City beach · Old Encinitas
Moonlight Beach
Encinitas' flagship family beach, with year-round lifeguards, restrooms, showers, a playground, fire rings, volleyball, a snack concession and free parking. It's the only City beach where you can get a permit for a birthday party.
Published prices
| Fee | Price |
|---|---|
| Park permit, resident private party, 25-50 peopleThe permit guide lists this 'per use'; the fee is due with the application. | $38 / use |
| Park permit, resident, 51-100 people | $65 / use |
| Park permit, resident, 101-499 people | $92 / use |
| Park permit, non-resident party, 25-50 peopleClass 7 = groups with less than 50% Encinitas residents. | $65 / use |
| Park permit, non-resident, 51-100 people | $98 / use |
| Park permit, non-resident, 101-499 people | $130 / use |
| Permit processing feeNon-refundable. Card convenience fees are extra. | $3 |
| Refundable cleaning/damage deposit (51+ people)This is the minimum | $200 |
| $1M liability insurance (required for every permit)The City sells coverage but doesn't publish the price | Not published |
| Cost-recovery fees for 100+ guests (restrooms, trash, lifeguards)Charged to groups of 100 or more; amounts not published | Not published |
Bookable areas: Beach area via an Outdoor Facility Use Permit (25-499 people) · Limited special ceremonies and events (City beaches page)
At a glance
- Capacity
- 499 guests
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Hours
- Beach 4am-2am. Parking and amenities 5am-10pm. Lifeguard towers 10am-6pm in summer (late June to Labor Day); lifeguards year-round.
- Parking
- free lot
- Run by
- City of Encinitas
Amenities
- Restrooms
- Playground
- Picnic tables
- BBQ grills (no)
- Fire rings
- Sports fields (no)
- Beach access
- Dogs allowed (no)
- Accessible (ADA)
Rules
- Alcohol
- Prohibited on City beaches (EMC 9.28.040A).
- Bounce houses
- Not permitted (the City bans bounce houses under outdoor permits)
- Amplified sound
- Not permitted under outdoor permits
- Canopies
- May be allowed, but need extra review and approval. List them on the application.
- Other rules
- No dogs, portable grills, smoking or glass. Fire rings are first come, first served and can't be reserved. Tennis and volleyball courts can't be reserved. Aquatic activities need extra review, and the City does not insure them. Groups of 100+ pay cost-recovery fees that can include lifeguards. Apply at least 25 days ahead.
How to book
Email the PDF application to PRCA@encinitasca.gov at least 25 days ahead; the fee is due when you apply. Send $1M liability insurance (City named as additional insured) at least 10 days before. Questions: 760-633-2740.
Location
400 B Street, Encinitas, CA 92024 · Pin from the street address. Get directions
Nearby
Sources
We checked these pages in September 2026. Prices change; confirm with the venue before you book. Something out of date? Tell us.