Cardiff State Beach
*HEAT ALERT: With temperatures set to exceed 110 degrees throughout much of the state this week, California is urging everyone to take extra precautions as they celebrate the Fourth of July. Governor Newsom has directed the Office of Emergency Services to activate its State Operations Center. Read about how California is preparing for this heatwave. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for parts of California from 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, through Sunday, July 7, at 8 p.m. PDT. Please be sure to take extra precautions when heading outdoors and know before you go by checking the park’s webpage ahead of time. Visit our safety tips webpage and get the latest on the weather at weather.gov.
The Park is currently OPEN.
Park Facilities
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Information
Located on the San Diego Coast, which has been called the Riviera of the West, Cardiff State Beach has a gently sloping sandy beach with warm water. The site offers swimming, surfing and beachcombing.
Dogs on Beach
Dogs are permitted on Cardiff State Beach. All dogs must be on a 6’ leash and under owners control at all times.
Beach Wheelchairs
Beach Wheelchairs are now available for patron use. Check out the wheelchair with a photo identification at the San Elijo State Beach Campground entrance. There is no fee charged for the use of the wheelchair. It is available on a first come, first served basis.
Mobi Mat
During the summer season, a Mobi Mat is placed at Lifeguard Tower 15 to provide a firm access surface to the mean high tide line. This mat will permit an easier pathway to access the beach.
Lost and Found
Lost and found is located at San Elijo State Beach Campground.
Special Events
If you are interested in having a special event at Cardiff SB, please click here.
Surfline Surf Report
To view additional visitors services at Cardiff SB click here.
Location - Directions
The beach is located one mile south of Cardiff on Old Highway 101.
Latitude/Longitude: 33.0100 / -117.2783
Parking Information
General Admission Day Use Fee is $12-$25 per vehicle (demand based pricing) or a valid annual California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass. Camping is not permitted at Cardiff State Beach.
Cardiff State Beach is a very popular surfing location in San Diego County. As a result this parking lot is busy year round.
If there is no staff person in the kiosk at the park entrance, the parking fee must be paid at the Automated Pay Machine located in the parking lot near the restroom at Cardiff Reef and near the entrance at the Seaside Parking Lot.
