Update (December 30, 2020): California has issued a Regional Stay at Home Order to stop the surge of COVID-19 cases and prevent a strain on the health care system. This action will help protect critical care for patients. While the order includes the closure of campground sites in impacted regions, the state also recognizes that mental health is physical health. As such, day use outdoor areas of park units currently open to the public will remain open. Members of the same household are encouraged to stay local and recreate responsibly in the outdoors. Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and the COVID-19 guidelines for this park unit.

Here is some additional information for locals visiting South Carlsbad State Beach:

What is open now?

• The state beach is open for active and passive recreation.
• Day use parking at North Ponto and South Ponto are open.
• Day-use fees may be paid through the automated pay machines installed at the park (South Ponto).
• California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass (Hangtag):
  • May be purchased in person at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve South Beach Kiosk.  Note: Passes will not be sold on rainy days at Torrey Pines.
  • May be purchased in person at Seaside (South Cardiff) Lot, Cardiff State Beach on weekends from noon to sunset. 
  • May be purchased online and picked up at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve 7 days a week (except rainy days) or at Seaside Lot, Cardiff State Beach on weekends.  Note: More details about quick pass pick up here or text ca1131 to 53242. 
  • May be purchased online at the California State Parks Store for delivery to your home or office.
• The Limited Use Golden Bear Pass expiration date has been extended to March 31, 2021. All other terms and conditions of the pass remain in effect.
• The Camp Store at South Carlsbad campground may be open with modified hours or days. For more information about, please contact the Camp Store directly.
• Volleyball courts at South Ponto are open for limited use. Players from the same family or household unit can play, but pick-up and multiple family unit games continue to be prohibited per the San Diego County Public Health Order and industry guidance.
• Youth programs that meet San Diego County and State public health criteria may be permitted through California State Parks Special Event Office.

What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?
Closed at this park:

• The South Carlsbad State Beach Campground is temporarily closed for camping.
• The San Diego Coast District and Sector offices are currently closed.
• Water may be intermittently shut off due to water valve replacement projects. Be prepared – bring hand sanitizer.
• Group gatherings are not permitted.
• Park amenities such as drinking fountains are closed.
• To make a future camping reservation, visit www.ReserveCalifornia.com or call 800-444-7275.

Statewide:

• Many campgrounds across the state remain temporarily closed until further notice or will be temporarily closed in accordance with the new Regional Stay at Home Order. More information here.
• High public-use indoor facilities, including museums and visitor centers.
• Special events and tours continue to be canceled until further notice.

Are there any new visitor guidelines?
Yes, State Parks has implemented the following guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors:

• Stay Local –Stay close to home to slow the spread of COVID-19. Do not travel if you or someone in your household is sick.
• Plan Ahead – The COVID-19 pandemic response continues to be dynamic and fluid. As such, information on this webpage may change. Prior to visiting us, please check this webpage again right before you visit the park to find out if new guidelines are in place.
• Stay Safer at 6 feet – No matter the recreational activity, maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more. Your guests should only include those within your immediate household. This means no guests or friends, and no gatherings, picnics or parties. Visitors are being asked to leave if there are too many people to allow for the required physical distance.
  • Boating: Do not raft up to other boaters or pull up onto a beach next to other recreators.
  • Off-highway Vehicle Recreation: Do not ride next to others or pull up next to someone else as it could put you in close proximity to others. Stage 10 feet or more from each other during unloading and loading.
• Keep Clean – Be prepared. Not all restrooms are open to the public. in some cases, restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer. Please pack out all trash. Park units are experiencing heavy use and you can help alleviate the impact on park facilities.
• Stay Covered – The state requires you wear a face covering when you cannot maintain physical distancing of six feet or more. Individuals must have a face covering with them at all times.

Statewide, California State Parks continues to work with locals on a phased and regionally driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved. However, the situation remains fluid and park operations can change at any time. The need for Californians to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the outdoors remains critical.

For information on statewide current closures and available services, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.