We moved to Southern California and are determined to visit all of the beaches along the coast from San Diego to LA. We’re writing this series for all of the families who want family friendly, clean bathrooms, lifeguards, concessions and easy accessible parking so they can lug their carts full of shovels and umbrellas to the beach.
We can’t wait to explore all of the incredible beaches Southern California has to offer. These are my mom opinion on where to go, what to bring, where to park and how to do it so you maintain your sanity and actually relax/enjoy a day at the beach with kids.
First up: Moonlight State Beach, Encinitas CA
Why I Love Moonlight Beach {Summary so you don’t have to read all the details if you don’t want to}
Moonlight beach was one of the first beaches we visited in Southern California and it has since become our home beach. We love the showers, clean bathrooms, ease of parking, lifeguards and concession stand. For us, it has everything that makes it easy to beach with kids.
If you want a remote getaway or a romantic day at the beach, I wouldn’t recommend Moonlight Beach, it’s packed with families and activity. On the other hand, if you’re bringing kids and a lot of plastic shovels this is where you want to be.
Parking
The parking is free and easy which is a huge plus. We usually arrive in the morning between 9-10 AM and have never had trouble finding parking. From the parking lot you have a steep ramp down to the beach, but you don’t have to cross any streets or go down loads of stairs to get from your car to the beach.
Why is that important? Because if you are like us and load up a beach cart with towels, toys, food, umbrellas and chairs, the walk from the car to the beach can feel long. We love being able to throw it in our beach cart (click here to see which one we use) and roll everything onto the sand. Also, without busy streets between you and the beach you don’t have to worry about your two year old (yes, I’m looking at you Henry) running full speed into the traffic.
Showers
We need showers. Our kids find ways to get sand everywhere. Every crack and fold and everywhere. The showers here are plentiful and do a great job of cleaning out the kids before the drive home.
Bathrooms
I understand you can “pee in the ocean”, but my kids like potties, and so do we. That being said Moonlight has great bathrooms, clean compared to many we’ve visited, and well take care of. They also have a family bathroom which is great if you are taking three kids with you solo.
Playground
We’ve been going to Moonlight beach almost every weekend and have yet to visit the playground. Not because it doesnt look incredibly fun and my kids don’t beg to go on it, but we are always so busy on the beach and so tired after we never have time. That being said, there is one and I’m sure one day we will fully enjoy all the swings and slides it has to offer.
Atmosphere
The beach is clean and by noon is filled with umbrellas, sunshades and kids running every which way. We love the energy and have always enjoyed meeting other families sitting next to us. Our kids love watching and playing with the other kids and if you want to escape the busy a 5 minute walk down the beach will give you more seclusion. We’re just saying, for families this beach is number one!
Lifeguards
Yes to safety, especially with kids. One more plus to Moonlight.
Concession Stand
Nathan’s Hot Dogs and Shaved Ice… what else do you need?
Fire pits/Volleyball courts and Party area
Early in the morning families will show up and stake out their area so if you are hosting an event make sure to grab your coffee and go. Near the concession stand there is a large area where you can put up a tent and chairs and bring a group.
We drive an extra 15 minutes to go to Moonlight. We love it and would rank it as one of the must visit if you are in Southern California with your family!
Oh I love Southern California, especially in the summer. So many great places to take kids.