Moonlight Beach, Encinitas

Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, visitors to San Diego are bound to notice a string of beaches. Be sure to stop at this beach, found along the Encinitas coastline. This state beach offers both swimming and surfing, although surfing is restricted during the summertime to certain areas. The summer surf averages three to seven feet. The beach is home to many families, with children building sandcastles and feasting on snow cones, sold at the local snack area. Best of all, many side streets near the beach offer free parking, which is often a premium at San Diego beaches.