Swami's

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Located just off of S Coast Hwy 101 and just south of Santa Fe Dr. There is a parking lot at the top of the stairs.
Learn about Swami’s Beach in Encinitas. With world-class surf and a pleasant, relaxing environment, this is a great beach to visit for anyone in the area.
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
Experience Amazing Surf and a Self-Realization Center at Swami's Beach
Swami's
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

Swamis to the SouthLooking into the Ocean at Swamis

If you are visiting the San Diego area and want to enjoy a day on the beach, consider heading to Encinitas to explore Swami’s Beach. This pleasant, city beach is best known for its world-class surf. There are plenty of other reasons to love the beach also.

The beach is named for Swami Paramahansa Yogananda who founded the Self-Realization Fellowship in the area. The hermitage and grounds of this organization overlooks the beach. Many consider the meditation gardens to be a symbol of the positive and spiritual vibe of Encinitas.

While the golden spires and calming gardens of the Self-Realization Fellowship are the most immediately noticeable qualities of the area, the beach is even better known for surfing. It draws significant crowds even on weekdays. Furthermore, those crowds often include very talented and even professional surfers.

The beach is a little less crowded as Moonlight State Beach to the north is more popular. Nonetheless, plan to arrive early if you want to fully enjoy Swami’s Beach.

With free parking, facilities, fun activities and more, there are a lot of reasons to love Swami’s Beach. If you are in North San Diego County, this beach is seriously worth a visit.

Things to Do

Tide Pooling
Tide Pooling

Top Reasons to Visit Swami's Beach

Swami’s Beach is perhaps best known for attracting surfers. However, whether you want to head out on the waves or stay on the sand, there is a lot to love about this beach.

World Class Surf

The surf at this beach is consistent and fun. Swami’s offer relatively challenging waves, so beginners should consider opting for another spot. However, if you have some experience with surfing, this is a can’t-miss spot.

Perhaps the most notable feature of the area’s surf is the point break. There are also some beach breakers. The main peak is a couple of hundred yards from shore, requiring significant paddling.

Expect average to long waves depending on the day. Additionally, expect to see large crowds, especially on weekend days.

Even if you don’t surf, the popularity of the spot attracts some very talented surfers who are fun to watch. This includes several professionals who frequent the area.

Local Tips
A place to Meditate
Not only is Swami's known for it world class surf, its namesake is from the Self-Realization Fellowhip which has a large meditation garden at the park on top of the cliff.

Shade and Grass

Swami’s Beach features some pleasant, shaded areas that are ideal for enjoying a picnic or just getting out of the sun. This is a significant feature for a beach in the San Diego area. Many others are almost entirely devoid of natural sun protection.

The grassy areas include picnic tables and barbecues. This makes enjoying a full day at the beach easy. There are also nearby restaurants and cafes along the edge of the beach.

Tide Pools

When the tide is low, tide pools appear in the rocky areas to the north of the beach. This is a great place to see some of the smaller marine flora and fauna. Expect to find sea hairs, brittle stars and octopuses.

You may even find old fossils and shells hidden among the older rock areas. This can be a fun and interesting way to spend some time down by the beach. It is a great family activity.

Self-Realization Center

As mentioned above, the beach gets its name from Swami Paramahansa Yogananda who founded the Self-Realization Fellowship. This organization runs the meditation gardens on the edge of the beach.

For anyone who enjoys meditation or simply relaxing near the ocean, this can be an interesting place to visit. The garden is also very beautiful if you want to take a look as you pass by.

Spend More Time at Swami’s and Stay Nearby

Inn at Moonlight Beach fits right into the vibe of Swami’s & Encinitas. The inn offers a unique staying experience focused on the wellness of the guests. It is a great place to stay at while visiting San Diego.

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How to Get There & Parking

Free Parking
Free Parking
Neighborhood Parking
Neighborhood Parking
Street Parking
Street Parking

Getting to Swami’s

Exit I-5 onto Encinitas Boulevard and go west. This will become B Street after a few blocks. Turn south on Third Street and follow it until you reach the beach.

The Santa Fe Boulevard exit from the I-5 is closer to the beach. However, it is cut off from easily accessing the coast and you will end up following the same route.

Parking at Swami’s

There is free parking available in a parking lot near the beach. Additionally, there is ample street parking in the residential neighborhoods.

To reach the beach, the simplest route is through the small park at the top of the cliff. This is right next to the parking lot.

Featured Activity

Front of the USS Midway Museum in San Diego
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
Located in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum provides history of aircraft built in California. The museum includes over 60 exhibits with restored aircraft and tours of the carrier.
Learn More

Know Before You Go & Tips

Lifeguards
Lifeguards
No Alcohol
No Alcohol
No Glass Containers
No Glass Containers
No Motorized Vehicles
No Motorized Vehicles
No Smoking
No Smoking
Outdoor Showers
Outdoor Showers
Picnic Tables
Picnic Tables
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Restrooms
Restrooms
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available

What You Need to Know

Lifeguards

There are lifeguard stands with seasonal staffing. However, unlike Moonlight State Beach to the north, the patrol coverage is minimal. Always use caution when going into the water.

Facilities

There are bathroom and shower facilities located by the beach. You can find them at the bottom of the stairs at beach level.

Water Safety

The surf at this beach is quite strong, especially out near the point. Respect the surf and currents in the area. North of the break is the most dangerous section.

Conversation

The reef is protected by the California Marine Life Protection Act. Additionally, the beach is conserved by local groups such as the Swami’s Surfing Association. Be respectful of the local nature.

Swami's
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
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Sunny in December
Jan
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Sunny in January
Feb
53°F / 68°F
Sunny in February

Stay Nearby

Hampton by Hilton Encinitas - Cardiff
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Best Western Encinitas Inn & Suites
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from $131 / night
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Inn at Moonlight Beach
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from $297 / night
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