Terramar Beach

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A hidden beach located just north of Palomar Airport Road. Park along the street and walk over to the north side of the nature trail at the top of the cliffs and you will see stairs.
For hidden treasure in Carlsbad, Terramar Beach is a surfer's paradise. This guide explains its best features.
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
Learn to Surf at the Carlsbad Low-key Treasure of Terramar Beach
Terramar Beach
Overview
Things to Do
See More & Save
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

High Tide Breaking Against the Cliffs at Terramar BeachHigh Tide at Terramar Beach

The crowded beach scene is not for everyone, especially people in search of a relaxing vacation experience. Terramar Beach is ideal for visitors to Carlsbad in North County San Diego, in that case. Although the beach is part of the larger South Carlsbad State Beach system, it enjoys a relatively secluded location, nestled within a quiet residential beach community.

The narrow strip of beach is accommodating to many types of visitors, including those looking for scenic views of the ocean. This beach is best known for its surfing. Surfers of all skill levels are comfortable here, especially when compared to other local beaches in Carlsbad that prove more challenging to those new to the sport.

At low tide there is great tide pooling so bring your family and make sure you check the tides before arriving.

Things to Do

Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Surfing
Surfing
Swimming
Swimming
Tide Pooling
Tide Pooling

What to Love About Terramar

Surfing at Terramar

Some areas of South Carlsbad State Beach feature more challenging waters, which makes them off-limits to less experienced surfers. This is not the case with Terramar Beach, which has something to offer surfers of all skill levels. The wave quality is classed as normal, which makes it an ideal spot for people new to surfing or those getting on a board for the very first time.

Additionally, the wave type here is a point-break, with the wave direction ranging right and left. The normal length of waves is short, meaning up to 150 feet, while on good days expect much longer waves, spanning from 500 to 900 feet in some cases. Both wind and swell directions are considered good at this beach.

Avoid the Crowds

If you're hoping to miss the crowds, plan your visit on a weekday. If you plan a weekend trip, expect crowded conditions due to this beach's popularity with so many local surfers. You can expect less of a crowd as compared to other local beaches, even on weekends.

Local Tips
Did you know?
There is no lifeguard station however lifeguards to patrol this beach in their vehicles when the tide allows.

The secluded nature of Terramar Beach has much to do with its excellent location. The surrounding oceanfront community makes this a more low-key experience than some of Carlsbad's other beaches. You can also find many amazing views while exploring this beach, with the overlooking cliffs proving to be a particularly scenic attraction to visitors.

Tide Pools

For more family-friendly pursuits, Terramar Beach also has much to offer during low tide. Tide pooling lets kids explore the complex ecosystems teeming under the water, and this beach is so perfect for the activity it was even nicknamed Carlsbad Tide Pools by the locals.

Stay Nearby at the Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach

The Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach is located just across the street from South Carlsbad State Beach and only three quarters a mile from Terramar Beach. Some of the rooms have an ocean view and it is a top pick in the Carlsbad area.

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Local Tips
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How to Get There & Parking

Free Parking
Free Parking
Street Parking
Street Parking

Getting to Terramar Beach

There are two entrances available to the public at Terramar Beach. The central entrance, which is reserved for private use by inhabitants of the beach community called Terra Mar, is locked and secured.

Public beach can be accessed via a staircase located where Carlsbad Blvd. meets Cerezo Drive, or by traveling south away from Warm Water Jetty Beach. Just remember that high tide can often cover the entire beach so plan accordingly.

Parking Near Terramar

This beach has no official parking lot affiliated with it, but parking is usually available. Because it's less populated than some of the other beaches in the area, there should be ample on-street parking in multiple locations. Even better, parking spots are available free of charge.

Featured Activity

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Guided La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour
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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
No Trash Cans
No Trash Cans

What You Should Know Before Your Trip

Finding Terramar Beach

While this beach is considered part of South Carlsbad State Beaches, there is no official signage stating as such, which can make it tough to find if you're unfamiliar with the area. It can be found south of the power plant and north of Palomar Airport Rd., near the Terra Mar beach community (where it gets its name). The beach lacks restroom facilities, which means visiting families with small kids should plan ahead.

Don’t Depend on Lifeguards

While the beach is suitable for all surfers, keep in mind that there are typically no lifeguards on duty at Terramar Beach. Lifeguards do patrol the area, however, but enter the water at your own risk if you're not an experienced swimmer or surfer. Be sure to check the weather conditions before your trip.

Check the Tides

Before your visit, look up low tide times to plan your visit accordingly. The beach is entirely covered during high tide, so it's important that beach dwellers vacate before high tide arrives. Dogs are not permitted anywhere on the beach, even if they're on a leash.

Terramar Beach
is Known For:
Surfing
Surfing
Know This:
Lifeguards
Lifeguards
Tide Pools
Tide Pools
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

Stay Nearby

Hampton Inn Carlsbad
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Best Western Plus Beach View Lodge
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Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Carlsbad
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Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach
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from $164 / night
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