Moonlight State Beach vs Fletcher Cove Beach

Surfer with Child at Fletcher Cove Beach

The best time for surfing in both Moonlight State and Fletcher Cove is during the winter months - with November being the best overall month.

While many surfers find the waves inconsistent for the rest of the year, they’re perfect for beginners.

Swimming, sunbathing, and paddleboarding are also available at both beaches. Here’s a breakdown of some of the activities on offer.

Main Walkway to Moonlight Beach

Go for a Dip at Moonlight State

Moonlight State Beach gets its name from the residents who would picnic on the beach at midnight at the turn of the century.

Today, visitors can still enjoy picnics in the park - dedicated tables are behind the beach.

Other Recreational Opportunities at Moonlight State Beach:

• Equipment Rentals
• Beach Volleyball
• Firepits
• Grass Park
• Playground
• Tennis Court

Moonlight State Beach seasonal events are all about community. Both visitors and locals come together for beach clean-ups and the annual Moonlight Beach Fest.

The one-day event is all about live music, food, and the spirit of Encinitas.

Nice Wave Forming at Fletcher Cove Beach

Ride the Waves at Fletcher Cove

Fletcher Cove has been a family favorite beach for years. Locals flock to its shores for swimming and enjoying a leisurely stroll along the water.

While Pillbox offers several options for fun, it’s also perfect for quiet relaxation and sunset watching.

Other Recreational Opportunities at Fletcher Cove:

• Basketball Court
• Bodyboarding
• Kayaking
• Playground
• Picnicking
• Tide Pooling

San Diego’s North County is no stranger to seasonal fun, and Fletcher Cove has a great selection of events throughout the year!

Fletcher Cove is home to the Fiesta del Sol summer music festival. Attendees get to dance the night away plus vote for their favorite band during the two-day event.

The dog days of summer bring in athletes competing in the Solana Beach Triathlon, Duathlon & Aquabike. The race begins and ends in Pillbox.

Aerial View Just North of Fletcher Cove Beach

The Best Beach for Active Beach Goers

Most classic seaside activities are doable at either beach, but I prefer the surf at Fletcher Cove, giving it the edge here. The surf conditions are especially great at the southern end of the beach.

Having Fun at Fletcher Cove Beach

One of the best parts of going to the beach is taking in the atmosphere. See what makes these beaches special and what kinds of crowds you can expect to encounter.

A Lasting Impression at Moonlight State

This tourist and local favorite is all about being calm. Everything you need is on the beach itself.

Be aware, this is one of San Diego’s most visited beaches year-round, and it can sometimes be hard to find space to set up your towels and umbrella. If you’re visiting when it’s crowded, though, you can still have fun. Just do like the locals do: grab a volleyball or enjoy a bonfire.

The Vibes at Fletcher Cove

The locals in Southern California and San Diego are all about enjoying the outdoors and Pillbox keeps that vibe going. With winds blowing in the east and groundswells coming from the southwest, this San Diego beach calls to surfers and embodies Southern California’s trademark laid-back atmosphere.

Whether your day keeps you surfing at Pillbox, walking along to Tide Beach Park, or spending time in Fletcher Cove Park, you can expect fun, relaxed, and chill vibes.

Like Moonlight State, Fletcher Cove Park sees an influx of visitors in the summer. However, the smaller parking lot usually means thinner crowds, which can make for a more enjoyable experience if you prefer to have a little corner of the beach to yourself like I do.

The Beach with the Best Atmosphere

Since Fletcher Cove Beach is usually less crowded, it’s my preferred suggestion for those who place a heavy emphasis on a beach’s atmosphere.

Parking at Fletcher Cove Beach

Most beaches in the Solana Beach and Encinitas area require you to walk down stairs to reach the shore, but both Moonlight State and Fletcher Cove have ramps instead, making them wheelchair-accessible and easier to access.

Both beaches offer the following amenities and facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Picnic Tables
• Public Showers
• Restrooms
• Shade
• Trash Cans

Here’s some additional info about the parking and other beach conditions.

Coaster Train Pulling into Downtown San Diego

Getting to Moonlight State Beach

Moonlight State is located at 400 B St (at the end of C St in Encinitas), Encinitas, CA 92024.

Free lots are available next to the beach, but they can fill quickly during the summer.

Alternative parking is available on the side streets. Paid lots are available within walking distance as well.

If you’re traveling by public transit, you can take the COASTER to the Encinitas station.

Visitors can also take the one of the following buses to the Encinitas station: 101, 304, 309, or 604.

The station is approximately a 3-minute walk from the beach.

Surfliner Train Waiting at the Santa Fe Train Depot in Downtown San Diego

Getting Around Fletcher Cove

Fletcher Cove Beach Park is located at 111 S Sierra Ave (the west end of Lomas Santa Fe Dr at S Sierra Ave), Solana Beach, CA 92075.

A small parking lot is available. This can fill up quickly, especially during the summer.

Visitors can find parking alternatives a few blocks away on Pacific Avenue, North Sierra Avenue and North Acacia Avenue.

Traveling without a car? One option is to take either the Amtrak train or the COASTER to Pillbox. The station is just a few yards away from the beach, approximately a 40-minute walk.

Visitors can also take either the 101 Bus to Oceanside or the 308 to Solana Beach. The bus stops are approximately 5 minutes away from the beach.

While Fletcher Cove and Moonlight State share most of their amenities, one standout feature that parents will appreciate at Fletcher Cove Beach is a playground.

Our Choice for the Easiest Experience

Moonlight State Beach has a much larger parking lot, which makes getting to the beach a breeze, netting it our recommendation here.

Main Lifeguard Tower at Moonlight Beach

Ensure your beach day is worry-free when you know the rules and safety regulations at your beach of choice.

Safety Regulations at Moonlight State Beach

Lifeguards are available at Moonlight State Beach from 8:00 AM until dusk.

We encourage visitors to check in with lifeguards regarding ocean conditions.

Make sure to follow all safety-related rules when at the beach. For Moonlight State Beach, these include not climbing on the bluffs, refraining from smoking and drinking alcohol, and not bringing glass containers to the beach.

Dogs and cats are not allowed on Moonlight State Beach.

Policies at Fletcher Cove

Like Moonlight State Beach, lifeguards are posted at the towers along Fletcher Cove starting at 8:00 AM. They’re on duty as late as 8:00 PM during the on-season.

Prohibited items and activities at Fletcher Cove Beach are:

• Alcohol
• Climbing on Bluffs
• Fireworks or Sky Lanterns
• Glass Containers
• Smoking

Though pets are not allowed on Fletcher Cove Beach itself, they are allowed at Del Mar Beach and Tide Park Beach, both of which can be accessed from Fletcher Cove. Pets must remain on a leash at all times.

How the Experiences Compare

Overall, the regulations at both beaches are fairly similar, so we consider this category to be a tie.

There’s a good chance that you won’t be unhappy spending the day at either of these two beaches, but for my money, Fletcher Cove Beach is the overall winner. It's more intimate and scenic feel, plus its excellent surf, make it one of our team’s favorite beaches!