South Carlsbad State Beach
Visitor Guide
A bluff-top campground and a narrow Pacific beach on Carlsbad Boulevard. What it costs, how to book a site, where day visitors park, and the rules to know.
What Is South Carlsbad State Beach?
South Carlsbad State Beach is a California State Parks beach on Carlsbad Boulevard, about 3 miles south of Carlsbad and 30 miles north of San Diego. Its main feature is a popular bluff-top campground, with stairs down to a narrow beach for swimming, surfing, diving and fishing. Day use costs $10 a vehicle ($20 at peak rates), and day visitors park at the Ponto lots.
Campsites are booked through ReserveCalifornia. Dogs can stay in the campground but are not allowed on the beach (service animals excepted), and wood fires are allowed only in the campground fire rings.
South Carlsbad at a Glance
The Campground and Ponto
South Carlsbad has two halves, and which one you want decides where you drive.
- The campground: the bluff-top sites, ocean side and inland side of the park road, with stairways to the beach, token showers, the campfire center and the Camp Store. Reached by a U-turn at Breakwater Road; see directions.
- Ponto, the day-use end: the South Ponto and North Ponto lots south of the campground. South Ponto has restrooms, a rinse shower, a free beach wheelchair and the easiest route onto the sand. See Ponto Beach.
Not to be confused with Carlsbad State Beach, the separate state beach in town at Tamarack Avenue.
What to Do at South Carlsbad State Beach
Camp on the bluff, swim and surf below it, fish and dive, and walk the lagoon next door.
Camping
Bluff-top ocean and inland sites from $50 a night, 13 with full hookups, RVs up to 35 feet.
Fees & Rules →
The Beach
A narrow beach of sand and cobbles below the bluff. Lifeguard towers are often staffed in summer.
Lifeguards & Rules →
Ponto Beach
The day-use end of the park, with restrooms, a rinse shower and parking from 7 a.m. to sunset.
Day-Use Guide →
Surfing & Paddling
Surfing is allowed except where flagged. Kayaks and other hand-powered craft may launch outside no-surf zones.
Surf Rules →
Batiquitos Lagoon
A 544-acre CDFW ecological reserve next door, with a hiking trail from Gabbiano Lane.
Trail & Rules →
Junior Rangers
Junior and Little Ranger classes, beachcombing walks and the Education Station museum.
Programs →How to Get to South Carlsbad State Beach
Interstate 5 to Poinsettia Lane, then Carlsbad Boulevard.
To the Campground
Exit I-5 at Poinsettia Lane, go west, turn north on Carlsbad Boulevard, U-turn at Breakwater Road, then south to the entrance. See the directions.
For the Day
Park at South Ponto or North Ponto, south of the campground. Vehicles over 25 feet long or 9 feet wide are not allowed. See Ponto Beach.
Park Contact
Campground kiosk (760) 438-3143. ReserveCalifornia 1-800-444-7275. Official notices are on theState Parks page.
South Carlsbad State Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to go to South Carlsbad State Beach?
Vehicle day use is $10, or $20 at the special holiday, seasonal and weekend rate. Campsites run $50 to $140 a night. See hours and fees.
How do you book a campsite at South Carlsbad State Beach?
Through ReserveCalifornia, online at ReserveCalifornia.com or at 1-800-444-7275. California State Parks recommends booking up to six months ahead. See reservations.
Are dogs allowed at South Carlsbad State Beach?
Only in the campground, on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, except service animals.
Can you have a fire on South Carlsbad State Beach?
No wood fires on the beach. Self-standing propane or butane burners at least 6 inches off the sand are allowed, and wood fires are allowed in campground fire rings.
What are the hours at South Carlsbad State Beach?
Dawn to sunset for day use. The South Ponto lot is open 7 a.m. to sunset and North Ponto 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where is South Carlsbad State Beach?
At 7201 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, CA 92008, about 3 miles south of Carlsbad. The campground kiosk phone is (760) 438-3143.