Exploring South Carlsbad State Beach

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I have fond memories walking along the beach in Carlsbad. My grandparents retired to Carlsbad, and I’ve been there first with them, and later with my own kids. South Carlsbad State Beach is a great stretch of bluff-lined beach that makes a beautiful place to amble about, exploring the beach, enjoying the sunshine and the ocean breezes. At low tide, the beach becomes a broad, almost level expanse of sand strewn with seaweed, sea shells, well worn beach stones and other treasures.

This walk will take you from North Ponto (the north end of the park), down the beach to South Ponto, then back along the top of the coastal bluff. At low tide, the beach is broad and flat, but at high tide, the surf can extend to the foot of the bluffs, making the beach impassable. With this route, you can modify it to suit your interest and the tides, choosing to do the entire walk on the beach or along the bluff. You can also start from South Ponto at the southern end of the park and do this beach walk in reverse.

From North Ponto, head south along the fence at the top of the bluff and enter the gate to the campground.

You’ll follow the paved road south until you reach the first beach access steps on your right.

Once you get to the beach, amble south toward the outlet of the Batiquitos Lagoon and South Ponto — the southern terminus of South Carlsbad State Beach. The bluffs are lined with campsites that are always full during the summer, but often open in the off season.

At low-tide, the beach here is broad and full of interesting things to see. You may run across people fishing, skin-diving, or beach combing. Because it’s nearly flat, I’ve seen a lot of runners on the beach.

When you reach the outlet of the Batiquitos Lagoon, turn around and head back. You can choose to walk through the campground along the top of the bluff, or back along the beach.

Camping at South Carlsbad State Beach

South Carlsbad State Beach also has a bluff-top campground with 222 campsites — half of which are right along the bluff with great ocean views. The campground is very nice, but extremely crowded during the summer. I’ve visited in December and seen just a smattering of campers. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Water and restroom facilities are nearby, and token-operated showers are available for a nominal fee.

The campground has a campfire center and store which are open seasonally (primarily the summer months).

South Carlsbad State Beach Trail Map

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Photo Gallery

SoCal Hiker Tips

• Check the tide schedule. At high tide, the beach may be impassable.
• The campground has no day use facilities. Day use parking is available off Carlsbad Blvd at either the north or south end of the park.
• Grab lunch at my grandmother’s favorite spot, the Harbor Fish Cafe. It’s about a mile north of the beach on Carlsbad Blvd. just as you enter the downtown village. The patio has ocean views. Grandma’s favorite? The fish and chips.

Essential South Carlsbad State Beach Resources

• Official South Carlsbad State Beach website
• EveryTrail guide to South Carlsbad State Beach – Web, Android and iPhone-ready