway suitable for children.

A quiet stretch with soft sand and great surf awaits at the bottom of the steps. This beach has little kelp or rocks, making it peaceful and easy to access for beach walks.

Breathtaking ocean views greet visitors at the top of the stairs. The beach offers a peaceful setting with good views of surfers, making it a nice spot to bring dogs and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

People are saying

"I found the beach peaceful and beautiful with great views."

"The ocean view from the stairs is breathtaking."

"There's free street parking available nearby."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult when the area is busy.

2

There are almost 100 steps to reach the beach.

3

Dogs are not allowed on the beach.

02
Swami's Beach image 1
Public beach

Cliffs topped with greenery overlook a rocky beach with tide pools and surfing waves. The atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful, with sunset views and benches for relaxing. Limited parking and steep stairs lead down to the shore, making it a hidden gem for walking and beachcombing.

Cliffs topped with greenery overlook a quiet, clean beach with breathtaking sunset views. Stairs lead down to a surfers' haven where walking along the shore connects to nearby beaches.

Cliffside views offer breathtaking ocean scenes and distant city sights. Benches near the parking area provide spots to relax and enjoy sunset views over the beach.

People are saying

"You can see tide pools full of sea creatures at this beach."

"It's a great surf spot with really good, consistent waves."

"The ocean views from the bluff are amazing and gorgeous."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early or consider alternative options.

2

Access to the beach is only possible via stairs, which may be challenging.

3

The parking lot is free but tends to fill up quickly.

03
Cardiff State Beach image 1

Sandy shoreline stretches with unobstructed water views and consistent waves that attract many surfers. The atmosphere balances calm beauty with a sense of energy and freedom, welcoming families, dogs on leashes, and pedestrians alike. Nearby lights and train noise add an urban edge to the natural setting.

Clean, beautiful beach with miles of sand and unobstructed water views. Well-maintained facilities, reasonable parking, and a grom-friendly vibe make it great for surfing, walking, or relaxing.

Miles of unobstructed water views stretch along the beach with plenty of sand. The spot offers great scenery and clear views for watching the sunset.

People are saying

"This beach has beautiful sand and amazing waves for surfing."

"There's plenty of paid parking available right near the sand."

"The beach has miles of sand and a beautiful, unobstructed view."

Good to know

1

Parking slots at Cardiff State Beach are paid, with limited free street parking available.

2

Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash; restrictions apply north of the visitor center.

3

The beach is clean, well-maintained, and welcoming for visitors.

04
Moonlight Beach Motel image 1

Older motel with spacious rooms and balconies offering ocean views sits just steps from the beach. It maintains a quiet, safe atmosphere with easy access to nearby shops and dining. Guests can borrow beach equipment like chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards for convenience.

Just steps from the motel, the beach offers quick access with a walk under five minutes. Guests can borrow beach chairs, sand toys, and boogie boards for free, making it easy to enjoy the ocean and sand.

Rooms offer ocean views that guests can enjoy from their balconies. Freshly brewed coffee pairs well with the unbelievable view of the ocean.

People are saying

"It's a short walk to the beach and downtown."

"I loved the great ocean views from my room."

"It was so quiet, everyone was quiet every night."

Good to know

1

The motel is just a short walk from Moonlight Beach.

2

Parking is included at no extra charge for guests.

3

Rooms feature kitchenettes with essential appliances for convenience.

05
Leucadia State Beach (Beacon's) image 1

Cliffs lead down to a small, secluded beach with soft sand and tide pools to explore. The area stays uncrowded due to switchback access and offers scenic ocean views popular with surfers. Parking is easy, but the beach is not accessible for elderly or handicapped people.

Clean, small sandy beach sits below a hill with a stairway for access. The beach offers scenic ocean views and a peaceful vibe despite some rocks and a limited sandy area.

Stunning ocean view stretches across the beach with clear sights of the Pacific Ocean and surfers riding waves. The vista offers a beautiful beachscape that feels open and refreshing.

People are saying

"I found the parking slots available and easy to access."

"I found the beach to be beautiful and scenic."

"I loved the nice view of the ocean and easy parking."

Good to know

1

The beach access is currently closed due to unsafe conditions.

2

Bring shoes for the rocky areas at the bottom of the steps.

3

There are no bathroom facilities available at the beach.

06
Grandview Surf Beach image 1

Rocky shoreline with limited sand offers beautiful ocean views and great surfing waves. Large free parking lot and stairs access make it easy to reach despite the terrain. Dogs are not allowed, keeping the area clean and family-friendly.

