Cardiff

This part of the California coastline has been kept relatively wild. Because of the conditions of this area, most head to the Pipes, a surf break just north of the camp ground, San Elijo. The beach is located in front of the campground and Cardiff Reef, a nicely located beach park and surf spot on the south end of the campground where the cliffs end. Cardiff State Beach sand seems to come and go depending on the activity of the tides. Sometimes, the sand piles so high at the south side of the beach that it forms dunes in the parking lot and spills over onto the highway.

There are bathrooms, a parking lot and lifeguards at Cardiff Reef. San Elijo State Beach Campground fills to capacity, so advance reservations are a must. Call 1 (760) 753-5091 for info; 1 (800) 444-7275 for reservations. Free parking is allowed along the highway in many places on the upper end of Cardiff. The best way to enjoy this beach is from the comfort of one of the restaurants.