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Best of Encinitas

Surf Spots with Parking

Catching a wave without spending the entire morning hunting for a parking spot.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated May 2026
01
D Street Viewpoint image 1
D Street Viewpoint image 2
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Park offers stunning sunset views and easy beach access via stairs and a ramp. The atmosphere stays peaceful and uncrowded, with plenty of benches for sitting and watching surfers or waves. Nearby streets provide free but limited parking, making it a quiet spot close to local activity.

Parking offers easy street spots along adjacent streets with some free options nearby. Weekday availability tends to be great, though some spots can be challenging to find.

Strong, high waves crash against the shore with easy access for surfers to reach the water. At high tide, waves come up to the bottom of the stairs, making it a notable spot for wave watching.

People are saying

"I found the beach beautiful and picturesque."

"I enjoyed the amazing sunset views."

"I found parking available close by along adjacent streets."

Good to know

1

There are no restrooms at D Street Viewpoint.

2

Weekend parking can be difficult; consider arriving early.

3

During the week, parking is generally easier at D Street Viewpoint.

02
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.

A huge free parking lot sits near the beach, offering plenty of spots most times. Free street parking also exists, but finding a spot gets tough when the surf is good.

Waves here offer great breaks suitable for longboarding and more. The beach feels secluded with a good sized parking lot, though spots fill up quickly when surf is good.

People are saying

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

"It's a fun surf spot with great waves and lots of breaks."

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

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.

03
Cardiff State Beach image 1

Long beach with soft sand and clean water offers easy access from a nearby parking lot with a reasonable fee. Lifeguards are on duty, creating a family-friendly and safe atmosphere. Nearby shops and restaurants add convenience, while the beach supports small wave surfing and relaxed walks along the shore.

Lots of parking exists on off days and afternoons, including free street parking spots. A paid lot right next to the beach offers easy access, with a reasonable daily pass fee, but early arrival is needed for large vehicles.

Small wave surfing happens here, especially in summer, with waves firing at a classic reef spot. The beach offers great body surfing and a beautiful setting.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be beautiful and a great place to spend the day."

"It's a gorgeous beach where everyone is having fun."

"Fifty years ago, I found this surf spot to be beautiful."

Good to know

1

Parking is available right next to the beach for easy access.

2

Expect a $15 daily parking pass; free parking is available along Hwy 1.

3

Lifeguards are on duty for safety.

04
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.

Parking includes a lot with clean facilities like restrooms, showers, and picnic benches. The area offers a great sunset view and maintains a pleasant vibe throughout.

Waves here are great and consistent, making it a solid spot for surfing. The reef creates a definitive surf break that draws surfers looking for quality swells.

People are saying

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

"I loved the beautiful, romantic sunsets here."

"You'll find plenty of street parking available nearby."

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.

05
Surfhouse image 1

Hotel offers modern, clean rooms with a surf house vibe and easy beach access. Location near a railroad causes loud train noise at night, while nearby restaurants and bars add street-level activity. Complimentary bikes and surf gear enhance the active, coastal atmosphere.

Each room includes one parking pass for a spot near the room, which helps since street parking is limited. Parking is generally available but can be taken over early on Sundays without prior notice.

An incredible surf break lies just a short walk from a clean, well-maintained surf house with a strong surf house vibe. Four local beaches offer options for solo travelers, couples, and families seeking a convenient surf holiday.

People are saying

"It's a short walk to the beach with lovely scenery."

"It's a short walk to an incredible surf break."

"Parking available, which was great when I had a car."

Good to know

1

The hotel is close to the beach and many restaurants.

2

Parking spots are available, which is convenient for guests with cars.

3

The surf break is a short walk from the hotel.

06
Stonesteps image 1
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.

Free street parking exists nearby, including some spots at the top of the stairs. Parking can be limited and difficult when the area is busy, sometimes requiring a walk from a residential area farther away.

Quiet stretch of beach with soft sand offers great surf and good waves that attract many surfers.

People are saying

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

"The ocean view from the stairs is breathtaking."

"The waves here are good and attract many surfers."

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.

07
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.

Parking sits above the beach, creating a secluded vibe below. The lot offers free parking with some upgraded seating and plants, but spaces are limited and street parking is scarce.

Waves suit beginners but stay average overall. Crowds get very heavy, making surfing less smooth.

People are saying

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

"I watched a beautiful sunset here; it's the best around."

"This surf spot is ideal for beginners learning to surf."

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.

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