Access To Stonesteps Beach Closed Due To 'Structural Problems'

ENCINITAS, CA — Beach Access to a popular Encinitas beach has been closed by the city, citing "safety issues."

Stonestep Beach, an off-the-beaten-path locals beach, was closed after the city's structural engineer "deemed the main support beam for the upper deck and lower stairs" as "structurally unsafe," the city said in a news release.

Best known for its large concrete and stone stairway that descends the steep crumbly bluff to the narrow beach below, Stonesteps' staircase will remain closed until an assessment is complete and repairs can be made, the city said.

"Residents and visitors that typically access the beach via the staircase are prohibited from using the staircase until access is granted again by the city of Encinitas," the city said. "Beach goers are encouraged to use Beacons or Moonlight Beach until the staircase is reopened."

There was no word from the city on when Stonesteps would reopen.