Located in Downtown Encinitas, Moonlight Beach Motel is adjacent to Encinitas Surfboards and within a 5-minute walk of Moonlight State Beach. This 24-room motel welcomes guests with in-room amenities like microwaves, coffee makers, and TVs.
Self Realization Fellowship - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
San Diego Botanic Garden - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile
Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile
Getting around
Solana Beach Station - 12 min drive
Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar) - 17 min drive
Restaurants
Puntamar - 3 min walk
Better Buzz Coffee - 7 min walk
Juanitas Taco Shop - 9 min walk
The Taco Stand - 8 min walk
Buona Forchetta Encinitas - 8 min walk
About this property
Moonlight Beach Motel
Motel in Encinitas with free parking
Guests staying at Moonlight Beach Motel enjoy free WiFi in public areas, a terrace, and a garden. If you drive, take advantage of free parking. Friendly staff can provide front-desk service during limited hours, and also offer advice about sightseeing. Additional amenities include barbecue grills and a picnic area.
32-inch TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Microwaves, coffee makers, and hair dryers are also standard. Housekeeping is available on request.
Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
Family friendly
In-room microwave
Mini-fridge
Soundproofed rooms
Conveniences
Limited-hour front desk
Guest services
Change of bedsheets (on request)
Change of towels on request
Housekeeping (on request)
Outdoors
Barbecue grill
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Terrace
Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
No elevator
Well-lit path to entrance
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
Wheelchair-accessible van parking
More
Smoking not allowed
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Towels provided
Entertainment
32-inch TV with cable channels
Food and drink
Coffee/tea maker
Microwave
Mini-fridge
More
Access via exterior corridors
Air conditioning
Desk
Heating
Iron/ironing board
Phone
Soundproofed rooms
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 5:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Property payment types
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted.
The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
There are no elevators.
Property is also known as
Moonlight Beach Motel Motel
Moonlight Beach Motel Encinitas
Moonlight Beach Motel Motel Encinitas
Frequently asked questions
Is a free cancellation option available at Moonlight Beach Motel?
Moonlight Beach Motel offers free cancellation on certain room rates. For more details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.
How much does it cost to stay at Moonlight Beach Motel?
As of Feb 8, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Moonlight Beach Motel on Feb 17, 2026 start from $125.49, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What can I see within easy reach of Moonlight Beach Motel?
This motel is situated in Downtown Encinitas within a 10-minute walk of Moonlight State Beach and Encinitas Surfboards. You'll also find Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens and Self Realization Fellowship less than a mile away.
Will I be able to park at Moonlight Beach Motel?
Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the motel. Accessible parking is also available for guests.
Does Moonlight Beach Motel feature a casino?
No, Moonlight Beach Motel doesn't have a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at Moonlight Beach Motel?
No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.
Is Moonlight Beach Motel a good place to stay for couples?
Couples staying at this motel will appreciate amenities like a terrace plus some guestrooms include kitchenettes and ocean views.
Does Moonlight Beach Motel have a hot tub?
No, this motel doesn't have a spa tub.
Does Moonlight Beach Motel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?
No, Moonlight Beach Motel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.
Does Moonlight Beach Motel allow pets to stay free of charge?
No, pets aren't allowed at Moonlight Beach Motel though service animals are welcome.
Does Moonlight Beach Motel have connecting rooms?
No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.
Where is the closest airport to Moonlight Beach Motel?
The closest major airport to Moonlight Beach Motel is Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar), which is 9 mi away (17 minutes by car). Another top airport is San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field), which is located 23.5 mi away (30-minute drive).
Can I book a room with a balcony at Moonlight Beach Motel?
Yes, some guestrooms at Moonlight Beach Motel offer a balcony and may feature ocean views.
Moonlight Beach Motel Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 420 out of 527 reviews
10 - Excellent
420
Rating 8 - Good. 81 out of 527 reviews
8 - Good
81
Rating 6 - Okay. 11 out of 527 reviews
6 - Okay
11
Rating 4 - Poor. 9 out of 527 reviews
4 - Poor
9
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 527 reviews
2 - Terrible
6
9.6/10
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Staff & service
8.8/10
Amenities
9.2/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Carol
Nov 10, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean and location was excellent. A couple of blocks from Moonlight Beach and in the other direction to downtown quaint Encinitas
The view was amazing. So beautiful to wake up every morning, seeing the beautiful waves and beautiful sunsets.
Jennifer
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
2/10 Terrible
Jon
Traveled with family
Nov 4, 2025
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
The room was nothing I would spend a night in. The back room was underground and like a dungeon and the view out the front window was of the maintenance area.
The front desk was locked up tight until 3:00 PM. We were told that they don't always rent that room out.
Jon
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Christina
Traveled with family
Oct 28, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Great stay for the price and proximity to the beach. It’s a motel so doors go to the outside. It’s very basic in decor but our room included a full kitchen with all you need to make a meal. Beds are not firm but not soft. In the middle. Check-in staff was quick to help at check in. Great location to downtown and all the restaurants. If you don’t need fancy, this is an excellent choice.
Christina
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Michael
Oct 26, 2025
Tucked In
Great tucked in spot, right next to the beach, great shopping, coffee, food, vibe, etc.
You won’t find a better deal at a far-better-than-expected place in Encintas. Proximity to Moonlight Beach alone is reason enough. Walking distance to the main crossroads in town + the best restaurants, bars, local surf shops + a liquor store and number of great salons = yep, this is the place.
Another great stay at this wonderful little motel that is soooo conveniently located in Encinitas. Steps from the beach you look at from your room, yet right by the main strip with all the great restaurants and shopping. Thanks for another great stay❣️
We will be staying at this motel again in the future. The location was excellent and the room met our needs and was very clean and comfortable. The property felt safe and it was wonderful that there was no smoking! You can walk all over Encinitas and the beach is just a block or two away.