Walking Event: Moonlight State Beach

This is a lovely waterfront route that includes more than one state park (there are several state beaches en route) and a formal garden. This route is a serious of figure-8s that go up and down beach access steps so that the 3 miles of beach on this route and the 3 miles of cliffs and town above the beach" are intertwined. Moonlight Beach and what the locals call "Swami Beach" are very popular with surfers and walkers. High cliffs make for a scenic walk and at Swamis there s a bulkhead cliff and rocks that are wonderful for tide pool searching at low tide. Above Swami Beach you'll pass by a Self-Realization Temple founded by Paramahansa Yogananda. The walk visits the temple's meditation garden, a lovely spot with flowers, a coy pond, views over the sea and pretty secluded benches. The walk route also takes in the quaint Encinitas downtown with its surf shops and eateries. There is an alteratie high tide route, but it's highly recommended that you check the tides and plan your walk to avoid 2 hours on either side of high tide for the optimal experience. Details are included in the walk directions. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the state beaches. The walk is fairly flat other than 3 trips up beach access staircases. The sand and stairs makes the walk unsuitable for wheelchairs or strollers. There are frequent restrooms and water fountains along this route.