What it was like
Every summer one band plays a free show on the sand here, and every summer it is quietly one of the best things that happens in Southern California all year.
The surf competition runs all morning. Food vendors and a sponsor village fill in behind. By afternoon there is a stage at the water's edge and the light starts going gold, and a few thousand people who paid nothing are standing in the sand having the kind of day that costs money everywhere else.
It is a fundraiser underneath, built on a plain conviction: that music, art and surfing give underserved kids in San Diego County something to hold onto. More than $4 million has gone to organizations working with homeless and at-risk young people since it began.
Moonlight Beach, 400 B St, Encinitas. Free. The lots fill by 10 — locals park blocks back and walk. The Coaster stops at Encinitas station, a 15-minute walk.
Get there by 11, put a blanket down, and watch the surf finals while the stage goes up.