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Swami's Beach

4.6 (95 reviews)
Open 5:00 am - 10:00 pm

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Surfers watching a sunset. SWAMIS VIBE is a documusical film focusing on surfing at Swamis Beach.
Stuart E.

A uniquely beautiful southern California surf spot and green park located close to downtown Encinitas on highway 101.

Faus R.

Great little spot to swim, surf and relax. Parking is limited so come early. Be ready to go down a steep set of stairs to reach the beach.

Marshall G.

A most famous surf beach point in Southern California. Surf history way back to the sixties. Only a small break in the late pm. maybe two feet. Update : I never surfed here but the name came from the surfers being able to see the landmark buildings from the water.. Supposed to be a great surf break directly in a line with the buildings. For me, just being here is a feeling of history.

I love this building and need to go inside
Elisa G.

I love Encinitas and this beach is one of my favorite places to hang out. It's so beautiful and picturesque. I love the signage and everything about the area. What else can I say besides you need to come here!!

The Swamis Vibe Film series - Sky lit scenes and dramatic sunsets from Swamis Reef Surf Park Encinitas California.
Stuart E.

I have been rolling cameras at Swamis Reef Surf Park for over 20 years and because of the ever changing tides, weather and radical geology it is photographically one of the most dynamic and energetically changing places to capture light...That's on TOP of all the great WAVES that roll in! First time there tip: Don't expect to drive up to a large parking lot and unload a SUV full of beach gear and toys...It's a small park lot but there is more parking along Hwy. 101 but there is only one way down to the beach via a long steep stairway and at high tide the sand beach at the bottom is GONE! *Also during negative low tides the the ancient fossilized reef the park is named after is revealed making for some really interesting photo subjects and exploration! Other than checking a tide chart there is plenty to roll cameras on in this sunset through the palm trees little park that is overseen and donated to Encinitas from the SRF - the Self Realization Fellowship spiritual church and it's one of the best point breaks in San Diego to go surfing or just a great place to hang out and just slow it down to Natures pace! *More more about Swamis Reef Surf Park Encinitas California check out the Xcorps Swamis Vibe photo and film series.

Star B.

Favorite childhood beach. I've spent a lot of time here over the course of my life watching surfers ride wave early in the morning. The beach has changed and is now covered in rocks. I recommend wearing flip flops, do your best not to slip. Outside of that, getting into the water is a little rough on the feet with all the added rocks. If you can struggle past that the rest is bliss. It's still a great, slow, tucked away spot.

Robert S.

Swami's Surf Beach is a famous surfing mecca at the south end of Encinitas. The park at Swami's Beach is a great vantage point for watching surfers and has shaded areas to enjoy a picnic as well. When the tide isn't too high, you can walk south for quite a distance into San Elijo State Beach. Walking north leads into a spot below the steep Encinitas bluffs called Boneyards. Several cafes, including Swami's Cafe, and other restaurants are just a short walk north on Highway 101. There is a long stairway that descends the steep bluff from the parking lot to the beach. If the parking lot is full you will have to park along the highway outside of the park entrance. During low tides some tide pools can be found at the point north from the bottom of the stairs. Some benches and picnic tabes can be found right in the parking lot area, for those who want to sit and enjoy the scenery. Depending on the time of day, you will enjoy some shade near some of the picnic tables.

Emely R.

Most beautiful beach I've been too!! Very clean and not packed with people on a Saturday. The waters are cold and there is no shade so make sure to wear lots of sunscreen to not burn and look like a lobster haha. Parking is located along side (free parallel parking). You walk down a few steps to get to the beach and BAM your there.

Jboogie L.

I did some search and some blogs mentioned this place was a gem. There was slight rain and drizzle when we went. Tide pools were pretty awesome. I just miss the sound of waves. You do have to hike up and down the stairs but not so bad. Tide pools were quite interesting. Small parking lot. A lot of surfers.

Surfers memorial. Beautiful artwork.
Lillian W.

I heard about this beach surfing spot from a more life experienced friend that grew up surfing here as a young in. His surfing days are behind him, but he raves about this spot to this day. So I made sure to visit when I was in the area. It was a beautiful beach. What's not to like...soft sand, surf-able waves, tide pools, restrooms, grassy picnic-able area, and paved parking lot...just to name a few things. The lazy summer weekday mid morning that I dropped in, the waves were calm. Very few surfers were out in the water. Beautiful beach. If you want to check out the tide pools, head to the right side of the beach. Take the stairs down to the beach. As I drove near the beach, I noticed the neighboring wellness center roof that was shaped a bit like the Taj Mahal and painted a gold color. The center is north of the beach and in a visible from the main road. It is quite eye catching. Well the Swami Beach has the same type of sculptures in bright colors on the steps that lead down to the beach. If added a funky fun vibe. Right in front of the beach access is a small grassy area with two large wooden tiki head sculptures.

