South Ponto Beach

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Located at south end of South Carlsbad State Beach. South Ponto Beach is the southern most beach in Carlsbad and boarding Leucadia.
Visit South Ponto Beach for scenic views and great activities, including surfing, swimming, and sunbathing.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Why you'll love this beach
Why you'll love this beach
Take in the Views at a Local Carlsbad Favorite, South Ponto Beach
South Ponto Beach
Overview
Things to Do
Save on Gear
Popular Activities
Get There & Parking
Featured Activity
Know Before You Go
Stay Nearby
Similar Beaches

Highlights

Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking
Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking

Overview

Beach Umbrellas at South Ponto BeachPaddle Boarder on Wave at South Ponto Beach

There are numerous beaches within Carlsbad State Beach, each of which has something a little different to offer. When planning an upcoming visit, it's essential to know what each area is known for, so you can make the most of your visit. In this case, South Ponto Beach might be a good place to visit while on your trip.

South Ponto Beach is a popular vacation destination within Carlsbad in North County San Diego. While North Ponto Beach is known for its favorable surfing conditions, South Ponto Beach has a lot to offer families and beachgoers in general. As a result, it's extremely popular among locals looking for a relaxing time in the sand and surf, as well as tourists in search of a family-friendly beach to spend the day at.

Along with ample activities and amenities throughout the area, this beach is also known for its amazing views of the ocean. Visit the overlook above the conveniently located parking area for an unrivaled view of the amazing scenery. If you'd like to explore the area, check out one of many walking paths, which take you to different places around the South Carlsbad State Beach system.

If you're in search of an amazing destination for watching the sunset with a loved one, this is definitely the place for you. The surrounding area is undeveloped, which provides a respite from hustle and bustle of busier beaches in the area.

Things to Do

Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Swimming
Swimming

Why Locals & Visitors Love This Beach

This beach has a little something to offer for everyone.

Surfing & Swimming at South Ponto Beach

A great surfing destination, South Ponto Beach hosts several different events geared towards surfers throughout the season. Swimmers are also welcomed to enjoy the clear water and sandy beaches, as there is usually a lifeguard on duty at this beach.

Something for Everybody

Spend some time sunbathing to work on your tan or bring your own volleyball net for an impromptu game with old or new friends. If you're visiting during the winter months, the receding sand reveals a variety of sea-smoothed cobblestones, which many children enjoy collecting.

Local Tips
Did you know?
"In addition to surfing at South Ponto Beach, this beach is a great place to try paddle boarding into the waves."

There are also campgrounds in close proximity, situated on the bluffs north of the beach. The beach is also south of Batiquitos Lagoon jetties, which can be accessed along the north side.

Stay Nearby at Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa

Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa is located nearby in Carlsbad about 1 ½ miles away from South Ponto Beach. This 4 star hotel is the perfect place to relax after exploring all that the area has to offer.

Go Biking with Go Pass!

La Jolla - Full Day Bike Rental
La Jolla - Full Day Bike Rental
When visiting beautiful La Jolla, one of the best ways to explore the area is with a bike tour. Using your Go Pass, head over and rent a bike and check out the most popular areas of town like La Jolla Cove, the boardwalk and Mission Bay.
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Local Tips
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The cheapest way to purchase a Go City San Diego pass is to combine Go Visit San Diego’s exclusive 5% discount with the Go San Diego passes already great deals!

Simply follow our link & use code GVSD5OFF to purchase your pass and begin saving!

How to Get There & Parking

Lot Parking
Lot Parking
Street Parking
Street Parking

Getting to South Ponto Beach

You can find South Ponto Beach along the Coast Hwy 101 at the southern end of South Carlsbad State Beach, located on the border of Carlsbad and the neighboring city of Encinitas. It's easily accessible by vehicle or on foot, depending on where you're staying in the surrounding area.

Parking at South Ponto Beach

There is a paid parking lot that charges $8 per vehicle in close proximity to South Ponto Beach, but it can be difficult to find a space during summer. In this case, look for on-street parking, which is available for free on the Coast Highway, along the southbound lanes. If you plan your visit during the off-season, there is usually ample parking in both the paid lot and on the street.

There are also two handicap-accessible spaces within the paid lot, both of which allow easy access to the beach for people in need of walking aids or assistance. These spaces are located on Highway 101 itself, south of the entrance of the parking lot.

Featured Activity

La Jolla Surfing Lesson
Surf Lessons in La Jolla
Ride the waves in La Jolla, a premiere surfing destination! This 90-minute lesson is fit for both beginners & intermediate surfers, with a choice of private or public lessons. All necessary equipment is included. Surfs up!
Buy Now

Know Before You Go & Tips

Lifeguards
Lifeguards
No Alcohol
No Alcohol
No Camping
No Camping
No Dogs
No Dogs
No Glass Containers
No Glass Containers
No Motorized Vehicles
No Motorized Vehicles
No Smoking
No Smoking
Outdoor Showers
Outdoor Showers
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Restrooms
Restrooms
Shade
Shade
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available

Other Things to Know

Facilities Available

South Ponto Beach is one of the few local beaches that have both restrooms and public showers on site. This makes it an ideal location when traveling with young children in tow, so families are encouraged to plan a trip there while in town.

No Dogs

While leashed dogs are permitted on The Strand, they are not allowed on the beach itself even when leashed, so be sure to leave any furry friends at your lodging when visiting this beach.

Rules at South Ponto Beach

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted anywhere on the beach. If you bring non-alcoholic beverages during your trip, make sure they're kept in plastic bottles, as glass bottles are also not permitted on the beach. The beach opens at 7 am every day and closes at sunset. If you can, try to extend your visit to the beach to sunset, so you can take in the beautiful view of the sun dipping down low over the Pacific Ocean, which is truly breathtaking.

San Diego Encinitas Lions Surf Event for Visually Impaired

South Ponto Beach is also home to an annual surf clinic suited to people who are blind and vision-impaired to ensure all surfers can enjoy their experience on the water. This event, which usually includes over 100 volunteers, is jointly conducted by Encinitas Lions Club and the Urban Surf 4 Kids and occurs every September.

South Ponto Beach
is Known For:
Surfing
Surfing
Know This:
Lifeguards
Lifeguards
Outdoor Showers
Outdoor Showers
Restrooms Available
Restrooms Available
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available
This Month's Forecast
56°F / 73°F
Sunny in November
Dec
51°F / 68°F
Sunny in December
Jan
51°F / 67°F
Sunny in January
Feb
53°F / 68°F
Sunny in February

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