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.
Moonlight Beach
Moonlight Beach is the gem of Encinitas' beaches. With easy access, free parking, great facilities, lifeguards, and wonderful sand and surf, the beach attracts visitors from around the area. Recent upgrades to the restrooms and snack shop have helped Moonlight Beach stand out as the best family destination along this section of the coast.
Restrooms with showers, picnic areas, a playground, lifeguard headquarters, and fire rings are some of the features that visitors enjoy here.
Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.
D Street Surfing
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 Surfing
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
Switchfoot Bro-Am
June 15, 2024
The annual Switchfoot Bro-Am is usually held at Moonlight Beach in June from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 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 Junior Lifeguards - 2024
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 March 4, 2024 at 8:00 AM.
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) Check the website for updates.
Encinitas Junior Lifeguard Program
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.
