Carlsbad’s coastline features eight distinct beaches (though they all flow into one another), perfect for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and exploring. South Carlsbad beaches are under state jurisdiction, while the northern ones are privately owned, with public access maintained by the city. The beaches stretch from La Costa Avenue all the way to the Carlsbad–Oceanside border.
Dogs are prohibited on all Carlsbad beaches, but the nearby North Beach Dog Beach on PCH is a popular alternative.
How to Reach the Beaches
Getting to any of Carlsbad’s beaches is fairly simple:
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Take I-5 and exit at La Costa Avenue, Poinsettia Lane, Palomar Road, Cannon Road, Tamarack Avenue, or Carlsbad Village Drive, depending on which beach you’re visiting.
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From there, head west to Carlsbad Boulevard / Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), which runs parallel to the coast. Be cautious entering or exiting in areas where traffic is fast, especially between La Costa and Cannon near the NRG Cabrillo Power Station.
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You can also take the Coaster train from San Diego. It stops at Carlsbad Poinsettia Station and Carlsbad Village Station (which is near Tamarack Beach). Bikes are allowed on the Coaster, or you can rent one once there.
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Each beach description below includes its best access points.
What to Know Before You Visit
Parking
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Carlsbad Boulevard runs the full length of the coast, and parking is available along side streets or in designated lots.
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State Parks parking lots typically charge $10 in low season / $15 in high season.
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Some lots have restrooms or showers; others don’t—check before you go.
Camping
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The South Carlsbad State Beach Campground (at Poinsettia Lane) offers campsites, but reservations are required.
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RVs or trailers longer than 35 feet cannot be accommodated.
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Dogs are allowed in the campground (but not on the adjacent beach).
Surfing & Water Safety
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Popular surf spots include Tamarack, Terramar, Warm Water Jetty Beach, and North Ponto.
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Be wary of cold water, strong surf, rip currents, backwash, and sudden drop-offs.
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Lifeguards are present seasonally (roughly spring through October), but not everywhere—check the status before visiting.
Nearby Resources
If you forget something, there are several shops and stores not far from the beaches:
The Beaches (South → North)
Here’s a breakdown of Carlsbad’s beaches, from the southern end to the northernmost point:
1. South Ponto Beach
A broad, mostly sandy beach (especially in summer), located near La Costa Avenue at the Encinitas border.
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Highlights: great for families, sunsets, exploring the jetty, and watching wildlife
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Seasonal: more rocks and cobblestones appear during winter swells
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Facilities: restrooms, showers, lifeguards (in summer)
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Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Rules: no dogs, fires, glass, or alcohol
2. South Carlsbad State Beach
This three-mile stretch runs from La Costa Avenue to Palomar Airport Road, wrapping around the campground.
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Access: via bluff paths or highway turnouts
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Activities: camping, hiking, beachgoing, surfing
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Facilities: camp store, showers, restrooms
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Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Rules: no dogs, fires, glass, or alcohol
3. North Ponto Beach
A narrower, day-use beach located at the northern edge of South Carlsbad State Beach.
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Best for surfers and quieter strolls
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Facilities: bathrooms; lifeguards during peak times
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Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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Rules: no dogs, fires, glass, or alcohol
4. Terramar Beach
A tucked-away beach between Palomar Road and the power plant.
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Known for tide pools (sometimes called “Carlsbad Tide Pools”)
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No restrooms, and the beach may vanish during high tide
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No lifeguards
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Street parking available
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Rules: same as above (no dogs, fires, etc.)
5. Warm Water Jetty Beach
Named for the warm currents that flow between its rocky jetties.
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Great for surfing, fishing, beachcombing, and exploring the nearby ecological reserve
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Close to Carlsbad Aquafarm (which offers tours and oyster tastings)
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Facilities: restrooms; some lifeguard coverage
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Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Rules: no dogs, fires, glass, or alcohol
6. Tamarack Beach (Carlsbad State Beach)
One of the more popular and wider beaches, extending from Tamarack Avenue north toward Carlsbad Village.
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Features: broad sand, two paved paths (a walkway on the bluff and the Carlsbad Beach Boardwalk)
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Uses: surfing, swimming, walking, biking, rollerblading
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Facilities: restrooms, showers, picnic tables, drinking fountains
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Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Rules: no dogs, fires, alcohol, glass, or vehicles
7. Robert Frazee State Beach
Connected to Tamarack, this quieter stretch fronts homes and condos.
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Access via Ocean Street or Pine Avenue
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Features a small park, benches, and connection to the Carlsbad Seawall/Promenade
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No facilities (bathrooms, showers)
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No lifeguards
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Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Rules: no dogs, fires, glass, or alcohol
8. Carlsbad City Beach
The northernmost beach, running from Ocean Street to Elm Street.
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Activities: swimming, surfing, sunbathing, surf fishing (May–October)
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Close to Buena Vista Lagoon, which is a birdwatching hotspot
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Facilities: none (no restrooms, showers)
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Lifeguards: seasonal
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Hours: open 24 hours
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Rules: no dogs, fires, glass, or alcohol
About Dogs + FAQs
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Dogs are not allowed on any Carlsbad beaches. Nearby dog-friendly beaches include Del Mar Dog Beach, Cardiff State Beach, San Elijo State Beach, and San Onofre State Beach.
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Best for families with young children? Terramar is recommended—it’s relatively flat and tide pools add an extra treat, so just be careful about tide times.
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Best for surfing? Tamarack and Carlsbad City Beach see good waves, though sharp drop-offs can occur.
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Alcohol on the beach? Not allowed anywhere in Carlsbad.
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Boardwalk? Yes — Carlsbad has a lovely boardwalk along the beaches. While dogs aren’t allowed on the sand, they are permitted on the boardwalk.
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Wood fires? Formerly allowed at South Ponto, but current rules prohibit them. Propane fires in protected containers may still be allowed in designated zones.
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