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San Diego County’s next regional beach restoration project will be its largest yet, delivering three times the sand previously pumped onto the coastline and at 10 times the cost, planning officials said.

“The time is right to do another regional sand project,” said Keith Greer, deputy director of regional planning at the San Diego Association of Governments, the lead agency for the project.

In 2001, the agency spread a total of 2.1 million cubic yards of sand at 12 different spots along the eroding shoreline from Oceanside to Imperial Beach at a cost of $18 million. A smaller project in 2012 generated about 1.5 million cubic yards for $26 million. State and federal grants paid for most of both projects.

Planning for a third regional sand replenishment began almost two years ago. Two Orange County cities — San Clemente and Dana Point — have joined the project for the first time, along with all of San Diego County’s coastal cities.

This time the collaborative effort is expected to place about 5.8 million cubic yards of sand on 15 sites in San Diego County and three in Orange County. The cost also will go up, to about $260 million, most of which again would have to be covered by state and federal grants.

Studies show the expense is justified, SANDAG officials said Thursday in a presentation to the agency’s Shoreline Preservation Working Group of elected officials from the coastal and bayfront cities, the county, and representatives of the U.S. Navy and the Port of San Diego.

Beaches in San Diego County alone are expected to generate $1.6 billion in revenue over the next 10 years in things such as hotel stays, conventions, tourism and recreational spending, according to one estimate.

“There is a need to maintain San Diego’s beaches to sustain its economy,” said Courtney Becker, a SANDAG associate regional planner.

Oceanside, where the southern two-thirds of the city’s coastline has eroded to bare rocks, will get the largest single share of the sand — about 1 million cubic yards — almost four times the volume obtained from the annual harbor dredging completed in 2024.

Carlsbad would get 240,000 cubic yards for its northern beaches and 300,000 for its more eroded southern beaches. Farther down the coast, deposits of 105,000 to 300,000 cubic yards each are proposed at the mouth of Batiquitos Lagoon, Leucadia, Moonlight Beach and Cardiff in Encinitas, also at Solana Beach and Del Mar.

Torrey Pines, Tourmaline Beach and Mission Beach in San Diego, Coronado Shores, Glorietta Bay, and Imperial Beach also would get sand.

In Orange County, San Clemente State Beach can expect 800,000 cubic yards, San Clemente’s North Beach would get 250,000 and Dana Point would get 500,000 under the proposal.

The agency is studying about six potential sites in the ocean just outside the surf zone that could provide the sand, including some that were used for the previous regional replenishments.

A feasibility study for the project is nearing completion and should be released to the public in July, Becker said. After that a second phase will begin, engineering and environmental work that is expected to cost about $3 million and is so far unfunded.

The third and final phase is construction, which could only take place once more funding becomes available.

SANDAG recently applied for a $5.2 million state grant that would help pay for the project, she said. Acceptance of the grant requires a 15% local match.

“We recognize that local jurisdictions can not pay for this alone,” Becker said. “This needs to be a local, state and federal share.”

Ideally the regional replenishment would be done every 10 years, she said. Most of the sand from the 2012 placement has long washed away, leaving much of the county’s coastline narrow and rocky.

Past projects show that less sand applied more frequently, and in the right places, does a better job of protecting the coastline than long waits between big deposits, said Reinhard Flick, and oceanographer with Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

“That should be taken into account,” said Flick, who has studied waves, tides, sea levels and coastal erosion since 1969. “This is crucially important, that we use the best available science.”

All of Southern California’s coastal cities share the problem of beach erosion, the result of widespread development that has stopped the natural supply of sand from rivers and crumbling seaside bluffs. Sea-level rise and more frequent, powerful storms shrink the shoreline further.

Encinitas, Solana Beach and San Clemente all received the first fruits of major U.S. Army Corps of Engineers replenishment projects that, after decades of planning, began last year and are expected to continue periodically for 50 years.

Oceanside has been planning its own sand replenishment and retention project, called Re:Beach for more than two years and is in final design and engineering stages.

“We need to not just place sand, but to permanently change the shape of the coastline to keep that sand,” Jayme Timberlake, Oceanside’s coastal zone administrator, told the shoreline working group.

