Cardiff State Beach

This park unit is fully open. State Parks will continue to use a monitor and adapt strategy to meet any new guidance it may receive from local and state public health officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly, especially for the elderly, immune-compromised and the unvaccinated.

COVID-19 Guidelines (January 7, 2022)

Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:

Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick
Plan Ahead – Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.
Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
Be COVID-19 Safe – State Parks continues to meet guidance from local and state public officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly. Current state guidance requires that masks must be worn in all indoor public settings, such as museums and visitor centers, irrespective of vaccine status through February 15, 2022. Read the latest COVID-19 guidance at COVID19.ca.gov.

Leave No Trace – Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.

Phone Number

(760) 720-7001

Park Hours

Gates open at 7am and close at Sunset.

Dogs Allowed?

Yes
Dogs are allowed at Cardiff Reef and Seaside, South of Tower 16, but must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Driving Directions to Cardiff SB

The beach is located one mile south of Cardiff on Old Highway 101.

View on Map

Online reservations are not available for this park.

Park Brochure

Upcoming Park Events

No events scheduled at this moment.

TRAIL USE
Bike Trails

DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Fishing
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Swimming
Windsurfing/Surfing
Geocaching

OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
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.