The Beautiful view from top of Beach
Leroy T.

Well I was Walking around the Zen Garden but it was closed until further notice !! So then I walk right into Swami's Beach in Encinitas Del Mar !! Well let me start off by saying this beach is really amazing and lots of surfers come here and there are lots of people who ride there bikes here also !! There are benches on top where you can sit and look down at the beautiful beach !! It's just an amazing view from the top !! So prepare to take lots of pictures it will turn out nice !! There is stairs for you to get down to the beach also !! But before that there is an cool area of green grassy area for you to chill and relax also !! As for parking the lot is not to big but it was closed for the time being but I can see this lot filling up pretty quickly !! But there are other options for parking but it is not to far of a walk but this is an very enjoyable beach and I say you must check it out for yourself !! There are lots of options for eating and it kind of reminds me of Pacific Beach in a way but much more beautiful and perfect for all !! Overall Satisfaction: Fun Factor: 4 stars out of 5 very cool beach with lots of Surfers here and great for taking pictures !! Cleanliness: 3 out 5 Stars for being well kept and good for everyone who loves the outdoors !! Parking: 3 out of 5 Stars the parking lot is not to big but there are other options for parking and not to far from beach !! Overall Grade: 4 stars out of 5 and a Beautiful Beach !! A Must See for anyone Traveling to San Diego !! I can see myself coming back and enjoying more often !!

Samantha J.

Stunning beach, perfect view of the ocean. Lovely for walks and beginner surf. Very peaceful, can't hear any of the road. Nice, clean and safe.

Gorgeous
Jane A.

BEAUTIFUL BEACH BACKDROP After cycling around Encinitas I came across Swami's Park next to the Flower Fellowship. There is a small grassy-park-picnic area and a wooden staircase down to the beach. The sand is soft and the water clarity was nice and clear. Not a lot of surfers in this area, the waves were calm. It's nice to enjoy a beach walk not covered with tons of tourist and people traffic. If you want to enjoy a quiet beach, this place would be it.

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Clean, easy access, uncrowded, locals are respectful . So i need to blabber on for another 85 characters to post

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8 months ago

One of the best beaches to go surfing at in the morning, also really fun for holidays since it's not as packed than other beaches

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Ask the Community - Swami's Beach

Where is the best place to park here?

Street parking only.

Is this dog friendly?

it says on the sign "No Dogs on Beach or Beach Access"… Read more

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Review Highlights - Swami's Beach

I had my first glimpse of this beach from the Self Realization Fellowship.

Mentioned in 3 reviews

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Grandview Beach - Look at all the rocks

Grandview Beach

(47 reviews)

The Grandview stairs are unfortunately closed through May 2026…read more Posted info states: CONSTRUCTION ALERT GRANDVIEW BEACH STAIRCASE RESTORATION AND CLOSURE CLOSURE DATE: February 3rd 2026 ESTIMATED REOPENING DATE: May 25th 2026 (Memorial Day) Beach access via the staircase will be closed during this time. The majority of the parking lot will be closed 24/7 to vehicles during this time. Grandview Beach will remain open and is accessible via South Ponto Beach from the north and Beacons Beach from the south. Thank you for your cooperation and patience during the project. We apologize for any inconvenience. City Contact: Braden DeWhite Engineer - I CIP 760-943-2245 bdewhite@encinitasca.gov Contractor: HSCC 619-333-1076 NOTICE GRANDVIEW BEACH ocorporated 199% STAIRCASE CLOSED STAIRCASE IS CLOSED DUE TO CONSTRUCTION. DANGEROUS CONDITIONS AT HIGH TIDE. USE ALTERNATE ROUTES FOR BEACH ACCESS. CLOSURE DATE: February 3rd 2026 ESTIMATED REOPENING DATE: May 25th 2026 (Memorial Day)

This is definitely just a beach I come to just to watch my friend surf, it isn't a great one for…read moreswimming because of rocks and reef. Stay away from the bluff because they do occasionally collapse and people have passed unfortunately RIP to them and condolences always to their families. Beautiful spot to just sit have a picnic and watch some surfers. Parking isn't awful but it's not amazing either so if it's a busy beach day and you see street parking take it and just walk. No bathrooms

Pipes Beach - Low Tide reveals an ancient fossilized reef  - Happy New Years Day at Pipes 2025

