As you meander through the rolling hills and verdant valleys of Escondido, the allure of the Pacific might seem worlds away.
However, this inland enclave of Southern California is actually within easy reach of some of the region’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes.
From the family-friendly expanses of Carlsbad State Beach to the dramatic cliffs of Torrey Pines State Beach, and the dog-friendly haven of North Beach in Del Mar, there’s a coastal retreat to suit every taste.
Each of these sandy sanctuaries promises more than just a dip in the ocean – they are a portal into the laid-back lifestyle that epitomizes Southern Californian living.
Check out the options!
1. Carlsbad State Beach
- Distance from Escondido: 17 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnics, surfing, bodyboarding, camping, volleyball
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, picnic tables, lifeguards, rentals, restaurants, campground, volleyball nets
Stretching for miles along San Diego’s coast, Carlsbad State Beach is a highly-rated seaside paradise offering an exciting mix of activities and amenities.
The northern section of this expansive beach is known for pebbles perfect for beachcombing.
This part is bordered by beautiful parks and a bustling boardwalk lined with inviting eateries and comfortable accommodations.
Transitioning from the pebbly expanse, the beach morphs into a sandy haven in the southern part, where visitors can indulge in swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
The beach also features a welcoming campground for those seeking an overnight adventure under the stars.
With its stellar facilities, including showers, restrooms, lifeguard stations, and wheelchair accessibility, Carlsbad State Beach seamlessly blends leisure and convenience, making it an ideal destination for a memorable beach escapade.
Related: Best Hiking Trails near Escondido
2. Oceanside Harbor Beach
- Distance from Escondido: 23 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnics, surfing, bodyboarding, volleyball, boating
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, picnic tables, lifeguards, rentals, restaurants, volleyball nets, boat ramps
Located in Oceanside, just 23 miles from Escondido, Harbor Beach is an expansive seaside gem that blends natural beauty with a plethora of activities and amenities.
Framed by two jetties, the beach’s sprawling sandy expanse is perfect for sunbathing or a leisurely game of volleyball.
The beach’s proximity to Oceanside Harbor means visitors can indulge in sailing, deep-sea fishing, or even visit the resident sea lions.
Harbor Beach is well-appointed with picnic tables, barbecue grills, and showers located behind the vigilant watch of the three lifeguard towers.
A short stroll takes visitors to the bustling Oceanside Harbor, replete with shops, eateries, and a marina.
Fishing enthusiasts can cast off the jetties, while surfers and kite surfers make the most of the ocean waves.
With free and paid parking options, a visit to Harbor Beach is as convenient as it is enjoyable.
3. Grandview Surf Beach
- Distance from Escondido: 18 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnics, surfing, bodyboarding
- Facilities: restrooms, lifeguards
Situated in the heart of Encinitas, 18 miles from Escondido, Grandview Beach is a tranquil retreat that is part of California’s Leucadia State Beach.
Characterized by its narrow expanse and high bluffs, the beach delivers a serene and somewhat secluded seaside experience, primarily frequented by local residents.
Its accessibility via a long wooden stairway enhances its discreet charm, while the expansive views of the ocean stand testament to its name.
A hotspot for surfers, this strip of sand also welcomes sunbathers, joggers, and bodyboarders.
Despite the beach’s modest facilities, lifeguards are present during the summer months, ensuring the safety of all visitors.
Grandview Beach does not prioritize ostentatious amenities; instead, it celebrates the beauty of nature, providing visitors with a relaxing ambiance and a panoramic vista of the majestic Pacific Ocean.
4. Moonlight State Beach
- Distance from Escondido: 18 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnics, surfing, bodyboarding, volleyball
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, picnic tables, lifeguards, rentals, restaurants, volleyball nets, bonfire pits
Another excellent option near Encinitas is the bustling Moonlight State Beach located just 18 miles from Escondido.
Frequented by tourists and locals alike, this Californian gem offers a wealth of recreational options from surfing and boogie boarding to beach volleyball.
Equipped with lifeguards and appealing waves, Moonlight State Beach is renowned for its safety and thrill.
Its children-friendly play area and grass park make it a perfect spot for families.
Dining options abound with a convenient concession stand offering delightful meals during spring and summer.
Rentals for beach essentials are provided at a nearby shop, while bonfire rings add a captivating touch to evenings.
Moonlight State Beach is a vibrant destination that beautifully blends natural charm with recreational diversity.
Related: Best Hiking Trails near Escondido
5. Stonesteps Beach
- Distance from Escondido: 18 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnics, surfing, bodyboarding
- Facilities: street parking
Tucked away in Encinitas, Stonesteps Beach is a secluded haven for tranquility seekers.
This hidden gem, veiled from the public eye, offers an intimate beach experience.
Its prime allure lies in the stunning stone and concrete stairway, flanked by a vibrant ceramic tile mosaic, leading to the sun-kissed sands below.
Popular among surfers and beach walkers, Stonesteps Beach unfolds a serene vista, perfect for those early morning cardio sessions or peaceful sunset gazes.
With access points stretching towards the family-friendly Moonlight Beach and the bustling Beacon’s Beach, it also serves as a starting point for extensive low-tide walks.
Free street parking in the neighboring area adds convenience.
