San Elijo State Beach —
Your Complete Guide
A bluff-top campground above a narrow surf beach in Cardiff-by-the-Sea: 158 campsites, stairs to the sand and Swami's reef offshore.
What is San Elijo State Beach?
San Elijo State Beach is a California state park unit in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, in the City of Encinitas, about 25 miles north of San Diego. It is mainly a campground: 158 campsites on the bluff above a narrow beach, with stairs to the sand, a surf reef offshore and showers for campers. Day use runs dawn to sunset, parking is $8 or $20 at peak rates, and campsites cost $50 to $95 a night through ReserveCalifornia.
California State Parks runs it as part of the San Diego Coast District (about the park). Cardiff State Beach adjoins it to the south as a separate day-use unit, and the water offshore is Swami's State Marine Conservation Area, which the state calls San Diego's largest marine protected area. San Elijo Lagoon, a county and state ecological reserve, opens to the sea at the south end.
Three things catch first-timers. Campsite check-in is 2 p.m. with no early entry (campground guide). Ocean sites have the view but no shade (site map). And dogs may go on the beach only from Lifeguard Tower 16 south to the San Elijo Lagoon mouth (dog rules).
San Elijo State Beach at a Glance
What to Do at San Elijo State Beach
California State Parks lists camping, swimming, surfing, snorkeling and diving, fishing and picnicking.
The Campground
158 sites on the bluff: inland $50, ocean $70, hookups up to $95.
Sites, Prices & Rules →
Campground Map
Which numbers are ocean, inland, hookup and accessible, straight from the state's map.
Site Numbers by Type →
The Beach
A narrow beach below the bluff. Summer towers often staffed; watch for rip currents.
Swimming & Safety →
Surfing
Pipes, Turtles, Cardiff Reef, Georges and Seaside are the state's named breaks here.
The Named Breaks →
Swami's Reef & Tide Pools
Kelp forest, surf grass and low-tide pools in San Diego's largest marine protected area.
Marine Area Rules →
How to Get to San Elijo State Beach
On Coast Highway 101 in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. From I-5, exit Encinitas Blvd. west, then go south about 2 miles.
Campground
2050 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007. Check-in 2 p.m., check-out noon. Directions.
Day Parking
San Elijo North Day Use lot, pay by machine or QR code. Closed 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Parking guide.
Entrance Kiosk
Phone (760) 753-5091. Camping reservations 1-800-444-7275. Contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to go to San Elijo State Beach?
Vehicle day use is $8 at the regular rate and $20 at the holiday, seasonal and weekend rate. Campsites cost $50 to $95 a night.
How do I book camping at San Elijo State Beach?
Reserve on ReserveCalifornia.com or call 1-800-444-7275. A non-refundable $8.25 reservation fee applies.
What are the hours at San Elijo?
Day use runs dawn to sunset. The park closes to everyone but campers from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.; the North Day Use lot closes from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Are dogs allowed at San Elijo State Beach?
Yes, on a 6-foot leash. In the campground, and on the beach only from Lifeguard Tower 16 south to the San Elijo Lagoon mouth.
Can you swim at San Elijo State Beach?
Yes. Mobile lifeguards patrol; summer towers are often staffed and winter towers are not. California State Parks warns of inshore holes and rip currents.
Is San Elijo State Beach the same as Cardiff State Beach?
No. They are separate state park units that adjoin. Cardiff, to the south, is day use only.
Can you have a fire at San Elijo?
Wood fires only in the campground fire rings. On the beach, only raised propane or butane burners.