Stone Steps Beach
Encinitas, CA
Stone Steps Beach is reached by a genuine stairway down to a rocky-and-sandy stretch of Leucadia coastline, connecting on foot to the beach at Beacon's to the north. It's a real local spot with on-street parking rather than a formal lot.
A genuine local stairway beach, quieter than the bigger named beaches nearby with real parking limitations to match.
How we score beachesOn-street parking here is limited, arrive early on weekends or plan to walk from Beacon's Beach instead.
Limited on-street parking near the stairway.
A stairway is the only direct access down to the beach.
Dogs are not allowed on Stone Steps Beach, consistent with the citywide ban on Encinitas beaches.
San Diego County's water climbs into the upper 60s and low 70s by late summer, the most comfortable window for swimming.
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