Discover Cardiff-by-the-Sea Beaches

The Cardiff coastline is renowned for wide-open sandy beaches, gorgeous cliffs and great surfing. There’s even camping, in a spectacular oceanfront setting—a favorite spot for many San Diego locals and visitors (who book well in advance!).

Cardiff starts at the river mouth flanked by San Elijo State Beach and Cardiff State Beach, and extends north to Swami’s Point in Encinitas. At extreme low tide, the reef reveals itself with tidepools, where plants and sea creatures invite an up-close look. Cardiff is also home to the Cardiff Kook—a surfer statue that has been embraced by bemused locals as an offbeat tribute to California’s iconic sport.

Popular Activities

• Surfing, paddleboarding, boogie boarding.
• Body surfing and swimming allowed in designated areas.
• Snorkeling and scuba diving.
• Spear fishing.

What to Know

• There can be strong currents and rip tides, especially around the river mouth.
• Big waves are possible during swells.
• Use caution when walking on bluffs and cliffs, which can be unstable.
• Alcohol and smoking are prohibited on beaches.

What to Love

• Tidepools during extreme low tides at Swami's.
• Red tides during warm summer months.
• Surf competitions and festivals at Cardiff State Beach.

• Cardiff State Beach and its two reefs create excellent breaks for surfing, while its kelp beds are well-suited for diving.
• San Elijo, the beach in front of the campground, is open for day use and is ideal for families.
• Pipes is a fun peaky surf break north of the campground, popular with swimmers, sunbathers and surfers alike.
• Cardiff Reef is a quaint beach park and surf spot on the south end of the campground where the cliffs end.
• George's is just south of the San Elijo Lagoon river mouth and is the area’s “Restaurant Row,” located right above the beach on Highway 101.

Lifeguards

• Lifeguard stands are staffed seasonally depending on weather conditions and the number of beach patrons. During spring and summer months, lifeguards are active and available.

Bathrooms & Showers

• Public restrooms and showers are available at Cardiff State Beach and two other locations north of the river mouth.

Directions

• From the I-5 freeway, exit Birmingham Drive west to San Elijo Avenue and turn left. Take a right onto Chesterfield Drive and another right onto South Coast Highway 101. Follow South Coast Highway a short distance, and you will see the entrance to San Elijo State Beach.

Parking

• You can park at any of the designated lots, but be sure to purchase a parking pass, available at the ranger station at Cardiff State Beach camping grounds.
• Street parking along South Coast Highway 101 is free but it can be a busy stretch of road.