South Carlsbad State Beach

We had a great time, the camp site was awesome as we had an ocean front site#37. The site was fairly level and just across from the restroom & showers. No hookups in the spot, so bring your generator which you can run from 10am to 8pm

Great beach! You see squirrels, dogs, and people enjoying beachside living.
During the summer they have family community events. I intend to participate more in 2016.
I love how well maintained this beach is. Carlsbad puts in the money and service to keep it pretty, clean, and enjoyable for everyone to enjoy. Glad this isn’t a state-​run beach.
Expect well maintained paths and beauty for you, your family, and friends.

July: This place could not be any perfect. I don’t know how we did it but we were able to walk down with ease from the cliff side and found ourselves a nice clean spot without seaweeds or flies. I have to say this was my first time at Carlsbad beach and it’s beautiful.
We did not really see alot of people here to swim but instead like us just to hang out on the sand and enjoy the beautiful view. There were not a lot of people for a nice weekend out and that was nice to have peace and quiet time to relax.
Sunsets are always beautiful, we left when the sun left.
Great place to relax.

Visited on 9÷6÷15
It is $ 15 for parking all day. There were individual toilets that you use as changing areas but the showers and sinks were turned off due to the drought. The beach was crowded, and there was seaweed everywhere. We found a place near the cliffs and planted our claim. The waves were vast and there was a warning in effect for rip tides and waves 6 – 7 feet tall. We all got knocked around a few times, and our son attempted to make a sandcastle. Before we left, we climbed the stairs to the 2 lookout points, and took a few pictures. The showers were off due to the drought.

Great beach. Not too crowded. Went this during El Niño and the water was not as cold as usual.

Beautiful relaxing beach. A must see.

I stop here after work to meditate and get some fresh air after a long day. It’s not always easy to do since Carlsbad gets pretty foggy and cloudy most days. However, on the days that it is sunny and nice, I park my car and walk down this beach by myself. It’s very peaceful, quiet and a nice break from the hustle and bustle.
It’s also the beach where my husband took me for Valentine’s Day back in 2007 and hinted to me that he was going to propose soon (he proposed 2 months later), so this place has a special meaning to me.

Funnest camping spot ever! 6 years in a row now and hopefully many more to come. Our family’s favorite vacation tradition! We love everything about this place. Fun camp store, great beach, nice clean bathrooms, and hot showers. It’s a blast! Family friendly all the way!

Beautiful beach. Parking is small but for some reason i always seem to find parking. Its a beautiful place to watch the sunset or to hang out with the family. Its very clean and quiet.

Beautiful beach!!! We came on a Sunday, midday and it was easy to find parking. Not too crowded at all on the beach either! Great little spot to check out the beautiful SoCal beach! :)

This is a kid friendly beach. Best beach in San Diego to bring your family. The campgrounds are just above the beach so it’s a perfect vacation spot. Cheap prices go rent a space. Also a surf spot if you’re into that. Close to pretty much everything… Restaurants, hotels, shopping, and Legoland!

I split my time ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ every week between Los Angeles and San Diego, and this beach always makes the drive worth the torture.
They maintain it well, putting pebbles down in the winter to prevent erosion and come spring/​summer, they push the pebbles up to reveal the soft sand. Sometimes sand flies can be a big problem at the height of summer, but I think that’s only when there’s too much seaweed washed up that hasn’t been cleared. The water is always clean and clear. Been coming here for over 5 years now, never been disappointed at the water quality.
I love parking on a little street called Ponto Dr. It runs parallel to Carlsbad Blvd. starting at Avienda Encinas. But don’t go telling everyone now ;)

Beautiful, cold water… not too crowded, some lifeguards. Parking is free altough somewhat limited… had a great day there!

Ocean, surf, not too many people, California — whats there not to like :-)

Brilliant time during the weekday when the beach was lightly populated, mostly by sunbathers and older folks enjoying conversation and books.
Parking was very easy to find, though I hear that parking is never too difficult a find during the weekend.
Things to know:
1. The restrooms are located closer to the paid parking lots. There are porta-​potties located along the free parking areas.
2. The popular sections are those with fewer river rocks, but the sections populated with tons of rocks are also quite nice. Consider bringing some river shoes. From what I could tell, the rocks are mostly located along the bank and not so much in the actual water, so you just need some help wobbling from your beach chair to the surf.
3. Bring a cooler and snack. There is no place to purchase eats withing walking distance.
Thank goodness I came prepared. I didn’t want for anything after setting up my spot and found that the energy was mellow, the sights plentiful and gorgeous and the water warm.
Excellent find!

I love this beach, one of my favs! San Diego and there beaches are beautiful, especially this beach in Carlsbad.

Doesn’t get better than this! Every day of the year. From walking along the shore enjoying the sunset to playing volleyball along the water’s edge — you just can’t beat it! I’ve taken my mother-​in-​law and we’ve put out beach chairs during the winter just to get the sun on our backs and dig our feet in the warm sand. It’s so nice!
We’ve had many a bonfire here. There are no fire pits but you can bring your own if they’re 6 inches above the sand and you discard the hot coals or firewood correctly.
There’s always pkg (paid or free) and there are even bathrooms (closer to the paid spaces).
Thank you God for creating such wonderful places as these…

I am giving them 1 star in hopes this gets to the correct people to read it.
They are stuck in the Stone Age. They don’t take credit cars or debit cards. No ATM on site. They send u back by the freeway and get money out of the bank there.
Come on now get a ATM. Stop making people go out of their way

Small parking lout but awesome place for surf fishing!
Be sure to check your local tides and ask the lifeguards if you have any safety questions.

I came for a training run while others did their stair training.
There is a fee if you wish to park in the lot at the bottom of the stairs; otherwise, you can park in the lot off Coast Highway for free. It’s small so come early if you want a spot!
I walked over to the stairs and there are several people working out/​doing circuit training/​bootcamp. Up the stairs there are view points where it overlooks the ocean. Pretty!
What I noticed was that there were A LOT of fisherman. Must be some good fish over at this location.
I decided to take the path to Coast Highway and run north. It’s not as pretty as my usual run route in North Carlsbad, but you still get the cool ocean breeze.