Whenever I visit one of my very good friends in Encinitas, this overlook is the first place I come to. There are a only a handful of parking places but I always seem to get lucky, score a perfect spot and it's free. After the long drive from home, I can get out of the car, feel the fresh ocean air, stretch and take in the views of the mighty Pacific Ocean. My visits vary from 30 minutes to a couple hours. I just need enough time to unwind from the drive, meditate and relax. What a stress reliever! TIP: Sunsets are epic from this overlook! read more

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The Moonlight Beach Overlook is my favorite spot to go to. I get to watch the beauuutiful sunsets, sunrises, moonrises and moonsets along with keeping up with my physical activities down on the beach like leisurely walks, yoga or running for the 5K. There's a lot more going on when I'm at this scenic blufftop overlooking the Pacific Ocean...I see picnics, volleyball games, surfing just to name a few. I just looove it! Definitely worthy of 5 stars!! read more

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Favorite over look and would always bring a burrito here to hangout at. I recommend going with friends and having a picnic

This is a great place to catch a sunset over the Pacific, overlooking Moonlight Beach. We enjoy picking up take-away in Encinitas and coming here for a picnic breakfast or lunch. Parking on weekends can be iffy in the lot, as well as mid-day in the summer. Just need a little patience. This is one of our favorite spots along the coast in North County. read more

Off to the side above the beach there's this nice little lookout to catch the sunrise or sunset. Cool spot to watch surfers. Benches to check your social media and listen to the ocean. Get some meditation in. It's a quieter spot to hangout at the beach without having to walk down a hill or get sandy. Mel M Yelp 17:74 read more

Moonlight Beach Overlook - Parks Near Me - Encinitas, California

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This is a cute little over look right above and on the south side of Moonlight Beach. There is a small little grass area for picnics or activities such as the yoga class that was going on when I visited. There are several well kept wooden and concrete benches that face predominantly west for beach, ocean, and viewing that fantastic San Diego sunset. Land escaping is maintained and clean. I can see how this little gem is many North County's residents to come and enjoy the view, and it would not be to bad of a place for a proposal. The immediate parking is limited, but I am always able to find parking up the street into the neighborhood. Anyways, next time you are in the area, and want to relax and enjoy the view, check this overlook out. read more

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Not a bad spot to check out the sunset on an evening visit. This outlook is nicely maintained, small and quaint. There are a couple benches for you to soak in the sun or sit with special someone. There is a small parking lot that sits on the bottom of the outlook with about 10 spaces. Otherwise, there is a parking lot across the street and ample street parking within a block or 2 distance. Just watch out for the "flock of seagulls"... read more

Moonlight Beach Overlook - Flock of seagulls - Parks Near Me - Encinitas, California

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This perch sits just on the south end of Moonlight beach. You can take a couple of steps up to an alternate reality where benches, and green grass grows right above the magical beach beneath it. This little park is adorned with decorations etched into the cement and tile mosaics decorating the waste bin. You can catch a breathtaking fall sunset, watch the surfers, bikinis or speedos and of course the kids. Access can be tricky from a car, especially in the summer or during a spell of gorgeous weather. I recommend riding a bike or walking in to get the moonlight experience all day, every day. read more

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What a stunning view! Lucky enough to get a parking spot and be able to enjoy the view! Grab a delicious breakfast or dessert and watch the sun rise or set and you will surely enjoy! Definitely add to your list of stops if in the area! We saw ladies playing volleyball and yoga ‍ being taught! A school was there cleaning up the area! Spring of 2019 the playground was fenced off and under construction so be warned if your looking to let the littles play! read more

GORGEOUS GORGEOUS GORGEOUS!!! I've been to this spot a few times before sunrise!! YES, around 6:15am. I don't have to tell you it's super chilly and a bit spooky seeing as how the open water is dark and beach area isn't lit BUT as soon as a bit of light starts to peak from behind illuminating the sky, its magic! Most people use this overlook to park and nap...but I had to get out and take in all the splendor! You'll often see groups of workout buddies, runners and yogis and occasional meditators along the beach too. I mean, it is ENCINITAS! :) read more

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A lovely addition to Moonlight Beach. It's a simple overlook, but includes a nice elevated view over the beach, beach-goers and oceanside. Located right across Moonlight Beach entrance and free parking, it's definitely worth a quick stop. Bring a blanket for the small grassy area, along with some drinks and food for a picnic. The main beach facilities make this an easy stop with available food and parking. read more

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Maybe it's because of nestalgia, but this is one of my favorite beach spots in North Country of San Diego! No, its because it's awesome and has a calm, peaceful beauty that can't be beat. I love to pick up Raul's Shack amazing chicken soup and drive here and park and eat it on the benches over looking paradise on earth! I saw whales or dolphins splashing yesterday, pure free magic! There's fire pits and the best children's play park! Nice clean bathrooms and usually hot life guards on duty! Love, love, love you Moonlight Beach! I remember watching a Lunar Eclipse from your cliffs 10 yrs ago. And 16 yrs ago playing chase with my 6 fingers black cat around your canary palm, before you were all development and still wild and raw! read more

