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Exploring South Carlsbad State Beach

December 19, 2010 By Jeff H 5 Comments

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Carlsbad State Beach at low tide

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.

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Trail Details
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 1-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 465 ft
Hours: 6am-11pm
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.

Entering the campground

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

Path to beach access stairs

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.

Beachcombing

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.

Outlet of the Batiquitos Lagoon

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.

Campground on the bluff

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

South Carlsbad State Beach Trail Map

© OpenStreetMap contributors
Download file: 910432.gpx

Photo Gallery

Parking at North Ponto
North Ponto Beach Access
North Ponto Beach
Entering the campground
Campground on the bluff
Path to beach access stairs
Lifeguard Station
Stones on the beach
Lobster Tail
Beach Access Stairs
Beachcombing
Carlsbad State Beach at low tide
Lifeguards on patrol
Beach access
Coastal bluffs
Black and white sands
Outlet of the Batiquitos Lagoon
Digging to China
Foggy day at the beach
Beach access
Carlsbad State Beach Campground
Campground Host
The Facilities
Painted Rock at the Campground Host site
Campfire Center
Visit the camp store
Entrance to the South Carlsbad State Beach campground

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

Filed Under: State Parks, Trail Guides Tagged With: 3-6 miles, beach, beachcombing, Carlsbad, Carlsbad State Beach, coastal, family-friendly, flat, guide, hike, San Diego County, scenic, State Park, trail, walk, walking

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Jeff H

About Jeff H

I'm an avid hiker and backpacker. My wife Joan and I are on the trails every weekend. I started SoCal Hiker to share my passion for outdoor adventure.

Comments

  1. campsites sunshine coast says

    April 19, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    wow..nice pic

    Reply
  2. Mike says

    May 15, 2014 at 9:09 pm

    Hi Jeff,

    I’m a huge fan of South Carlsbad State Beach! I’m especially excited for this Summer as they’ve added a ton of sand along the beach. People should be aware that it does create a little bit of a shore break on some stretches of the beach. I live across the street and take my 7,5 & 3 year olds down there all the time.

    For any of your readers that are interested in more information about the South Carlsbad Area I created a Home Buyers Guide that they might find useful.
    http://www.southcarlsbadrealestate.com/?page_id=79
    I hope you find it useful!
    Mike

    Reply
  3. Terryll Rogan says

    January 5, 2015 at 3:43 pm

    Jeff! I remember when we walked this trail!

    Reply
  4. Lisa Horner says

    December 8, 2015 at 10:24 am

    One of my favorite places to camp

    Reply

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