Beaches – Visit Carlsbad

North Carlsbad Beaches

vc-admin — Sun, 11 Sep 2016 11:48:24 +0000

These beaches stretch from Oceanside border to Pine Ave, near Carlsbad Village. Jointly owned by the state and the coastal property owners along that stretch, north Carlsbad beaches are open to the public. However, they do not have any lifeguard services, restrooms, showers or other amenities. These north beaches can be accessed at Carlsbad Village Drive, Grand Avenue, Christiansen Way, Beech Ave and Rue des Chateaux.

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Terramar Beach

vc-admin — Sun, 11 Sep 2016 11:46:24 +0000

Terramar is located South of the Carlsbad Power plant and North of Palomar Airport Road. This quaint and somewhat hidden beach is a great spot for local surfers to catch a wave. There are no public restrooms at the beach or within walking distance of the beach. Though there aren’t lifeguards on duty, lifeguards do patrol the area in their vehicles.

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Tamarack State Beach

vc-admin — Sun, 11 Sep 2016 11:45:12 +0000

Carlsbad State Beach, also known as Tamarack Beach, stretches from the warm water jetties, just south of Tamarack Avenue, to Frazee Beach, near Carlsbad Village Drive.

The beach is ideal for the family and kids, the state beach offers swimming, surfing, scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing, fishing and beachcombing. Many people fish off the Carlsbad jetties, both near Tamarack beach and the campgrounds.

The Carlsbad Seawall, a paved 4-mile walking path along the coast, extends from Carlsbad Village drive to Cannon). The seawall separates The beach from Coast Hwy 101, where you can find people walking, jogging, and cycling. All throughout the day you can see joggers, walkers, cyclists and roller-bladers cruising up and down the path. This is definitely an active city.

Carlsbad State Beach offers an amazing view of the sunset. Every night people gather at the north end of the beach, on the bluff (towards the village) to watch the sun sink into the Pacific Ocean. The palisades and walkway atop the Seawall is another romantic spot for watching the sunset and enjoying the ocean view.

Amenities

Restrooms:

A restroom and a few rinse-off spigots are located near the parking area.

Picnic Area:

Two of five picnic tables on the paved walkway are generally accessible. High-low drinking fountains are accessible

Beach Regulations

NO dogs (must be on 6 ft leash at campground)
NO fires (BBQs available at the campground)
NO alcohol/glass containers
NO vehicles on beach
Restrooms available
Showers available

Hours

Open 5am-10pm

Parking

If you’re feeling lucky, try the small beachside lot on the west side of Carlsbad Blvd where Tamarack Ave intersects. But don’t fight too hard to get into it. Better chances are along Carlsbad Blvd and on the surface streets near the beach.

Ponto Beach, just south of the campground, has a pay lot. The beachfront closest to the parking lot is flagged for surfing only. There is more parking along Carlsbad Blvd and nearby residential streets.

Lifeguards

Yes. Lifeguard towers 21-28.

Accessbility

“Surf chairs” are available. To reserve a chair call or leave a message at (760) 438-3134

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South State Beach

vc-admin — Sun, 11 Sep 2016 11:40:33 +0000

South Carlsbad State Beach extends from Palomar Airport Road to La Costa Ave. Unlike Carlsbad State Beach to the north, this beach has few amenities, except for the campgrounds, and is rather remote. Popular activities include swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing and picnicking, and sunbathing. Good quality sand makes this beach ideal for walking and jogging.

Campground

South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, the large bluff-top campground, is very popular, especially in summer. Stairs lead from the campground to the beach.

This section of beach is located along rugged cliffs, making it rather remote. There are some safe access points to the beach. You can find these where cars are parked on the small turnouts along the highway.

This section of South Carlsbad Beach includes Terramar Beach and North Ponto Beach.
South of Campground to La Costa Ave

South of the campground, the cliffs disappear, and the beach opens up to Coast Hwy 101. This section of beach is unusually wide and sandy. The surrounding area is undeveloped, making this one of the nicest beaches in the county.

During Summer, this beach is a popular spot for family and kids. The closes restrooms, however, are at South Ponto Beach parking lot and the campgrounds.

The Batiquitos Lagoon is located on the opposite side of the highway. A jetty and water inlet separates the beach just south of the campground from South Ponto Beach, further south.

South Ponto Beach has the best conditions for surfing. Surfing contests are held at Ponto from time to time.

To the north is Carlsbad State Beach, the city’s other major beach.

Amenities and Other Details

None (Nearest restrooms are at campground and South Ponto Beach parking lot).

Regulations

No alcohol, glass or dogs allowed

South Carlsbad State Beach Campground sits on a cliff overlooking South Carlsbad State Beach. There’s no day-use facilities, and it’s more isolated than Tamarack State Beach.

Parking

On the beach south of the campgrounds, parking is available in spaces along Coast Hwy 101 directly in front of the beach.

Hours

6 am to 10 pm.

Disabled Access

Stairs from campground to the South Carlsbad State Beach are now accessible. A route from the Ponto Picnic Area to the beach is also accessible. Parking in the day use area is accessible. A beach wheelchair is available. Call (760) 753-5091 for information.

In all, South Carlsbad State Beach has a secluded section, hidden below cliffs with few access points, while the section south of the campground is a wide, open sandy beach, in an undeveloped area.

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South Ponto Beach

vc-admin — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 21:53:07 +0000

South Ponto Beach is a rare gem in that it is one of the widest beaches in the county and exists in an undeveloped area. Coast Hwy 101 hugs the shoreline here, with Batiquitos Lagoon on the other side of the highway. The beach is a popular family destination, and only one of the few beaches in the area that has public restrooms and showers.

South Ponto Beach is secluded with its high sand dunes and tends to have a lot of polished stones washed up during the winter time.

Activities

South Ponto Beach offers a full array of activities, including swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. You’ll have to bring your own net. The beach is a popular surf spot with occasional surfing events.

Captivating Sunsets

If you happen to be driving on Coast Hwy 101 by this beach during sunset, you might find it irresistible to park on the highway shoulder and walk onto the sand to enjoy the captivating colors, wide stretch of sand, and water pounding on the jetty.

Nearby Attractions

South Ponto is on the south end of South Carlsbad State Beach, and just south of Batiquitos Lagoon jetties.

South Ponto Beach is just north of Leucadia, where the bluffs end and the open stretch of ocean begins.

Other Details

Regulations

Dogs not allowed. Dogs are allowed leashed, on The Strand, the frontage road. No alcohol, No glass bottles.

Parking

At the southernmost end of South Carlsbad is a pay lot ($15 per vehicle during peak season). There’s actually a limited amount of free parking on the outer edge of South Ponto Beach.

Hours

South Ponto Beach is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

In all, South Ponto Beach is one of the few undeveloped beaches in the county. That along with the extra wide sand makes this beach a popular haven for families and other beach goers.

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