Beach Size & Layout
Let’s dive into the size of the beaches and what they are like.
Aerial View Just North of Fletcher Cove Beach
Fletcher Cove Beach
At the heart of Solana Beach’s 2 miles of beachfront lies Fletcher Cove. This picturesque, classic Southern California wide sand beach is hugged by bluffs with magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean.
Visitors looking to do more need only wait for low tide, or follow the staircases at the top of the bluffs.
Go snorkeling at the Del Mar Shores Beach to the south. Or explore the tide pools at Tide Beach Park to the north.
Moonlight State Beach
This beautiful beach consistently appears at the top of “Best Beach” lists and there’s a reason.
It’s the warm, golden sand that stretches across the natural cove. This is a beach goers paradise.
Moonlight Beach and Waves
Sand Quality
Moonlight State Beach consistently offers some of California’s cleanest water and sand to visitors. Moonlight’s pristine sandy beach delivers plenty of space to have fun both in and out of the water.
Visitors to Fletcher Cove will soon see the freshly placed 700,000 cubic yards of sand.
The USACE Coastal Storm Damage Reduction and Beach Replenishment Project will replenish sand every decade for the next 50 years, to replenish habitat loss.
Nice Wave Forming at Fletcher Cove Beach
Water Clarity and Quality
Both Moonlight State and Fletcher Cove generally enjoy good quality water year-round.
Visitors to Fletcher Cove should be aware as the tide rises, the beach shortens and access to Del Mar Shores Beach and Tide Beach Park is limited to the bluffs.
Surfer with Child at Fletcher Cove Beach
The Surrounding Beach Environment
Pillbox’s high bluffs not only give visitors amazing views of the Pacific Ocean but also brilliantly red sunsets that reflect off the rocks and glittering high tide.
Be aware while swimming or surfing, rocks can be an issue - especially for beginner surfers.
Moonlight’s soft sand stretches for 25 acres, perfect for swimming, picnicking, surfing, and beach volleyball.
If sunset in Fletcher Cove is dazzling, here it’s soft, warm, and comforting as the sun dips into the Pacific.
Sign of Moonlight Overlook
Conservation Efforts
Like Fletcher Cove above, plans to prevent further erosion to Moonlight State Beach are in progress.
Sand dredged from San Elijo Lagoon is sent to both Moonlight State and Cardiff State Beach to reduce both human and natural degradation of coastal habitats.