The proposal includes the creation of two artificial headlands or small promontories extending out on the beach to hold the sand in place. Also, the city intends to build a chevron-shaped artificial reef in the water to deflect some of the incoming wave energy.

Like the regional projects, the Oceanside effort needs grant funding and approvals from multiple agencies.

And in Carlsbad, maintenance dredging at the mouth of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon is nearing a finish for the first time in four years. That work began in February and is placing up to 400,000 cubic yards of sand on beaches north and south of Tamarack Avenue.

Originally the Agua Hedionda Lagoon was dredged every few years by the San Diego Gas & Electric Co. to provide seawater to cool its Encina power plant.

Now the job is the responsibility of operators of the Carlsbad desalination plant, which filters seawater from the lagoon and adds it the potable water distributed by the San Diego County Water Authority.

Carlsbad is a coastal San Diego County town known for LEGOLAND, gorgeous beaches, and great activities for families. But where are the best beaches in Carlsbad?

As a San Diego County local, I am so happy to share the inside scoop. This list provides details on the best beaches for water sports like boogie boarding, surfing, and body surfing. I also share all the inside info you need to make your trip to the beach enjoyable including where to find a restroom, easy beach access, picnic spots, and parking lots.

Table of Contents

8 Best Beaches in Carlsbad

Carlsbad State Beach is a very long stretch of beach in Carlsbad. The city often brings up new sand just before summer to keep the beach clean and soft to walk on.

This beach offers great surfing, body surfing, and boogie boarding. Long walks up and down Carlsbad are ideal here thanks to the wide sidewalks and well lit path making this one of the best beaches in Carlsbad.

Amenities: Carlsbad State Beach offers several parking lots, street access, lifeguard towers, and great places to enjoy the water. There are several staircases enter the beach from the surrounding neighborhoods.

Recommended Nearby Hotel: Treat your kids like the knights and royalty they wish they were at the Legoland Castle Hotel. It is a great place to stay for families because the fun castle theme is throughout the hotel! Take a look at our Legoland Tips to make the most of your visit!

Tamarack Surf Beach is closely located to Carlsbad Village – the heart of the Carlsbad community. This is definitely one of the best beaches in Carlsbad to visit with some nearby takeout or just to stroll along after your day in the village.

Tamarack is also a very popular surfing location. The beach is surrounded by a bluff, you can access the beach through the parking lot or through a few different sets of stairs from the street level.

Amenities: There is a small public restroom near the public pay lot. Additional parking is available on the side streets and in Carlsbad Village. Check out the Daily News Café, the cinnamon rolls are not to be missed!!

Recommended Nearby Hotel: The Tamarack Beach Hotel is just across Pacific Coast Highway (aka: PCH) from the beach. Many rooms have excellent views from their private balconies. The hotel is also within walking distance of great restaurants and shops.

Robert Frazee State Beach is also located near the heart of Carlsbad Village. This is the ideal location for sea gazing and long walks.

It is a great place to stop and enjoy the view and fresh breeze of the Pacific Ocean. The many benches along the paved sidewalk welcome visitors for a picture perfect sunset view!

Amenities: Access to the lower beach is though Pine Street. Parking is located on Ocean Street. There are public restrooms at the adjoining beaches but not directly on this stretch of sand.

Recommended Nearby Hotel: West Inn and Suites is nearby and offers both excellent lodging and delicious food! It is directly between Legoland and the beach, near Interstate 5.

South Carlsbad State Beach, often referred to North Ponto Beach, is also a great beach for a quick splash in the Pacific Ocean!

You can often find families here boogie boarding and spending time together at the end of the day. This beach is also popular with campers who head to the beach to enjoy a bonfire and the sound of the relaxing waves.

Amenities: Parking is available near the public restrooms. A campground is available by reservation. If you are traveling with an RV, this a great place to book your stay. Be sure to book far in advance as this is a very popular location.

Recommended Nearby Hotel: Cape Rey Carlsbad offers families great amenities such as a beach entry pool, beach cruisers, picnic beach kits, and transportation.

The beach at Carlsbad Lagoon is a great place to spend the day on the water. There is a rental shop here that has everything from paddle boards to jet skies.