Pipes Beach

(6 reviews)

Gorgeous beach! So many good surfers to watch and it's kept clean. An amazing local find.0read more

"Out of water, I am nothing..." - Duke Kahanamoku…read more Duke's quote also explains why, at any given time, there are so many people in the awesome line-up at Pipes Beach. Whether you surf, run, bike, or just want a chillaxin stroll or picnic along the sand, this place ROCKS and was one of the first places I began surfing regularly since moving to N. County from UTC almost a decade ago. Before moving, I asked a few of my bros where to surf up there and they were all like, "Pipes, Pipes, Pipes..." and I was all like "Bong?" j/k The bluff above the beach sports a paved trail along Hwy 101 where you can run or walk from Encinitas to Cardiff and back. There's also a bike lane too! One funny thing about weekend warrior surfers is that many don't want to walk very far to catch a wave. With Pipes all you have to do is park on the spaces to the west side of 101 or along the dirt road to the east of it (make sure you don't block the white lines marking the bike lanes and BE CAREFUL opening you car doors!!!). The beach is about a hundred feet down the steep paved main entry path or you can access it via the wooden steps leading from the San Elijo campgrounds. If you like a reef break, head south along the beach towards Cardiff while north you'll find solid beach and combo breaks. There's tons of fun-in-the-sun stuff to do on the beach but be careful about leaving your unattended picnic baskets out, otherwise the squirrels and seagulls will go to town! I once had a squirrel chew through my entire backpack looking for the bag of peanuts I left inside! The only restrooms to be had are also on top of the hill and they keep the showers very well maintained. When the surf cooks the line-up here gets packed but you can almost always find a pocket somewhere to catch a wave. Just don't turn all aggro on your fellow surfers since no one owns the ocean, okay? Just think about what Duke would do!!!

South Carlsbad State Beach - Ice cream from our fellow campers.  Perfect for the hot weather we've been experiencing!

South Carlsbad State Beach

(379 reviews)

Camping at Carlsbad State Beach is unmatched…read more This campsite offers the best of both worlds: city life + beach life. It sits right on the ocean bluff with two sides, bluff-side (oceanfront) and streetside. Obviously bluff-side is preferred, but staying on the streetside is still a treat. A few things I love about this camping experience: - They allow all forms of camping. Tent, RV, van, etc. - The site has clean bathrooms and warm showers. Just be sure to purchase tokens at the front for the shower. - Dog friendly! You can bring your pet along but they must be on leash and aren't allowed on the beach. - Carlsbad has the most captivating sunsets, and if you're lucky, you'll even see a few dolphins. Truly the most memorable 32nd birthday activity with all my favorite people.

Such a cool spot to beach camp. Also, live music, a store, a pizza and wing spot, and decent shower…read moreand bathroom for a state beach. It's a great place to catch the sunset on a Friday evening. We were lucky to book a bon fire pit near the music and lots of bench seating for the show. It does get crowded so glad we had our own space. The camp sites are pretty big also, fitting large RV's, two cars, and comes with an outdoor table. If parking off-site (like we did since we were just there for the evening), be sure to walk back to the main entrance to exit if later at night as the side entrances are locked at sunset. Great selection of beers, wines, pizzas, wings, and even some Mac & cheese bites.

Beacon's Beach - Sunset

Beacon's Beach

(44 reviews)

When I'm dog sitting I like to walk to this beach as the views are beautiful... especially during…read morethe sunset. The doggy enjoys this walk as well. The top area was a bit of a hazard, as they had a few sinkhole issues. From recent visit I see they have improved the area and it looks really nice, and much safer. I have walked all the way down to the beach a few times, but the long trail down can be exhausting especially when carrying all your beach necessities. Overall, love the views and will continues to enjoy the walks.

Nice little secluded beach. Mostly locals with some vacationers staying in nearby airbnbs. It seems…read moreto be very popular with surfers and some boogie boarders. It's not crowded because the parking lot is quite small and situated in a residential area. It has a better vibe than the very popular Moonlight Beach (about a mile away). There isn't much sand during high tide but when the tide is low, it's perfect for sun bathing, boogie boarding, surfing, and splashing around. There was quite a bit of kelp the days we went but it didn't really bother us since we stayed relatively shallow being with our kids. There are a series of sandy switchbacks to the beach, so it is a little bit of a walk with a nice reward (going up is another story) but doable with small children. The beach was sandy with some rocks, relatively flat, didn't spot much seashells. Overall, I'd return again. Parking is a bit of a challenge though.

Swami's Beach - beaches - Updated May 2026

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