South Ponto Beach

Located near the border between the cities Encinitas and Carlsbad, South Ponto Beach is one of the widest beaches in Encinitas. It is situated in an undeveloped area at the southern end of South Carlsbad State Beach. 

South Ponto Beach is well-equipped with amenities including lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and fire pits. There is also a bluff-top campground for visitors at the northern end of the beach.  This beach is considered great for swimming and surfing because of its shallow waters and mid-size waves.

You can have a great time doing other activities here like bike paths, fishing, paddle-boarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, and volleyball (bring your net and ball).

Getting to South Ponto Beach is very easy – it is situated on Carlsbad Boulevard right off Interstate 5 along Poinsettia Drive. There is a paid parking lot at the south end of the beach which costs $8 for a day. You can find free street parking available at the northern end.   

If you are looking for nearby attractions, Annie's Canyon Trail is an 18-minute drive away – it provides hiking areas that are great for both beginners and experienced hikers because of the natural climbing walls with single-pitch rock climbing routes.  San Diego Botanic Garden is a botanical garden that is spread across 37 acres and features the nation’s biggest bamboo collection and 29 uniquely themed gardens including, the well-known Hamilton Children’s Garden. It has been awarded ‘Readers’ Choice 2019’ and ‘Top 10 Botanic Gardens in North America’ awards by USA Today 10Best. Another good option is Encinitas Ranch Golf Course, an 18-hole beachfront golf course with a driving range, golf shop, and restaurant. South Ponto Beach hosts the annual surf clinic for the blind and sight-impaired in mid-Sept. Every year more than 100 surfer-assistant volunteers from the Swami’s Surfing Association and San Diego Surf Academy take part in this event.  You can also watch whales, blue herons, egrets, killdeers, and even the endangered California least tern here on a lucky day. Please note that the official beach hours are from 06:00 am until 10:00 pm. 

If you get hungry, there are many restaurants within a 10-minute drive of South Ponto Beach.  Seasons Restaurant is an upscale vegetarian-friendly American restaurant that serves burgers, fries, ceviches, salads, and drinks. VUE is a local eatery that is well-known for its pancakes, craft brews, cocktails, wines, and patio dining. Another great option is Casa De Bandini, an authentic Mexican-Latin restaurant featuring tortilla chips, salsas, tacos, nachos, and special vegan options. 

If you are looking for a place to stay, you can drive 10-minutes to the luxurious 5-Star hotel Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa that has many amenities including a pool, bar, spa, sauna, restaurant, ATMs, fitness center, tennis court, and golf course. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is a 4-Star hotel featuring a pool, bar, restaurant, spa, fitness center, water park, tennis court, and two golf courses. Another great option is the 3-Star pet-friendly hotel Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel – it has a pool and fitness center. Rodeway Inn Encinitas North is an affordable 2-Star hotel with a golf course.