Explore San Diego Without a Car: Ride the COASTER from Moonlight Beach
Discover the ultimate guide to exploring coastal San Diego car-free, starting from your stay at Ocean Blue at Moonlight Beach. The Coaster is one of the many Accessibility and Transportation Options for Moonlight State Beach.
Why the COASTER Is the Secret Travel Hack of Beach Lovers
The COASTER commuter train, operated by the North County Transit District (NCTD), offers a scenic and stress-free way to explore San Diego County. With breathtaking ocean views and comfortable seating, it's more than just transportation, it's part of your vacation experience.
From Ocean Blue at Moonlight Beach, you're just a short walk away from the Encinitas COASTER Station, making it easy to embark on adventures without the hassle of driving.
Where Is the Closest COASTER Station to Moonlight Beach?
The Encinitas Station is less than half a mile walk from Ocean Blue at Moonlight Beach. Simply walk up B street, go right on Coast HWY 101, then left on C Street. You'll find the station just behind the buildings on the 101, making travel a breeze.
What Is the COASTER?
The COASTER is a regional commuter rail service operated by NCTD, running along the coast of San Diego County. It connects Oceanside to Downtown San Diego, with eight stations along the way:
Oceanside Transit Center
Carlsbad Village
Carlsbad Poinsettia
Solana Beach
Sorrento Valley
Old Town San Diego
Santa Fe Depot (Downtown San Diego)
The journey offers stunning coastal scenery, making it a delightful part of your travel experience.
The Best Day Trips You Can Take from Moonlight Beach
Leave the car behind and explore San Diego’s coastal gems straight from your doorstep at Ocean Blue at Moonlight Beach. Here are the top destinations you can reach by train. You'll find standout beaches, historic landmarks, live entertainment, and delicious dining all just a COASTER ride away.
📍 Oceanside
Ride Time: ~20 minutes
Highlights:
Oceanside Pier – One of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast.
Oceanside Beach – Great for surfing, sunbathing, and people-watching.
Downtown Oceanside – Home to craft coffee shops, breweries, and the California Surf Museum.
Ocean Blue tip: Grab a flat white at Revolution Roasters before hitting the pier.
📍 Carlsbad Village
Ride Time: ~15 minutes
Highlights:
Tamarack Beach – A peaceful, family-friendly spot perfect for swimming.
Carlsbad Village – A walkable district packed with art galleries, vintage shops, and cozy cafes.
New Village Arts Theater – For an evening of live performances.
Ocean Blue tip: Enjoy fish tacos at Harbor Fish Café with an ocean view.
📍 Solana Beach (Cedros Avenue Design District)
Ride Time: ~10 minutes
Highlights:
Fletcher Cove Beach Park – A small scenic beach ideal for a quick ocean dip.
Cedros Avenue Design District – More than 80 unique shops, galleries, and cafes.
Belly Up Tavern – A legendary live music venue hosting top-tier acts.
Ocean Blue tip: Shop for local artisan goods at the Solana Beach Sunday Farmers Market.
📍 Sorrento Valley
Ride Time: ~20 minutes
Highlights:
A practical hub for biotech and business travelers.
Ideal for guests on a “bleisure” trip—combine meetings with evenings back at the beach.
Ocean Blue tip: Schedule meetings near the station and be back at Moonlight Beach by sunset.
📍 Old Town San Diego
Ride Time: ~35 minutes
Highlights:
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park – Authentic adobe buildings and costumed interpreters bring California’s roots to life.
Mexican cuisine – Sample handmade tortillas and margaritas at Cafe Coyote or Old Town Mexican Café.
Whaley House Museum – A famously haunted historic site.
Ocean Blue tip: Visit during Día de Los Muertos for colorful, cultural festivities.
📍 Downtown San Diego (Santa Fe Depot)
Ride Time: ~45 minutes
Highlights:
Petco Park – Home of the San Diego Padres, and a great spot for summer baseball under the lights.
Gaslamp Quarter – A vibrant area with rooftop bars, nightclubs, and historic architecture.
Seaport Village – Waterfront shopping, dining, and street performers.
Little Italy – A foodie haven with award-winning restaurants and gelato shops.
Ocean Blue tip: Take an evening train back after catching a Padres game—no parking stress, no traffic, just fun. Extra trains depart 60 minutes after the end of the game or fireworks show, with an absolute departure of midnight.
Why Stay at Ocean Blue for a Car-Free San Diego Adventure?
Ocean Blue at Moonlight Beach offers unparalleled walkability:
Beach Access: Just steps away from the sandy shores of Moonlight Beach
Dining & Shopping: A short stroll to local restaurants and boutiques
COASTER Station: A quick walk to Encinitas station
Embrace sustainable travel, relax without the stress of traffic, and enjoy the convenience of exploring San Diego without a car.
COASTER Schedule, Tickets, and Tips
Schedule: The COASTER operates multiple trips daily
Tickets: Learn how to purchase tickets on this link.
Deals: Look out for promotions like kids ride free on weekends
Bonus: Combine the COASTER with the SPRINTER or Amtrak
At the Oceanside Transit Center, you can:
Transfer to the SPRINTER: Head east to Escondido
Connect with Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner: Travel north to Los Angeles and beyond
These connections expand your car-free travel options throughout Southern California.
The Joy of Moonlight Beach at the Center of It All
Ocean Blue at Moonlight Beach serves as the perfect launch point for your San Diego adventures. With the COASTER just minutes away, you can explore the best of coastal San Diego without ever needing a rental car.