Beautiful ocean views and great waves make this beach a solid spot for surfing with many breaks. The shore is mostly rocky with limited sand, so it is not suited for lounging or sun tanning, and dogs are not allowed.

Ocean views stretch endlessly with surfers visible in the distance. The scene offers a beautiful and scenic backdrop that feels vast and calming.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be beautiful and clean."

"I found plenty of free parking, so I didn't have to circle."

"I found the ocean view to be beautiful and scenic."

Good to know

1

Dogs are not allowed on the beach.

2

Parking can be difficult to find when the surf is good.

3

There is plenty of free parking available at the beach.

07
San Elijo State Beach Campground image 1

Campground sits on a bluff with spectacular ocean views and easy beach access. The atmosphere blends a relaxed, nostalgic vibe with close proximity to trains and highway noise. Campsites are tight, surrounded by trees, and attract lively groups, especially at night.

Campground sits about 12 feet from the beach, offering excellent beach camping with direct access. The beach features an unusual stone surface at low tide and good fishing opportunities.

Spectacular oceanfront views and a beautiful sunset over the beach and bluff define the scene. The campground sits right on the beach side, offering great views of the Pacific that make the stay worthwhile.

People are saying

"I loved camping at this cozy beach campground."

"The bathrooms here are really clean."

"The beach view from the site was the best in the world."

Good to know

1

Quiet time starts at 10:00 PM to maintain a peaceful environment.

2

The restrooms and showers are very clean and well maintained.

3

Showers require tokens; $1 provides two tokens for 2.5 minutes of shower time.

08
Inn at Moonlight Beach image 1

Hotel offers a tranquil atmosphere with intentional design and sustainable touches throughout. Outdoor spaces include a herb and flower garden and areas for meditation and relaxation. Activities like yoga, massages, and local product tastings create a calm, rejuvenating experience.

The beach sits within walking distance from the inn, making it easy to reach. The path to the beach is very close and comfortable for a stroll.

Rooms offer ocean views with large balconies or terraces. Sunsets are visible and the beach is within walking distance.

People are saying

"This hotel is a peaceful, grounding oasis designed for stillness and reset."

"This beach is a peaceful oasis perfect for relaxing getaways."

"The nice view here is so serene and magical."

Good to know

1

The Inn is a short 7-minute walk to Moonlight Beach.

2

Self check-in is available for late arrivals.

3

The location is near various restaurants and shopping options.

09
Cardiff by the Sea Lodge image 1

Ocean views dominate the setting with a spacious rooftop deck offering stunning sunsets and a peaceful vibe. Rooms blend cozy beach-style decor with thoughtful amenities like vinyl records and complimentary beverages. The atmosphere stays quiet and relaxing, ideal for romantic or restful stays.

The spot offers easy walking access to the beach and nearby restaurants. Guests enjoy great ocean views and a boutique hotel right next to the shore.

Outstanding views come from the rooftop patio and the Ocean View suite. The room, view, and location all feel absolutely lovely with a comfortable memory foam bed enhancing the stay.

People are saying

"The hotel staff are so friendly and accommodating."

"The rooftop deck has an amazing ocean view."

"The rooftop deck is perfect for enjoying the ocean view."

Good to know

1

The Shanty Bar is open until 2am.

2

They host Mat Pilates classes and events.

3

You have to pay to park at the hotel.

10
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas image 1

Floor-to-ceiling windows offer unobstructed ocean views and create a quiet, luxurious atmosphere ideal for relaxation. Heated pool, jacuzzi, and fire pit patio enhance the serene setting while complimentary e-bikes add convenience. The vibe balances romantic elegance with a welcoming, peaceful energy.

Direct access to the beach offers a private beach experience without crowds. An attendant provides towels, cold water, and sets up umbrellas, enhancing comfort by the shore.

Floor to ceiling windows offer stunning ocean views from the rooms. Private patios with fire pits provide a magical setting to enjoy the beach scenery.

People are saying

"The staff made our babymoon so special with thoughtful touches."

"The ocean views from the pool and rooftop bar are stunning."

"The ocean views from the beach are absolutely stunning."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs $60 a day; no self-parking is available.

2

The hotel has a strict 2-person-per-room policy, requiring additional bookings for more guests.

3

Complimentary cocktails are served at Pocket from 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm.

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Encinitas, California

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