Cardiff State Beach

Cardiff State Beach is a separate California state park unit that adjoins San Elijo State Beach to the south, beyond San Elijo Creek. It is day use only, with no camping. Gates open at 7 a.m. and close at sunset, the beach itself is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and parking costs $12 to $25 a vehicle under demand-based pricing. California State Parks says the two beaches adjoin and can be enjoyed as one.

How Cardiff and San Elijo Fit Together

The state's San Diego Coast brochure treats the two as a pair: separate units that adjoin and can be enjoyed as one. San Elijo is mainly a campground on the bluff with a small day-use lot. Cardiff, south of San Elijo Creek, is the day-use beach, with outdoor showers and modern restrooms. Day-use fees are collected separately at each beach.

Several Cardiff services run through San Elijo:

• The beach wheelchair is checked out with photo ID at the San Elijo campground entrance kiosk, at no charge.
• Lost and found for Cardiff is kept at the San Elijo campground.

Hours

• Gates: 7 a.m. to sunset
• Beach: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
• No camping facilities; day use only

Parking and Fees

General day-use parking is $12 to $25 per vehicle with demand-based pricing, or free with a valid California State Parks Vehicle Day Use annual pass. Parking is in two lots, Cardiff Reef and Seaside. If no one is in the entrance kiosk, pay at the automated machine near the restroom at Cardiff Reef or near the entrance of the Seaside lot. Tailgating is not permitted. California State Parks says the lot is busy all year because Cardiff is one of San Diego County's most popular surf spots.

Cardiff State Beach accepts the same state passes as San Elijo, including Golden Bear, Disabled Discount and Distinguished Veteran passes.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed at Cardiff Reef and Seaside, south of Tower 16, on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under the owner's control. See dog rules.

Accessibility

In summer a Mobi Mat is laid at Lifeguard Tower 15, giving a firm path across the sand to the high-tide line. The free beach wheelchair is checked out at the San Elijo campground entrance. See accessibility.

Surfing and Activities

California State Parks describes Cardiff as a gently sloping sandy beach with warm water, good for swimming, surfing and beachcombing. It also lists fishing, snorkeling and diving, and the park page links a Surfline surf report. The breaks shared by the two parks are on the surfing page.

Contact and Rules

North Sector Office: (760) 720-7001. Its posted orders are 935-935-006 (No Group Sports) and 935-621-001 (Park Provisions), and special events need a permit through sd.specialevents@parks.ca.gov.

Getting There

California State Parks places the beach one mile south of Cardiff on Old Highway 101. From San Elijo's campground, it is just south along Coast Highway 101. See parking and directions.