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A small but wonderful spot to relax with a great view. It's basically a very small park with a few benches and one table. There's a small grass area that would be a nice place to lay down a blanket and have a picnic. I usually come here with some snacks and enjoy the view. Not too many people are here which is a good thing only because it is so small. read more

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10/10/2020 - My neighbor had to mentioned Moonlight beach a few weeks ago & I do love the Moon, so I decided to take my husband there to watch the sunset. The experience was nothing short of amazing. The sand was soft, parking was smooth & the beach wasn't too crowded. They have a nice clean bathroom and shower area as well as a playground for the kiddos. We walked up and down the shore conversing with the surfers & watching the waves. I really enjoyed everything about the beach & being a mermaid I can truly say this was a lovely pleasurable experience. Definitely take the time to in joy a piece of Moonlight Beach. read more

This is a sweet little overlook where locals and visitors frequent to relax, read a book, write a poem, picnic, surfer watch or simply check out the scenery. A nice place to tie the knot but small so only immediate family and friends like maybe 10 max. Only one handicap parking spot so park on C street or the lot at the top of Moonlight Beach. read more

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I come here weekly for beach front yoga. It's generally quiet, since it doesn't get the beach traffic, the view is beautiful, and it's well maintained. You can hang out with the hummingbirds and rabbits, while listening to the beach below. Not bad for just a little grassy knoll. read more

Perfect spot to enjoy the view either for a picnic or just for a few minutes before continuing your day. When time allows, it's a great spot to head off to enjoy the beach as well. read more

Moonlight Beach Overlook - Parks Near Me - Encinitas, California

I dont get out to north county much but I have been here and I do like it. Its calm its serene and its tranquil. Its also boring as dirt. However, this place is great if youve just been dumped and if you need a cliff to jump off of. Plenty of room to get a good running start. Or if you have a gun you could off yourself at night and no one will discover your body until the early morning unless those pesky night time joggers happens to run into you. Overall a great beach area in north county Encinitas. read more

We love it here. Love the recent renovations to this beach area. They do run out of TP from time to time. So best to bring your own just in case. The lookout or outlook spots are really cool too. Haven't had a chance to try the concession stand yet. But will one day! Nice to have that as an option. Lots of cool stuf here that includes a Playground, volleyball area, fire pits and bench style tables near by. Nice & large parking lot too! read more

Moonlight Beach Overlook - Parks Near Me - Encinitas, California

I usually come here to walk along the beach, I start and end my walk here. It is a nice way to get motivated before walking. It is a nicely maintained outlook. There are a couple benches for you to soak in the sun. There is a small parking lot that sits on the bottom of the outlook with some parking spaces. read more

This is the perfect spot to catch an ocean sunset in Encinitas. I feel so lucky to have this place just a few blocks away from my office! There is plenty of street parking and also a parking lot for convenience. Pro tip: head over here right before sunset to get some awesome "golden hour" selfies. Then grab a drink at Shelter down the street for a night cap! read more

Great overlook to drive by or jog to at the end of the day: watch the sunset over the ocean; priceless! One of the best free access spacious parking lots along the north county cost makes this easy to accomplish. read more

Quintessential Southern California. If you are staying in North County or San Diego - this little spot and all of the D Street area of Encinitas is a must visit. Parking can be a challenge, but it is worth it. The beach is nice! read more

Moonlight Beach Overlook - California at her best! - Parks Near Me - Encinitas, California

A few weeks ago we went here at night to watch the red tide luminescence glowing. If you've never seen or heard of this, it's sort of our version of the Northern Lights. It was like natures light show in the breakers. Totally amazing and aside from all the cars coming down the hill with headlights on reducing the intensity of the show it was still great. Other than this particular reason for being at Moonlight Beach Overlook I would probably downgrade from 5 stars to maybe 3 due to the very limited spaces for parking. On the other hand, we don't want to over crowd the coastal edges with too much concrete read more

During my Southern California road trip, I knew that I wanted to experience Encinitas. I typed in Encinitas into my GPS, and then drove toward the coast, and just happened to arrive here! What a gift! I was here in the very early hours of the morning - it was silent and awesome - I wrapped a shawl around me and sat at one of the benches - my view - the ocean! In all her splendor. I met a woman in Atlanta who said that she used to live in California. "Don't you miss the Ocean?" I asked her. Her answer stayed with me, "I've learned to carry the Ocean with me in my heart." The morning I made my trip to Encinitas, I wanted nothing more than to experience the Ocean until I could carry her in my heart, too. I am glad that I came to the perfect place for it. I met some really nice people here - some women sitting on a neighboring bench, and I shared my thoughts with them. The told me that they visit this place every morning before work so that for the rest of the day, they can carry the Ocean with them. read more

just incredibly perfect! my husband and i were married here last april and we couldn't have chosen a more perfect location!! sunny day+ocean view+us=perfect wedding!! i heart you moonlight beach overlook! read more