Travelers at Moonlight Beach Motel are just steps from the shoreline. The property offers a sunny terrace, peaceful garden, free WiFi, and self parking. The beachside location and helpful staff consistently earn praise from guests.
Located in Downtown Encinitas, a neighborhood in Encinitas, Moonlight Beach Motel is near theme parks and near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Moonlight State Beach and Del Mar Beach, while LEGOLAND® California and Del Mar Fairgrounds are popular area attractions. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at San Diego Polo Fields or Frontwave Arena. Visit our Encinitas travel guide
Moonlight Beach Motel provides amenities like a terrace and a garden. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
Free self parking
Outdoor furniture, barbecue grills, and smoke-free premises
Guest reviews speak highly of the beach locale and helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at Moonlight Beach Motel boast perks such as air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi and sound-insulated walls. Guest reviews highly rate the clean rooms at the property.
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
Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
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
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
Frequently asked questions
Is Moonlight Beach Motel pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much does it cost to stay at Moonlight Beach Motel?
As of Jul 12, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Moonlight Beach Motel on Jul 18, 2026 start from ¥51,009, 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.
How much is parking?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Moonlight Beach Motel?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.
What time is check-out at Moonlight Beach Motel?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Moonlight Beach Motel located?
Located in Downtown Encinitas, this motel is within a 5-minute walk of Encinitas Surfboards and Moonlight State Beach. Beacon Beach and Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km).
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
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Reviews
Moonlight Beach Motel 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.More informationOpens in a new window
Just can’t beat this location! Walk to beach/ leave vehicle in the motel lot. Spacious rooms and kitchen amenities, patio. Comfortable beds and very clean.
You will feel safe staying here. Many return here after initial stay. This was our second year staying here. The beach itself is terrific- concession stand with extensive menu, surf board rentals, lifeguard stands, fire pits, family atmosphere.
I’ve stayed here many times, best place to stay in Encinitas with the beach, Cali cream, Loftys coffee and the cafés and shops up the street on Highway 101. I will be back!!
Property was perfect! Stones throw to Moonlight Beach and the 101! Rooms are super nice! Staff helpful and diligent! I recommend this property! I will definitely stay there again!
Moonlight Beach Motel is exactly as it advertises. The room was clean; the beds were comfortable, and the location deserves a score of 15/10. It is 3 blocks from Moonlight Beach and a very short walk into Encinitas. The location was also safe and quiet. We had a room with a small kitchen, so we were able to make breakfast and have coffee in the room. They have a lovely patio area where we grilled hotdogs and played games. They provide boogie boards and beach chairs, if you want to use them. There aren’t a lot of fancy amenities, but if you don’t need fancy and want a lovely place to stay, it is perfect.
Great staff and clean rooms. AC was broken and housecleaning never came by at the time they were supposed to. Overall a solid hotel and in a lovely area! 8.5/10
Joseph
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Brooke
Jan 20, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room, great location, nicest staff! We will absolutely stay here again!
Great location just up from Moonlight Beach. The rooms are nicely updated. We had a great room with a view of the ocean.
David
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Mina
Apr 11, 2026
The property was well maintained. Walking distance to Encinitas Main Street and the beach-they had chairs, boogie board and sand toys which were awesome to have full access to!!
Here’s a polished, enthusiastic review you can post:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had an absolutely fantastic stay at Moonlight Motel! The rooms were spotless, comfortable, and had a fun, modern beach vibe that fit Encinitas perfectly. The location couldn’t be better—just minutes from the beach, great restaurants, and everything the area has to offer.
What truly made this place stand out, though, was the staff. Every single person I interacted with was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and genuinely seemed to care that I had a great experience. They went above and beyond to make me feel at home, offered great local recommendations, and were always happy to help with anything I needed. That level of hospitality is hard to find these days.
If you’re looking for a clean, comfortable place to stay with exceptional customer service, Moonlight Motel is an easy five-star choice. I’ll definitely be staying here again the next time I’m in Encinitas!
Moonlight Beach Motel is a delightful, quaint, beach motel, only a 5 minute walk to beautiful Moonlight Beach. And also only minutes to wonderful restaurants and coffee shops. And if you are visiting Scripps Encinitas, it is less than a 10 minute drive. We loved our view of the ocean from our patio. The kitchenette in the room was so convenient, and the room was clean and comfortable. Staff at the desk ( not 24 hours) were very friendly and helpful. Beach necessities are provided as well. Would definitely come back to enjoy this updated vintage motel - can’t beat the beach proximity and price!
Barbara
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Marcus
Mar 2, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Lovely room, helpful and friendly staff, and fabulous location. Complimentary coffee and snacks. Very close (walking distance) to the beach, restaurants, shops and the train station.
This was a great place to stay near Moonlight Beach. It's not fancy...but the rooms are big and clean and nice. Close to all the good things...the check-in was friendly and easy. There were beach toys and chairs etc to be used. We loved it.
Huge clean room, cute vibe, friendly staff. Would return here as HQ for a beach stay.
kelley
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Joseph
Jan 13, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very clean rooms with a wonderful location. The front office manager was extremely considerate, helpful and made our stay a real pleasure. Looking forward to future stays at the Moonlight Beach Motel.