Dawn to sunset. Call the park to confirm.
South Carlsbad State Beach
Update (June 8, 2021): Whether an experienced outdoor enthusiast or a new one, park visitors must continue to recreate responsibly in the outdoors as the pandemic is far from over.
COVID-19 Guidelines
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community from COVID-19 by following these prevention measures while recreating in California’s State Park System:
Although law enforcement entities have the authority to issue citations, the expectation is that the public is responsible for adhering to the advice of public health officials, visitor guidelines and closures.
COVID-19 Guidelines
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community from COVID-19 by following these prevention measures while recreating in California’s State Park System:
- Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick.
- Plan Ahead – Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.
- Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
- Keep Your Distance – Avoid crowds. If there are too many people at a park or beach, please visit on a different day.
-
Wear a Mask – State Parks continues to follow guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health:
- Everyone: In indoor settings, such as museums and visitor centers, face coverings are required regardless of vaccination status.
- Fully Vaccinated Persons: Face coverings are not required outdoors except when attending crowded outdoor events.
- Unvaccinated Persons: Face coverings are required outdoors any time physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Leave No Trace – Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.
Although law enforcement entities have the authority to issue citations, the expectation is that the public is responsible for adhering to the advice of public health officials, visitor guidelines and closures.
This park unit is partially open. Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and what COVID-19 guidelines are in place.
What is open now?
- South Carlsbad State Beach Campground.
- The San Diego Coast District and Sector offices.
- Restrooms and shower facilities are open with limited availability.
- The state beach is open for active and passive recreation.
- Day-use parking at North Ponto and South Ponto.
- 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?
- Water may be intermittently shut off due to water valve replacement projects. Be prepared – bring hand sanitizer.
- Group camping is currently closed.
- Group gatherings are not permitted.
- Park amenities such as drinking fountains are closed.
Phone Number
(760) 438-3143
Max. Trailer Lengths
Trailer: Up to 35 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: Up to 35 Feet
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Dogs allowed only in campground. Dogs not allowed on beach.
Driving Directions to South Carlsbad SB
The beach is located 3 miles south of Carlsbad on Carlsbad Bl.Take Interstate 5, exit Poinsettia Ln.
Go west to Carlsbad Bl, turn north.
Make a legal U-turn at Breakwater Rd (1st light). Proceed south on Carlsbad Bl to campground entrance on right.
Camping and Lodging
Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Family Campsites
RV Sites w/Hookups
RV Dump Station
RV Access
Family Campsites
RV Sites w/Hookups
RV Dump Station
RV Access
TRAIL USE
Bike Trails
Bike Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Swimming
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Swimming
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Campground Information
This San Diego beach features camping, swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing and picnicking. The large bluff-top campground is very popular, especially in summer. Stairs lead to the beach.
Upcoming Programs & Activities
Dogs
Dogs are prohibted on South Carlsbad State Beaches
Travel Tips
Campground Address
7201 Carlsbad Blvd.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
7201 Carlsbad Blvd.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Check in time is at 2:00pm. Please plan your travel times accordingly as there is not early check in available.
NOTE: The campground entrance is not accessible directly from Poinsettia Ln. Drivers must continue NORTH on CARLSBAD BLVD and make the first legal U-Turn at Breakwater Rd
Photos of South Carlsbad State Beach!
For additional visitor services at South Carlsbad SB click here.
