Encinitas Beach Activities

Surfing Encinitas' Beaches

The beaches along the Encinitas coast rank as among the most inviting and exhilarating in San Diego County. Consistently good waves coupled with a long history of surfing, make Encinitas a surf haven. Among the most popular spots in Encinitas are Swami's and D Street, along with nearby Cardiff Reef and Seaside.

Swami's

The point break at Swami's is known by surfers around the world. The best swells roll in during the winter months, but Swami's can be crowded year-round. The point break, a beach break, and reef break all can produce great rides that attract both shortboarders and longboarders. The best waves are well off-shore, requiring a strenuous paddle to reach them.

D Street

Just south of Moonlight Beach, D Street is usually crowded in the summer. Known for powerful waves, D Street is usually home to more experienced shortboarders. A sandbar break produces both lefts and rights.

Stone Steps

For uncrowded waves, many locals like to head to Stone Steps. Left and right breaks make for good rides. Nearby spots such as Roseta Street and Secrets are known to produce good waves under the right conditions, usually in the summer.

Surf Lessons and Camps

Moonlight Beach Surf Camps

Summer Surf Camps at Moonlight Beach, in partnership with the City of Encinitas Parks and Recreation. A safe, fun, and high energy environment for students to learn to surf and to improve on their surfing skills. Teacher - student ration 1:3. Morning sessions from 9 AM to noon, afternoon from 1 PM to 4 PM. 760-753-6870
Moonlight Beach Surf Camps

Encinitas Surf Lessons

Private and group lessons available for beginning to advanced surfers, provided by instructors with a deep passion for surfing. Boards and wetsuits are provided. Summer lessons are usually held at Ponto Beach.
Encinitas Surf Lessons

Maui Surf Academy

Private and group lessons at Swami's Beach for everyone from beginners to advanced. Half and full-day surf camps. Boards and wetsuits included.
Maui Surf Academy

Leucadia Surf School

Two-hour surfing lessons at Moonlight Beach - softboards and wetsuits provided. Private, semi-private, or small groups lessons available. Summer Surf Camp for all ages.
Leucadia Surf School

Wave Huggers Surf Lessons

Two-hour private lessons or share with a friend. Offered at major Southern California beaches, including Encinitas.
Wave Huggers Surf Lessons

Surfboard and Paddleboard Rentals

Concept Surf Shop

Surfboards, wetsuits, boogie boards, bikes, and beach chair rentals.
215 West D Street, Encinitas, CA
Concept Surf Shop

Progression Surf

Rentals of surfboards (hard and soft), stand-up paddleboards, bodyboards, wetsuits, fins
828 North Coast Highway 101, Leucadia, ca
Progression Surf

Hansen's Surfboards

Demo surfboards, soft surfboards, bodyboards, and wetsuits
1105 S. Coast Hwy. 101. Encinitas, CA
Hansen's Rentals

Paddle Planet

Stand-up paddleboard, kayak, surfboard, and bodyboard rentals.
996 N. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA
Paddle Planet

Moonlight Beach Playground

Nearby Bicycle Rentals

Ride Cyclery
449 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA
Road bikes, women's road bikes, mountain bikes, comfort bikes, and accessories.

Switchfoot Bro-Am

June TBA, 2021
The annual Switchfoot Bro-Am is usually held at Moonlight Beach in June from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. In 2021 the event will once again be virtual. In past years the free event featured a surf contest beginning at 7:00 AM and a beach concert from Noon to 5:00 PM. The event benefits local at-risk youth and humanitarian causes through the Switchfoot Bro-Am Foundation.

Activities kick off with an evening auction which includes outstanding food served by leading area restaurants. Besides the surf content, Saturday features nerf surf jousting, live music, and beach vendors.
Switchfoot Bro-Am

Encinitas Parks and Recreation
Beach Kids Program

Designed for children ages 6-8, the Beach Kids program at Moonlight Beach emphasize learning and fun. The program teaches beach safety and awareness, marine life awareness, water etiquette, basic first aid, teamwork, and an introduction to body boarding.

Online registration begins April 19, 2021. The program is open to both residents and non-residents. A modified beach program will be offered for 2021.
Beach Kids

Encinitas Parks and Recreation
Spring and Summer Beach Camps for Children

Spring Surf Camps and Clinics

After School Surfing, Weekend Clinics and Little Groms Suef Camps are offered at various times in April and May at Moonlight Beach.

Beach Volleyball Camp at Moonlight Beach

Campers receive instruction based on their skill levels. The camp covers fundamentals, teaches specialized drills, and offers supervised games. Open to both Encinitas residents and non-residents, 7 - 14. Five, week-long camps run from June through July. Daily activities take place from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
Encinitas Parks and Recreation Activities

Moonlight Beach Volleyball

Super Moverz Beach Camp

Join in a fun-packed week of beach sports from soccer to boogie boarding and much more. Ages 5-7. Four-day-long camps (Monday - Thursday) at Grandview Beach. Daily activities take place from 9 AM to 1 PM.
Encinitas Parks and Recreation Super Moverz Beach Camp

Team Challengerz Beach Camp

Join in a fun-packed week of beach sports from soccer to boogie boarding and much more. Ages 8-12. Five-day-long camps at Grandview Beach. Daily activities take place from 9 AM to 1 PM.
Encinitas Parks and Recreation Team Challengerz Beach Camp

Encinitas Junior Lifeguard Program

Encinitas Junior Lifeguards - 2021

The Encinitas Junior Lifeguard Program at Moonlight Beach develops ocean and beach safety, lifesaving skills, and physical fitness. Participants enjoy beach games, surfing, swimming, body boarding, body surfing, snorkeling and competitions. Registration opens in February.

Encinitas Junior Lifeguards is open to individuals ages 9 to 17. First-time participants must complete a swim test, offered on dates in June and July at the Boys and Girls Club of San Dieguito in Solana Beach. The Junior Lifeguard Program usually has four 2-week-long sessions. They meet Monday through Friday with both morning or afternoon sessions available. Morning programs run from 9:00 AM to Noon, afternoon programs run from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. (No JGs on July 4) Program dates and times may be different in 2021. Check the website for updates.

Encinitas Junior Lifeguard Program