Beacons
Sand beachbreak below the Leucadia bluff in Encinitas, reached by a public bluff trail at Beacon's Beach. Bars shift seasonally along a sand bottom.
When it’s on
Beacons works best on a SSW to WNW swell. Light offshore wind from the east through northeast. Mid tide window.
When beginners can paddle out
Small clean swell under about waist high, light wind, and a mid to high tide.
Spot intel
- Parking
- Small free city lot at the top of the bluff off Neptune Avenue. A posted switchback trail leads down the bluff.
- Crowd
- Moderate. Longboard and shortboard mix, and the lineup spreads along the sand.
- Beginner-friendly?
Depends.
Sand bottom with a forgiving inside on a small day, but the bluff trail is the only access and the bluff itself is a posted landslide hazard.
- Famous for
- The Leucadia bluff beach in Encinitas, reached by the switchback trail that gives the spot its local character.
- Lineup etiquette
- Beachbreak priority is per-wave from the peak, not by lineup position.
Where it breaks
- Coordinates
- 33.0550, -117.3020
- Shore faces
- W
- Region
- Encinitas / Cardiff, California
Common questions
- What swell direction is best for Beacons?
- Beacons works best on a SSW to WNW swell.
- How big does Beacons need to be?
- Beacons is best in the 2-6ft range on a 11-18s period.
- What are the best conditions at Beacons?
- Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 1-4ft.
- Where is Beacons?
- Beacons is a bluff-trail beach break in Encinitas / Cardiff, California. The beach faces W.
- Does GhostFingers forecast Beacons?
- Yes. GhostFingers grades Beacons with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, winter 2026.
Nearby spots
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