Stonesteps Beach emerges as a secret sanctuary, blending natural beauty with recreational simplicity.
6. Swami’s Surf Beach
- Distance from Escondido: 19 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnics, surfing, bodyboarding
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, picnic tables, lifeguards, rentals
Named after the local yogi, Swami’s Surf Beach is an iconic treasure in Encinitas, 19 miles from Escondido.
Nestled at the city’s south end, this renowned surfing hub magnetizes wave chasers globally, particularly in winter.
The beach’s standout right point break is unique to North County, providing a high-performance surf experience.
But it’s not all surfboards and swells.
The beach also offers amenities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic tables, while the adjacent park features shaded spots for leisurely picnics.
The cliff-top vantage point offers sweeping views, an ideal perch for snapping panoramic shots or spotting dolphins.
Despite its popularity, be mindful of parking limitations and the prohibition of pets, barbecue grills, and alcohol.
This easily accessible beach by stairs is a must-visit Encinitas hotspot.
7. San Elijo State Beach
- Distance from Escondido: 19 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnics, bodyboarding, snorkeling, diving, camping
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, picnic tables, lifeguards, rentals, campground
San Elijo State Beach, located 19 miles from Escondido, promises a cornucopia of coastal pleasures.
The beach presents an enticing offer for outdoor lovers, encompassing activities like swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
But it’s the under-the-sea wonders that set San Elijo apart.
The nearby reef is a snorkeling and diving paradise, teeming with vibrant sea life.
After a day of marine exploration, the beach’s camping facilities offer respite.
Visitors can pitch a tent on the bluff-backed sand and wake up to the sound of crashing waves.
The campsite, complete with a seasonal camp store and on-site Mexican restaurant, is an idyllic setting for friends and family.
These unique features make San Elijo a must-visit beach spot.
Related: Best Hiking Trails near Escondido
8. Cardiff State Beach
- Distance from Escondido: 19 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnics, bodyboarding, snorkeling
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, picnic tables, lifeguards, rentals
Cardiff State Beach may not be as popular as its neighbor – San Elijo State Beach, but it has its mellow charm.
This beach, established in 1949, has become a hotspot for swimmers, surfers, and beachcombers searching for peaceful surroundings.
Cardiff stands out for its dog-friendly nature; four-legged companions are welcome here, which is rare for state parks.
For those requiring accessibility, beach wheelchairs are available free of charge, and a Mobi Mat pathway allows easier beach access.
The beach also sits next to the ecological gem that is the San Elijo Lagoon, a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
With its chill vibe and numerous amenities, it’s no surprise that Cardiff State Beach is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Whether you’re seeking a surf adventure, a quiet walk with your pet, or a serene sunset view, Cardiff State Beach is an excellent choice.
9. Powerhouse Park Beach
- Distance from Escondido: 19 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnics, bodyboarding, surfing
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, picnic tables, lifeguards, rentals
Situated 19 miles from Escondido, in Del Mar, Powerhouse Park is an idyllic seaside spot, flaunting beautiful grass lawns and a clean, sandy beach.
The park boasts easy access to Del Mar City Beach, a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Showers are available for those coming out of the sea, offering convenience for swimmers and surfers.
The playground adds to the family-friendly vibe, while picnic tables and benches overlook the mesmerizing ocean vista.
During summer, water sports gear like surfboards, bodyboards, and wetsuits can be rented.
With ample parking, easy beach access, and striking views, Powerhouse Park is a charming hub of beachside activities in Del Mar.
10. Torrey Pines State Beach
- Distance from Escondido: 24 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnics, bodyboarding, surfing, walking
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, picnic tables, trails
Immersed in nature’s grandeur, Torrey Pines State Beach is a slice of coastal paradise near San Diego.
Encased by 300-foot golden sandstone cliffs, the beach serves as a perfect escape for beach enthusiasts.
The rhythmic dance of waves, ranging from gentle 3-footers to thrilling 6-8 footers, lures in surfers, bodyboarders, and swimmers alike.
Split by a red/yellow flag, the northern stretch becomes a surfer’s haven, while the southern part bustles with families enjoying the calmer waters.
The wide sandy expanse allows leisurely strolls at low tide, with the red-hued cliffs offering a picturesque backdrop.
Notable amenities like showers, picnic areas, and a vast parking lot offer convenience for visitors.
Those with a spirit for exploration can also reach the beach via a trail from the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Related: Best Hiking Trails near Escondido
11. Del Mar Dog Beach
- Distance from Escondido: 18 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnics, bodyboarding, surfing, walking
- Facilities: restrooms, volleyball nets
A haven for canine companions, North Beach in Del Mar, commonly known as Dog Beach, offers a unique off-leash experience for pups.
In this part of the beach, dogs can frolic freely, except during summer when leashes are mandatory.
However, amenities like water for rinsing are lacking.
The beach’s broad expanse hosts volleyball courts, and swimmers find solace near the river mouth and reefs.
A scenic trail leads to an overlook at James Scripps Bluff Preserve, a must-explore for visitors.
While parking is available along Camino del Mar and at 29th Street, it’s paid.
Unique in the area, Del Mar Dog Beach maintains its appeal with breathtaking sunsets, cliff-side strolls at low tide, and ample space for dogs to run wild.