Ponto Beach

Ponto Beach is the day-use part of South Carlsbad State Beach, south of the campground on Carlsbad Boulevard. California State Parks runs two lots here. South Ponto is open 7 a.m. to sunset and has restrooms, an outdoor rinse shower and the most accessible way onto the beach. Vehicle day use is $10, or $20 at peak rates.

South Ponto

South Ponto is the main day-use area. State Parks lists ample accessible parking, accessibly designed picnic tables, an accessible restroom and an outdoor rinsing shower next to the lot, and an accessible route down to the beach. The park's beach wheelchair is kept here in a self-service cabinet: bring a photo ID and fill out a release form at the campground entrance kiosk to get the code, or call (760) 438-3143. Only one beach wheelchair is available, first come, first served.

The lot, its land and its restrooms are closed from sunset to 7 a.m.

North Ponto

North Ponto has accessible parking and an accessible vault toilet. It is open later, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., but State Parks says South Ponto is the better way onto the beach.

What It Costs

Vehicle day use at South Carlsbad is $10, or $20 at the special holiday, seasonal and weekend rate. State Parks lists LAZ Parking as the park's parking service. See hours and fees.

Lot Rules

• No vehicles over 25 feet long or 9 feet wide.
• Park inside one marked space.
• No tailgating, no awnings or slide-outs, and no chairs, tables or barbecues in the lot.

The Beach at Ponto

It is the same narrow state beach as the rest of South Carlsbad, with the same rules: no wood fires, no alcohol or glass, no dogs. Swimming, surfing, fishing and picnicking are all listed park activities. Lifeguard towers are often staffed in summer and not in winter. See the beach and surfing.

Batiquitos Lagoon

State Parks lists Batiquitos Lagoon's protected area as the marine protected area in the waters next to the park. CDFW allows fishing only in designated spots under the Interstate 5 and Carlsbad Boulevard bridges, but east of the Interstate 5 bridge the lagoon is a no-take marine protected area with no boating, swimming, wading or diving. See Batiquitos Lagoon.