D Street Beach

Located one block south Moonlight State Beach at D Street. Access to the beach is a large set of stairs.

Check out the legendary surfing waves at D Street Beach in Encinitas. This beach also offers great beachcombing with less crowds than its neighboring beaches.

By Todd Sarouhan

Last Updated on
Apr 28, 2021

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Why you'll love this beach

Surfs Up at D Street Beach

D Street Beach

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Similar Beaches

Highlights

Overview

Beachgoers and Surfers at D Street Beach

Surfer Trying to Get a Mini Barrel Series 1 of 3 at D Street Beach

Beach lovers who want to find a quieter, less crowded San Diego beach can get everything and more at D Street Beach in the Encinitas neighborhood. This beach is a popular spot with the locals in the area and one of the best surfing beaches in the area.

Besides the challenging surf, the beach also offers additional fun and enjoyment. Throughout the year, beachgoers can stroll along the golden sand, take a dip in the cool water or simply take in the dramatic cliffside views of the Pacific Ocean.

D Street Beach is part of the city beach system in Encinitas. There is a small, cliffside park, called D Street Viewpoint, marking the entrance to the beach. To access the beach, visitors must go down a set of wooden stairs.

The beach is right next to a lifeguard stand and a block or so south of popular Moonlight State Beach. Next to the stairs, there is an outdoor shower for beachgoers to use to rinse off sand and seawater before returning to their cars.

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Things to Do

Sunbathing

Why This Beach Is Legendary

Surfing at D Street Beach

This beautiful beach attracts a variety of visitors but is mostly a local spot for surfing and quiet relaxation away from the crowds of other, more popular San Diego beaches. Even at the height of the summer season, there may only be a few umbrellas and beach towels set up on the sand.

The beach descends into a gradual slope into the water’s edge. During high tide, the water may come up pretty far onto the sand.

Surfing is excellent at this beach, but it's best reserved for experienced surfers who can handle the challenging waves and conditions. The best times to surf tend to be in the morning and late afternoon. The waves here average from stomach to head high.

The water features waves that break on a sandbar, with swells coming from different directions. The waves come fast and peaky here, with punchy powerful barrels that are best left up to advanced surfers to handle. It's best to bring a shortboard here for surfing as the waves break in pretty shallow water.

Watch the Sunset

Whether from the top of the stairs or on the sand D Street Beach is the perfect place to end your day and enjoy the sunset.

Great Beachcombing

Besides surfing, visitors have also found this beach to be a hidden gem for beachcombing. Get here early in the morning to collect the smooth, polished beach rocks from the surf. Check out the different types of sea glass along the water as well.

Stay Nearby & Explore More

The Best Western Encinitas Inn & Suites at Moonlight Beach is a great place to stay at while you are visiting North County San Diego. This 96-room hotel offers free breakfast and free wi-fi and is only ¾ of a mile away from D Street Beach.

Popular Activities

The World Famous San Diego Zoo

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Solana Beach: 2 Hr Surf Lesson

$120 per person

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Surf Lessons in La Jolla

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How to Get There & Parking

Free Parking

Neighborhood Parking

Street Parking

Getting to D Street

D Street Beach is located on West D Street in Encinitas. From I-5, take Encinitas Boulevard west to Highway 101 south and turn right onto D Street. The beach is situated in a quiet, residential neighborhood.

Parking Near D Street

There is no official parking lot for D Street Beach. Instead, visitors must be on the lookout for free parking along the side streets in the neighborhood. Since this is a quieter beach that doesn't get too crowded, there is usually plenty of parking available nearby.

Once you find a parking spot, look for the signs at the end of D Street for the park. Take the steps at the park and walk down to the beach.

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Know Before You Go & Tips

Lifeguards

No Alcohol

No Camping

No Glass Containers

No Motorized Vehicles

No Smoking

Outdoor Showers

Public Transportation

Trash Cans Available

Tips for D Street Beach

Before you trek out to D Street Beach, know what to expect. Here are some tips to make your visit better:

Check the Tides

During high tide, it may not be possible to get down to the beach using the wooden steps at the top of the bluff because of the water coming up. Review the times for high tide before your visit, and plan to arrive during low tide if possible.

Beach Access

Access to the beach may be challenging for people with limited mobility. Visitors in a wheelchair may not be able to get down to the sand using the wooden staircase.

Watch the Rip Currents

The undertow and rip current in the water can be dangerously strong. Understand how to escape a rip current before going into the water and surfing or swimming.

Surf Culture

Southern California's surfing culture is alive and well at D Street Beach in Encinitas. Experience the adventure of the waves or the tranquility of this quiet beach.

Nearby Boneyards

Nearby the beach of Boneyards is another local, hidden beach spot that attracts a clothing-optional crowd. This beach is a few minutes' walk south of D Street Beach.

D Street Beach

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