San Elijo State Beach

Quick Facts

• Location: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California

• Address: 2050 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007

• Water Type: Saltwater (Pacific Ocean)

• Beach Type: State beach and campground

• Sand Type: Soft golden sand

• Water Conditions: Moderate Pacific surf

• Best For: Surfing, camping, swimming, beach sunsets

• Best Time to Visit: March–November

• Beach Hours: Sunrise to sunset (campground open year-round)

• Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on leash in designated areas

• Beach Cleanliness: Clean and well maintained

• Average Rating: ⭐ 4.7

• Pricing: Day-use fee and campground fees apply

• Parking: State beach parking lots and campground parking available

• Accessibility: Boardwalk and stairway beach access points

• Crowd Level: Moderate to busy

Overview

San Elijo State Beach is a scenic stretch of coastline located in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, just north of San Diego. The beach sits along California’s iconic Highway 101 and is well known for its beautiful ocean views and popular beachfront campground.

The park features wide sandy shoreline backed by coastal bluffs and offers some of the best surf breaks in the region.

Amenities & Access

• Large beachfront campground

• Picnic areas and tables

• Restrooms and showers

• Lifeguard towers during busy seasons

• Parking lots near beach access points

Many campsites sit directly above the beach, offering panoramic Pacific Ocean views.

Safety & Water Conditions

• Moderate surf conditions

• Strong currents possible during storms

• Lifeguards present during peak seasons

Visitors should follow posted safety flags and warnings.

Things to Do

• Surfing

• Swimming

• Beach camping

• Fishing

• Sunset photography

The beach is also a popular location for watching surfers and coastal sunsets.

Nearby Attractions

• Cardiff Reef surf break

• Encinitas beaches

• San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve

• Moonlight State Beach

Where to Stay

• San Elijo State Beach Campground

• Hotels in Encinitas

• Coastal resorts in North San Diego County

Tips & Rules

• Reserve campground sites early

• Expect busy weekends during summer

• Bring layers for cool ocean evenings

• Follow posted surf safety warnings

Who This Beach Is Best For

• Surfers

• Campers

• Families visiting the San Diego coast

Not ideal for visitors seeking secluded beaches.

Bottom Line

San Elijo State Beach combines classic Southern California surf culture with scenic coastal camping, making it one of the most popular beach destinations along the North San Diego County coast.