Best Beaches In & Near Carlsbad

By The Beach Guide | Last Updated: August 25, 2023

Map featuring Carlsbad beaches. Click on pins to view beach details

1. Moonlight State Beach

Invertzoo

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 0.5 hrs
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2. South Carlsbad State Beach

Sam Trenholme

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 0.5 hrs
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3. Grandview Beach

Chris Hunkeler

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 0.5 hrs
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4. Beacon's Beach

Tim Buss

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 0.5 hrs
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5. D Street Beach

Tim Buss

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 0.5 hrs

Located below the cliffs at the end of D Street in Encinitas, just south of Moonlight Beach is D street Beach. A popular spot when the sun is out although it rarely gets as busy as its northern neighbor.
The beach at D Street is accessed by a set of wooden stairs which wind down the bluff. Many people are content with just taking in the view from the platform… read more »
6. La Jolla Cove

John Uhrig

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 1 hr

Tucked away at the foot of the sandstone cliffs north of San Diego, La Jolla Cove is one of the most photographed beaches in SoCal, so it's fair to say it's exceptionally beautiful. The Spanish phrase "La Jolla" means "jewel" and this cove is a gem.
Facing north it has an exceptionally clear deep blue waters with visibility up to 30 feet in depth making it popular for swimming, snorkelling… read more »
7. Black's Beach

Raquel Baranow

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 0.5 hrs

Situated on the beautiful California coastline north of San Diego, Black's Beach is north of La Jolla at Torrey Pines, just below the famous golf course of the same name. The name Black's Beach comes from the horse farm in the area that was once owned by the Black family.
A little off-the-beaten-track, the beach is accessed down a steep sandy trail from the Gliderport Parking Area. It can be tricky… read more »
8. Scripps Beach

Kenny Chung

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 1 hr

Scripps Beach takes its name from the adjoining UCSD Scripps Institute of Oceanography in La Jolla. Although the iconic long concrete pier is not open to the public, you can use the sandy beach on either side of it.
This beach is much quieter than its better-known neighbour at La Jolla Shores as it is less accessible, but it is popular with locals. Surfers head for the… read more »
9. San Onofre State Beach

Justin Meissen

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 0.5 hrs
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10. San Clemente State Beach

Bennilover

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 1 hr

Found at the southern end of the city of San Clemente in California, San Clemente State Beach is a favourite with water sports enthusiasts. Set below attractive cliffs, its light-coloured sands continue for some over a mile in length, although much of its breadth can be lost with the high tide.
Family-friendly and accessible to those with reduced mobility it is no surprise that San Clemente State Beach can become particularly… read more »
11. Windansea Beach

Chad McDonald

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 1 hr

Located in the charming coastal town of La Jolla, Windansea Beach is found at the west end of Westbourne and Nautilus streets. It takes its name from the phrase "wind and sea" and there was once a hotel of the same name which burned down in the 1940s.
In the same era, the legendary Windansea Surf Club was formed which was as much about partying as it was surfing. Many… read more »
12. Laguna Beach

© Joe Belanger

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 1 hr

Located midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna Beach is the archetypal Southern Californian beach town. This is one of the most fashionable seaside towns in Orange County and as such has attracted the wealthy and famous for many years. Laguna Beach has a long established reputation as a cultural hotspot and is home to any number of art festivals, most notably the Pageant of the Masters.
But it is… read more »
13. Laguna Beach

© Diosthenese / CC BY

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 1 hr

Located midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna Beach is the archetypal Southern Californian beach town. This is one of the most fashionable seaside towns in Orange County and as such has attracted the wealthy and famous for many years. Laguna Beach has a long established reputation as a cultural hotspot and is home to any number of art festivals, most notably the Pageant of the Masters.
But it is… read more »
14. Tourmaline Surfing Park Beach

Invertzoo

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 1 hr
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15. Pacific Beach

Fastily

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 1 hr

Pacific Beach is the name of both the beach and this neighborhood of San Diego. Known locally as P.B. this stretch of sand runs between La Jolla and Mission Beach.
At the heart of Pacific Beach is the Crystal Pier which dates back to the 1920s. The main beach is the area to the south of the pier, whilst the other side is known as North Pacific Beach.
Running the entire 3.2… read more »
16. Coronado Beach

ashleytheartist2002

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 1 hr

Consistently voted one of America's finest beaches, Coronado Beach is a long sandy stretch on the outskirts of San Diego. The main Central Beach runs along Ocean Boulevard from the Hotel del Coronado to Sunset Park. An area near Sunset Park is set aside for dog owners to bring their dogs to play on what is known locally as Dog Run Beach. There is parking near the Coronado Hotel.
The beach… read more »
17. Mission Beach

The Erica Chang

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 1 hr

The name of both a beach and a town, Mission Beach in San Diego sits on a thin slither of land just two blocks wide at the entrance to the islands and attractions of Mission Bay. Here you'll find SeaWorld San Diego, the largest aquatic park of its type anywhere.
Facing the Pacific Ocean, Mission Beach stretches for approximately two miles, paralleled the whole way by a paved… read more »
18. Capistrano Beach Park

Alex Proimos

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 1 hr
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19. Doheny State Beach

Steve Andler

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 1 hr
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20. Ocean Beach, San Diego

Brooke Anderson

Travel time from Carlsbad: approx 1 hr

Ocean Beach extends south from San Diego River to Sunset Cliffs and is popular for surfing and sunbathing. Known locally as OB, this beautiful sandy city beach has the archetypal laidback SoCal beach vibe.
There are various different section including an area for surfing only, swimming only and there's a dog-friendly section although pets must be kept on a leash.
At the south end of the beach, the ½ mile… read more »