Updated
Moonlight State Beach
Public beach · Encinitas, California
Not today — an official hazard warning is active
Avoid todayNot today — an official hazard warning is active: a Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for San Diego County Coastal Areas; Orange County Coastal.
- Water temp 73°F (23°C)
Live data from NOAA buoy 46274 (1.3 mi away), as of Oct 29, 7:56 AM UTC.
Why, sources & official advisories
- A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for San Diego County Coastal Areas; Orange County Coastal. — NWS San Diego CA
- Water temperature is 73°F, within the comfortable 70–86°F range. — NOAA buoy 46274, as of Oct 29, 7:56 AM UTC
- No official beach advisory posted (California Water Boards — FHAB Reports checked).
Official advisories
Checked against California Water Boards — FHAB Reports — no advisory posted.
Get an email when it’s warm enough
It’s 73°F at Moonlight State Beach now. We check the water daily and email you once when it reaches your temperature.
Sandy beach with a snack bar, playground, volleyball & tennis courts & recreation equipment rentals.
What’s swimming here?
Fish recorded within 2 km: Woolly Sculpin, Mussel Blenny, California Moray and 4 more species.
7 fish species in 8 public records within 2 km of Moonlight State Beach since 2000.
- Woolly Sculpin Clinocottus analis2 records · 2025
- Mussel Blenny Hypsoblennius jenkinsi1 record · 2025
- California Moray Gymnothorax mordax1 record · 2022
- Pacific Footballfish Himantolophus sagamius1 record · 2021
- California Halibut Paralichthys californicus1 record · 2020
- Rudderfish Girella nigricans1 record · 2019
- Perch Kyphosus azureus1 record · 2019
Data: GBIF.org occurrence records, CC0 and CC BY only (iNaturalist research-grade observations, GBIF dataset). Common names: GBIF.org (Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Catalogue of Life). Non-native flags: USGS NAS. These are sightings and specimens people reported, not a survey: a fish missing from the list may still live here.
Things to Do Near Moonlight State Beach
Top-rated tours and experiences around Encinitas, powered by Viator — free cancellation on most.
Private Shore Excursion: Beach or Canyon Horseback + Bufadora opt
Local Guided Electric Bike Tour from Solana Beach to Encinitas
Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour with Sea Lion Sightings
American Monuments Moonlight Night Guided Open-Air Cruiser Tour
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Frequently asked questions
- Where is Moonlight State Beach?
- Moonlight State Beach is a public beach in Encinitas, California.
- What is the water temperature at Moonlight State Beach?
- As of October 29, 2026, the water temperature at Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas, California is 73°F (23°C), measured by NOAA buoy 46274, 1.3 miles away.
- Can you swim at Moonlight State Beach?
- Not today — an official hazard warning is active: a Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for San Diego County Coastal Areas; Orange County Coastal. Checked October 29, 2026.
- How is Moonlight State Beach rated?
- Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas, California has an average visitor rating of 4.7 out of 5, based on 2492 reviews.
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Location & Contact
west of I-5 on, Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024
Encinitas, California 92024
Phone
+1 760-633-2740🏖️ Best times & visiting tips
- ›Arrive early for best parking and beach spot selection
- ›Check for lifeguard schedules and swim only in designated areas
- ›Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
- ›Watch for beach flags indicating water conditions
Features & amenities
Highlights
Accessibility
Amenities
Family & Children
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