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.
Breathtaking ocean views appear from the top of the stairs. The beach offers a peaceful setting with good views of surfers, and the spot at Stonesteps provides great views often enjoyed with dogs.
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.
"I found the beach peaceful and beautiful with great views."
"The ocean view from the stairs is breathtaking."
"The scenic views from the stairs are beautiful and breathtaking."
Good to know
Parking can be difficult when the area is busy.
There are almost 100 steps to reach the beach.
Dogs are not allowed on the 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.
Cliffside spots offer breathtaking ocean views with La Jolla visible in the distance. Benches near the parking area provide a place to enjoy sunset views over the beaches.
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.
Good to know
Parking is limited, so arrive early or consider alternative options.
Access to the beach is only possible via stairs, which may be challenging.
The parking lot is free but tends to fill up quickly.
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.
Miles of beach offer unobstructed views of the water and plenty of sand. The spot is known for its amazing sunsets.
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.
Good to know
Parking slots at Cardiff State Beach are paid, with limited free street parking available.
Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash; restrictions apply north of the visitor center.
The beach is clean, well-maintained, and welcoming for visitors.
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.
Rooms offer amazing ocean views and sunsets, especially from the third floor. Spacious rooms provide beautiful beach vistas that enhance the stay.
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.
Good to know
The motel is just a short walk from Moonlight Beach.
Parking is included at no extra charge for guests.
Rooms feature kitchenettes with essential appliances for convenience.
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.
Stunning ocean views stretch across the beach, creating a beautiful and relaxing scene. The beach offers a great vantage point for enjoying the water and sky.
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.
Good to know
The beach access is currently closed due to unsafe conditions.
Bring shoes for the rocky areas at the bottom of the steps.
There are no bathroom facilities available at the beach.
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.
Ocean views stretch endlessly with surfers visible in the distance. The scene offers a beautiful and scenic coastal panorama.
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.
Good to know
Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Parking can be difficult to find when the surf is good.
There is plenty of free parking available at the beach.
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.
Oceanfront sites offer spectacular views of the beach, bluff, and sunset. Campground locations provide great access to the Pacific and a nice town and beach view.
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.
Good to know
Quiet time starts at 10:00 PM to maintain a peaceful environment.
The restrooms and showers are very clean and well maintained.
Showers require tokens; $1 provides two tokens for 2.5 minutes of shower time.
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.
Rooms offer ocean views with large balconies or terraces. Sunsets are visible and the beach is within easy walking distance.
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.
Good to know
The Inn is a short 7-minute walk to Moonlight Beach.
Self check-in is available for late arrivals.
The location is near various restaurants and shopping options.
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.
Outstanding views come from the rooftop patio and the Ocean View suite. The rooftop offers some of the most stunning views, while the suite features a comfortable memory foam bed with a lovely view.
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.
Good to know
The Shanty Bar is open until 2am.
They host Mat Pilates classes and events.
You have to pay to park at the hotel.
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.
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. The property combines beautiful beach views with modern design.
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.
Good to know
Valet parking costs $60 a day; no self-parking is available.
The hotel has a strict 2-person-per-room policy, requiring additional bookings for more guests.
Complimentary cocktails are served at Pocket from 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm.