Is parking available at the property?

Yes, free self-parking is available on-site. However, parking is limited.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and check-out is by 11:00 AM. Early or late check-in/check-out may be available upon request, and additional charges may apply.

What accessibility features does the property offer?

The property has limited wheelchair accessibility, including some accessible public areas. Step-free entrances are available.

Where is the property located in relation to key landmarks?

The motel is located in Downtown Encinitas, just minutes from Moonlight State Beach and within a 10-minute drive of Del Mar Racetrack and Flower Fields of Carlsbad. Nearby attractions include Encinitas Surfboards (0.2 km), Moonlight State Beach (0.3 km), and LEGOLAND® California (8.8 mi).

What are the policies for guests staying with children?

Children are allowed at the property, but specific age policies for staying free are not provided.

Moonlight Beach Motel - Comfortable Stay in Encinitas

Average nightly price at Moonlight Beach Motel by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	$168
February	$170
March	$181
April	$197
May	$167
June	$263
July	$305
August	$262
September	$186
October	$148
November	$157
December	$164

What guests think

Moonlight Beach Motel earns strong praise for its walkable, beachside location and ocean views, clean and often spacious rooms with kitchenettes, and friendly, helpful staff, with many guests appreciating easy parking and handy loaner beach gear.

Common drawbacks include frequent train noise and thin walls or ceilings that allow sounds from neighbors. A few guests noted inconsistent housekeeping or after-hours availability and occasional maintenance issues like weak water pressure or aging HVAC. Décor is simple and the property is older, though many rooms have been refreshed. A solid, no-fuss base for coastal getaways.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities are simple but practical: many rooms include kitchenettes, several have balconies with ocean views, on-site parking is easy, and guests value the free loaner beach gear. Some also mentioned pleasant outdoor seating areas.

Related guest reviews

10

Mark

Jun 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very friendly checking, and all interactions with staff. Ideal accommodation for my wife and I with two teenagers. Walk to beach, beach chairs and boogie boards provided. Seating and outdoor grills on varranda viewing the beach.

10

Carol L

Oct 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Balcony view was fabulous, and I even got to view a fireworks show from folks on the beach. Parking was easy, and staff was so helpful.

10

andrew

Nov 18, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Best location, easy parking.

10

Salvador

Sep 26, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Amazing place. Clean, roomy and wonderful bed. I liked the strong water pressure in the shower. Had a balcony with view of the ocean/beach. One block from the beach. Cafes and restaurants within a block. Shopping all within walking distance. Will stay here again when visiting Encinitas and San Diego area.

10

Leslie

Aug 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

You can't put a price on convenience. Easy 5 minute walk to moonlight beach. Appreciated that you can borrow beach supplies like chairs and Boogie boards. Staff extremely friendly and informative. I left a message prior to trip and they returned my call on same day. The A/C is outdated but having a fridge, microwave, sink, and dishwasher was fantastic. We were hesitant about finding parking for 3 nights since they don't charge. However every day we found parking right in front of our room. Definitely would stay in their family room that had 3 beds and 2 separate rooms !

10

Michael

Apr 25, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

The location of this property is fantastic. Only perhaps a hundred yards to the ocean--maybe a bit more. Not much more. The kitchenettes are so useful, and the place is clean and good. And a special kudos to Jennifer, who was so helpful and great. A big thanks to her!

10

Danisia

Jun 23, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

This was our second stay at the Moonlight beach motel and it was perfect. The room was comfortable, clean and big enough to accommodate our family with a large kitchenette stocked with dishes and utensils.

8

Maureen

Nov 30, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Fantastic location 2 blocks from the beach. Free use of boogie boards and beach chairs. Very convenient and affordable. Facilities are what you might expect for the price. Basic but the location can’t be beat.

10

Eric

Nov 18, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

Moonlight Beach Motel is a few minutes from the beach, which was a delight. Clean bathrooms, and comfortable beds. Our upstairs balcony with an ocean view was a bonus! Coffee shop next door for breakfast.

10

James

Apr 11, 2023

·

Stayed 9 nights

Great location w easy walk to Moonlight Beach and many food, bev & other services. Friendly & helpful staff. Especially clean room w a few nice amenities. Competitive pricing w ample free parking. Family friendly, including beach chairs, boogie boards, sand toys.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Reviews frequently describe rooms as very clean and refreshed, with tidy linens and updated bathrooms. A smaller number report odors or lapses and missed replenishment when housekeeping is by request.

Related guest reviews

6

Emily

Oct 13, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The cleaning person left the door unlocked. We ran out of toilet paper. We had to move the coffee maker

10

Maria

Mar 30, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The room that we had was nice and clean. The motel is conveniently located very close to the beach. Also, a lot of walkable restaurants and cafes around. The staffs are kind yet professional. Glad to have stayed at the motel.

10

Christine

Nov 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location! Walking distance to the beach and village. Room was perfect, clean and had a wonderful view. Staff was very friendly.

10

Marc

Aug 14, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was a lovely stay. The room was very clean. The only problem with the room was that the pillows had an unpleasant odor. It was kind of musty but putrid as well. Overall, it is a great property. Simple and easy. The front desk was helpful and contact easy. Enjoyed our stay!

10

Eric

Mar 16, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

Very Clean Property and Room, Amazing ocean View.

10

Monica

Nov 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly staff, very clean room. Location.

10

Mary Ann

Mar 1, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We enjoyed our stay. Our room was very spacious and clean. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The location was close to the beach and also to many cafes and restaurants. I would stay here again.

8

Megan

Feb 28, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

This was a great place to stay and would stay here again! Beautiful ocean views, very friendly & knowledgable staff, great parking & location cant be beat! Very clean & updated bathroom. The only issue was the overwhelming Pine sol odor in the room, and since it was storming we couldn't open the doors. Eco friendly (or less scent) cleaning products would be a plus!

10

John

Jun 14, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Suuuuuper clean. Attentive staff. Beautiful view of the ocean.

4

Bing

Aug 25, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The room is not clean, there is mod, there is full of scratches on the bed, the bathroom is not clean neither. Expedia was trying to contact with the motel, there is no one working after hours, the price is not cheap compare to the other hotels in the neighborhood.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are generally spacious and comfortable with basic décor, balconies or ocean views in many units, and comfy beds. Train noise and thin walls or ceilings are recurring concerns that can affect light sleepers.

Related guest reviews

8

Manu

Mar 30, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely view of the beach, short walk to shops and food. Note: Very loud trains nearby (passenger and freight I think).

8

Kristen

Dec 27, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Sunset views, clean room, newly renovated, old building that is well-maintained, comfy new beds & sheets, convenient to beach & restaurants & shops, easy free parking. Would stay here again at the discounted rate.

8

Teva

Apr 3, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

We've stayed here three or four times. This was the first time we had a room on the top floor, which was great so we didn't have to hear 'elephants' above us. A new bed would go a LONG ways. I love this hotel and how close it is to great food, bars and the beach. I also appreciate the refrigerator and ice machine. But the beds are very dated, creaky and uncomfortable, as is the bedding and the walls/floors are paper thin. So hopefully you have quiet, thoughtful neighbors. Also know that the train is VERY close by and will honk all throughout the night. Bring ear plugs.

8

Camille

Dec 10, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Only thing to note was the train noise at night. Other than that, I loved my stay!

10

Gerald Lloyd

Dec 10, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great size room. Great location

10

Salvador

Sep 26, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Amazing place. Clean, roomy and wonderful bed. I liked the strong water pressure in the shower. Had a balcony with view of the ocean/beach. One block from the beach. Cafes and restaurants within a block. Shopping all within walking distance. Will stay here again when visiting Encinitas and San Diego area.

6

andrew

Dec 31, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The ceiling needs sound proofing. The family above us sounded like racing elephants.

10

Jacqueline

Oct 14, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

fabulous view!!! quiet and great location.

8

michael

Oct 22, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Bed was comfortable, shower was mediocre, location was great

10

Jennifer

Nov 5, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The view was amazing. So beautiful to wake up every morning, seeing the beautiful waves and beautiful sunsets.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Staff are widely praised as friendly, responsive, and accommodating, often resolving issues and sharing local tips. However, after-hours availability and housekeeping scheduling led to missed supplies or slow follow-up for some guests.

Related guest reviews

10

Pradyut

Dec 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This a nice little motel walking distance to the beach. Staff is very friendly and accommodating. Rooms were neat and clean. Rooms were quite as well, did not hear much of other guests during our time there. Small kitchen is using for light meal prep. Initial room we checked into had two issues - a window at the back with no blinds and so hard for light sensative sleepers. Second the shower had no water pressure. The hotel staff moved us to a new room ( with a better view ) that addressed both those issues.

10

Laura

Jun 10, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location- walk to beach, walk to restaurants. Driving around slso easy. We were comfortable in our room- old building but clean, updated bathroom, good beds. Loaner beach stuff available, even a surf board. Desk woman, manager was incredibly welcoming and eager for us to enjoy our stay. Highly recommend

10

Diana

Mar 26, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice hidden gem. Not fancy, but clean and a great location. Staff was excellent. Had forgotten my iPad in room and they found it and kept it until I could get back for it. Complimentary coffee in office. Nice touch. Overall and excellent stay. We will return.

4

Grant

Jun 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

After a week’s stay we learned that that rate wasn’t applicable because we’d booked through a “third party”. We asked to have a cleaning every 2 days, but it only happened once. Coffee supplies were had to be requested every day, but often didn’t appear. Great location, easy access, nice room , but never again .

10

Valerie

Jun 25, 2023

·

Stayed 5 nights

Jennifer and the gang always make us feel so welcome! Having an issue with the a/c in our room-she immediately moved us to another room just as good. Four min walk to beach. Ice cream shop around corner kids can walk to on their own. Really sweet rock garden across street where you can paint your own rocks. Boogie boards and beach chairs to borrow. If you need clean bath towels or bath tissue after hours extras are conveniently placed around corner from office. Ten stars.

10

Carol L

Oct 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Balcony view was fabulous, and I even got to view a fireworks show from folks on the beach. Parking was easy, and staff was so helpful.

10

Darci

May 2, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Loved being able to see the ocean! Staff was friendly and helpful.

10

Brooke

Jul 17, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

This hotel has the friendliest staff. They really make you feel at home.

8

Carol

Feb 26, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff communicated prior to check in. They were helpful and accommodating

10

Stanley

Dec 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice, clean room. Friendly and responsive management. Only downside is the frequent train horn from 5am to 11 pm.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Outstanding location a short walk from Moonlight Beach and downtown Encinitas, with great ocean outlooks and easy access to shops and cafes. Proximity to the rail line brings noticeable horn noise for some stays.

Related guest reviews

10

Carol

Nov 10, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean and location was excellent. A couple of blocks from Moonlight Beach and in the other direction to downtown quaint Encinitas

8

Manu

Mar 30, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely view of the beach, short walk to shops and food. Note: Very loud trains nearby (passenger and freight I think).

10

Shanti Living

May 25, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

great location! Used to live in Encinitas and this was a great place that is centrally located to the downtown area and walking distance from beach.

10

Richard

Oct 12, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

1 minute walk to Moonlight beach and 5 minutes to downtown Encinitas! Comfortable beds and sizable room. Great staff too.

10

Mary Kay

Apr 17, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful ocean views and a cute little motel just off Highway 101. Close to LOTS of restaurants, coffee shops and 1 block from the beach.

10

andrew

Nov 18, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Best location, easy parking.

10

Timothy

Jun 26, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fantastic location! Ocean view, one block to beach, and restaurants/grocery/nightlife within a 15min walk. I will return.

10

Laurene

Apr 19, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Perfect location for a carless getaway. I took the train from the airport and was easily able to walk to the motel, as well as the beach and all the fabulous shops and restaurants. I even walked to the san diego botanical gardens! And the staff was awesome!!! .

10

Maria

Oct 15, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Excellent location, walk to everything. Barely needed our car. Amazing view of Moonlight Beach from our room. Gorgeous sunrise and sunsets from our balcony. Large rooms, clean.

10

Dante

Jul 5, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Best part is being right across the street from Moonlight Beach. Excellent place to stay

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Most guests rely on the many nearby restaurants and coffee spots within a short walk. Several appreciated complimentary coffee and snacks in the office.

Related guest reviews

10

Lindsay

Jan 17, 2023

·

Stayed 19,373 nights

Excellent 4 night stay here. We especially loved: - easy free parking next to rooms - huge room, lots of space! - 2 minute walk to coffee shop, ice cream shop, pizzerias - comfortable and firm bed - really easy check-in and out, very nice staff - everything super clean and in great condition - snacks and fresh coffee in the office If I had one teeny tiny request, it would be to add conditioner to the bathroom amenities (there was only shampoo and body wash).

10

stephanie

Apr 23, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Super close to the beach and so many shops and restaurants. We enjoyed not having to drive anywhere during our stay over the course of three days. Relaxing was the mission and was accomplished. Clean and friendly. We will be back!

10

Shanti Living

May 25, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

great location! Used to live in Encinitas and this was a great place that is centrally located to the downtown area and walking distance from beach.

10

Sophie

May 14, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great for the price, the woman at the front desk was really helpful and nice, and the location cannot be beat. Would stay again

10

Brian

Feb 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was walking distance to beach,shops,ice cream shop,walking distance to many neighborhoods, and restaurants

10

Tammi

Dec 29, 2022

·

Stayed 19,354 nights

What a gem of a place. We absolutely loved our stay at Moonlight Beach Motel! It is within a couple blocks of a nice beach and great restaurants with a wonderful coffee shop just behind it. The rooms were massive. The coaster went by during the day, but at some point at night it stopped. So that was not an issue. We will definitely come back here if we can.

10

Timothy

Jun 26, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fantastic location! Ocean view, one block to beach, and restaurants/grocery/nightlife within a 15min walk. I will return.

10

Laurene

Apr 19, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Perfect location for a carless getaway. I took the train from the airport and was easily able to walk to the motel, as well as the beach and all the fabulous shops and restaurants. I even walked to the san diego botanical gardens! And the staff was awesome!!! .

10

Michael

Apr 25, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

The location of this property is fantastic. Only perhaps a hundred yards to the ocean--maybe a bit more. Not much more. The kitchenettes are so useful, and the place is clean and good. And a special kudos to Jennifer, who was so helpful and great. A big thanks to her!

10

Eric

Nov 18, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

Moonlight Beach Motel is a few minutes from the beach, which was a delight. Clean bathrooms, and comfortable beds. Our upstairs balcony with an ocean view was a bonus! Coffee shop next door for breakfast.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $128	2 $106	3 $123	4 $107	5 $118	6 $228	7
8 $195	9 $133	10 $131	11 $124	12 $133	13	14
15 $132	16 $129	17 $138	18 $135	19	20 $251	21
22	23	24 $332	25	26	27	28
29 $228	30

Moonlight Beach Motel

Prices for Moonlight Beach Motel

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Classic Double Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette, Partial Ocean View

Family Room, Kitchenette

Deluxe Double Room, Balcony, Ocean View

Deluxe Single Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View

Single Room, Balcony, Partial Ocean View

Classic Double Room, Balcony, Partial Ocean View

Double Room, Kitchenette

Guest reviews of Moonlight Beach Motel

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

FAQs about Moonlight Beach Motel

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2 $182	3 $253	4	5
6	7	8 $194	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18 $261	19
20 $147	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	31