Trip Planner: USA / California / Carlsbad / South Carlsbad State Beach

South Carlsbad State Beach, Carlsbad

4.6

#1 of 12 in Parks in Carlsbad

Beach · Nature / Park

Create an itinerary including South Carlsbad State Beach

Surfers and swimmers alike share the crystal clear waters belonging to South Carlsbad State Beach. Take advantage of the 8 km (5 mi) stretch of beaches bordering coastal bluffs. You can try scuba diving, swimming, fishing, and beachcombing here. With its sparse population, shared mainly by residents of campsites on the cliff tops, this beach is a quiet site. Several different areas offer amenities--such as showers, Wi-Fi, and a camp store--spread out along the cliff tops. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of San Diego beaches. To access the beach, head down one of the many wooden staircases. Be aware that lifeguards are not always on duty here. Put South Carlsbad State Beach on your schedule, and learn what else deserves a visit by using our Carlsbad trip itinerary tool.

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South Carlsbad State Beach reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

1,762 reviews

Google

4.6

By kathrynm670

Fun to watch the surfers but boy was it cold, too cold to get in the water. The Gulf of Mexico is warm. The Atlantic Beaches in Florida are cold. But nothing beats the cold of the Pacific Ocean...

Fun to watch the surfers but boy was it cold, too cold to get in the water. The Gulf of Mexico is warm. The Atlantic Beaches in Florida are cold. But nothing beats the cold of the Pacific Ocean... more »
By smblevs

Absolutely loved the beach and beautiful views, so serene and not crowded. Enjoyed watching the surfers and gorgeous sunsets. 🧡

Absolutely loved the beach and beautiful views, so serene and not crowded. Enjoyed watching the surfers and gorgeous sunsets. 🧡 more »
By mtrimmins

A day at the beach with friends. Clean beach, just a good hang out. And it was a really nice day. And not to crowded.

A day at the beach with friends. Clean beach, just a good hang out. And it was a really nice day. And not to crowded. more »

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Google

By Serik Suieu

An excellent beach with a long coastline to enjoy hiking and the salty air of okonan. Lots of space for sunbathing and smoking! There is free parking!

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By Judy Brown

Love Carlsbad. Best little Gem of a village in all of California. The beaches are beautiful and just a beautiful little clean town. My all time favorite vacation!

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By Molly Mullen

Carlsbad State beach for camping is one of our all time favorite beach sites. If you're lucky enough to get a site, just do it, and know it'll be a blast. The snack bar is amazing, the hosts are awesome, bathrooms are clean and stocked. But come on, you get an ocean front stay with the best beaches & weather possible, what's not to love about Carlsbad?

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By Stan Smith

Absolutely amazing scenery, very well managed, extremely clean. Once you get in and you set up and if you’re not in your own hundred thousand dollar rig and you are in fact, car camping, once you get past the goofy headed yard dog with his pitbull on a chain threatening people who are newbies for no reason whatsoever, I think you’ll have a great time 🀄️💜💚People like that know where they belong, and they know who they’re talking to. Maintain your center 🐲and remember while you’re here and everything opens up like magic 🙇🏻‍♂️🙏🏻✨it is truly is where the imagination and a magical, fantastic place with true southern, California sky, sun, hot fit females & people, meets reality. Not too thrilled about wild kids running around… But I’m sure, I’ll hook up with my surfer tribe here and my mate very soon 😉. Love dark pastel muted greens and baby blues🪬✝️🦅

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By Thomas Overton

Great for sunsets but can be rocky. Parking is a challenge at times so come early.

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