The lagoon is clearly divided into sections for different water activities to keep everyone safe. The sheer number of water activities landed this lagoon on my list of best beaches in Carlsbad.

This is an excellent place for beginners to paddle-boarding and kayaking because the water in the lagoon is calm. Little ones will love the aqua cycles and swan peddle boats! There is also a sandy beach to play on.

Amenities: There is a small parking area above the lagoon. One public restroom is available and some picnic areas. The rental stand is excellent.

Recommended Nearby Hotels: The Omni La Costa Resort and Spa will delight the entire family! Located just east of the freeway this property offers waterslides, luxurious spas, and great onsite dining.

Carlsbad’s South Ponto Beach is one of the last beaches before Encinitas and is best known for its wide beach and great sand activities.

Many families will love the space available for volleyball, sand castle building, and sun bathing! Waves here are great for surfing, bodyboarding, and boogie boarding.

Amenities: There is a public restroom and paid parking lot available. Free parking is sometimes available along the Pacific Coast Highway. The beach offers volleyball poles but nets are not provided, so be sure to bring your own. Life guard towers are open during the summer.

Recommended Nearby Hotels: The Park Hyatt Aviara is a gorgeous property that your family will love. The luxurious amenities, gourmet food, and excellent location make it a great family vacation destination!

Oceanside Beach is just north of Carlsbad and offers plenty of space for a variety of ocean interests. You will often see surfers, boogie boarders, and scuba divers heading out from this beach.

The beach has a short strand that is great for a walk or bike ride. Smaller children will enjoy the nearby playground and grassy areas. The Oceanside Pier is a great place to walk and see the dolphins and sea lions that frequent the area.

Oceanside Beach is also popular for fans of cinema. The iconic Top Gun house is located just across the street and the film Bring It On was also filmed at the amphitheater here.

Amenities: This beach offers families a newly renovated restroom and shower area. Below the pier, families will find several beachside vendors – including shave ice and a fish and chips stand. You can even rent beach bikes and surreys from the pier.

The beach has several lifeguard stations. There are two small pay lots off of the beach and metered parking on the street level. Within reasonable walking distance there are also two large parking structures.

Recommended Nearby Hotels for Families: Stay within walking distance of the Oceanside Beach by selecting the Wyndham Oceanside at the Pier. Gourmet restaurants and great shopping are all located just steps from this hotel.

Swami’s Beach in Encinitas is a popular beach for surfers but it is also great for families. Encinitas is Carlsbad’s neighbor to the south, and if you are looking to hit up some celebrated surf spots this is definitely not one to miss.

Kids will enjoy the small park on the top level. Walk down a wooden stairway from the park to the beach below to enjoy the tide pools.

Elizabeth Bickford

Elizabeth Bickford is a Trekaroo Travel Expert. She's also is a mother of two little girls aged 12 and 10. They take pleasure in living in beautiful Southern California. As a family they enjoy traveling and taking time to explore as a family. They enjoy sharing their discoveries and providing insights on places to go and activities to try.

"Congratulations to the educators, staff, administrators, parents, and students at these schools."

Kristina Houck, Patch Staff

CARLSBAD, CA — Three Carlsbad schools were deemed "military-friendly schools" by the California Department of Education. Carlsbad High, Carlsbad Seaside Academy and Carlsbad Village Academy were named Purple Star Schools for 2025.

San Diego County is home to about half of the California schools designated as 2025 Purple Star Schools.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced last week that 83 schools were designated as Purple Star Schools for this year, bringing the total number of California schools recognized with this honor to 179 since the program's inception in 2023. The California Purple Star School Designation Program honored 41 schools in the San Diego region.

"Congratulations to the educators, staff, administrators, parents, and students at these schools," Thurmond said in a statement. "These schools are crucial to supporting our military-connected students, ensuring that they maintain their academic, college, and career aspirations while their parents serve our country."

The Purple Star Program seeks to reduce the burden on military-connected students and their families by articulating the most critical transition supports available, according to the California Department of Education. The program is a way to publicly recognize and designate schools that are committed and best equipped to meet the unique needs of these students and their families.

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