Carlsbad Beaches

San Diego County

Carlsbad  Beach, San Diego County, California
Carlsbad  Beach, San Diego County, California

Carlsbad Beaches

San Diego County


Carlsbad Beaches

South of Oceanside and north of Encinitas, the city of Carlsbad is home to a series of warm, sandy beaches that attract locals and visitors alike. At the northern end, Carlsbad City Beach (including Frazee Beach) spreads from Ocean Street to Elm. Then Carlsbad State Beach (better known as Tamarack Beach) extends from Tamarack to the breakwaters at the mouth of Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Three miles south is South Carlsbad State Beach, popular for camping. The South Ponto Beach day-use area within the state beach is known from its wide, sandy beach.

For several miles, tall bluffs south of Agua Hedionda make access to beaches more difficult than in the north. South, near Batiquitos Lagoon and Ponto Beach, access becomes fairly easy once again.



Tamarack Beach, San Diego County, CA

Tamarack Beach (Carlsbad State Beach)

Carlsbad State Beach

Carlsbad State Beach is often called Tamarack Beach. Parking is available in a lot at the foot of Tamarack or along Carlsbad Boulevard. Several trails lead down to the beach. Restrooms and outdoor showers are available. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer. Surfing is popular near the jetties. Other visitors enjoy jogging, cycling, and strolling along the seawall path along with stand-up paddleboarding, sun bathing, boogie-boarding, and swimming.

Carlsbad State Beach map,  San Diego County, CA

Carlsbad City Beach

Carlsbad City Beach has access paths at the bottoms of Ocean Street, Christianson Way, and Grand Avenue. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. The beach is popular for surfing, surf fishing, sun bathing, and swimming. Surfing hours are restricted from May through October.

Carlsbad City Beach map,  San Diego County, CA

South Ponto Beach

South Ponto Beach is the southern portion of South Carlsbad State Beach. This day-use area offers parking, restrooms, and outdoor showers. Visitors enjoy sunbathing, boogie-boarding, surfing, and volleyball. Poles are provided; bring your own ball and net. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer.


Ponto Beach, San Diego County, CA

South Ponto Beach


South Ponto Beach at South Carlsbad State Beach map,  San Diego County, CA
South Carlsbad State Beach, San Diego County, CA



Parking at Carlsbad Beaches

Carlsbad Boulevard hugs the oceanfront from Pine Avenue in Carlsbad all the way to South Carlsbad State Beach. Parking is available in many places along the boulevard. Beach parking lots are located at (1) Oak Avenue and Ocean Street, (2) Tamarack Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard, (3) Carlsbad Boulevard near Island Way, and (4) Carlsbad Boulevard at La Costa Avenue. The latter three lots are in state parks.



Ride the Coaster to the Beach

Coaster train at Del Mar, San Diego County, California

The Coaster commuter train runs along the Pacific coast in San Diego County, with stops at 8 stations between San Diego and Oceanside. Every weekday more than 20 trains make the scenic journey, with more trains on weekends. The entire Coaster route only takes about an hour.


Station Stops

  • Santa Fe Depot - San Diego
  • Old Town - San Diego
  • Sorrento Valley - 11170 Sorrento Valley Rd., San Diego
  • Solana Beach - 105 North Cedros Ave.
  • Encinitas - 25 E. D Street
  • Carlsbad Poinsettia
  • Carlsbad Village
  • Oceanside Transit Station

Nearby Restaurants and Shops

Restaurants


Beach Supplies


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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety