Cardiff State Beach
- Location
- Old Highway 101, south of Cardiff
- Parking
- $12–$25, demand-based
- Gates
- 7 a.m. to sunset
- Dogs
- Leashed, at Cardiff Reef and Seaside
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Dog-friendly
- Accessible
- Restrooms
About this beach
Cardiff State Beach is a gently sloping sandy beach on Old Highway 101, about a mile south of Cardiff. It takes in Cardiff Reef and the Seaside reef area, and the lot is busy year-round with surfers.
Parking and hours
Vehicle day use is demand-based, $12 to $25, with higher rates at peak times; state park annual passes are accepted. If no one is at the kiosk, pay at the machine near the Cardiff Reef restrooms or at the Seaside lot entrance. Gates open at 7 a.m. and close at sunset.
Dogs
Leashed dogs (6-foot leash or shorter) are allowed at Cardiff Reef and Seaside, south of lifeguard tower 16.
Facilities
There are restrooms, outdoor showers and drinking water. Free beach wheelchairs are checked out at the San Elijo State Beach campground entrance, and a summer access mat runs at tower 15. Camping and tailgating aren't allowed.
Getting there & access
Getting there
The beach is along Old Highway 101 about a mile south of Cardiff.
Paying
Pay at the kiosk, or at the machine by the Cardiff Reef restrooms or the Seaside lot entrance.
Accessibility
Borrow a free beach wheelchair at the San Elijo State Beach campground entrance; a summer access mat is at tower 15.
- Camping
- Not allowed
- Phone
- (760) 720-7001
What's here
Surfing
Surf breaks at Cardiff Reef and Seaside
Swimming
Swimming in the surf
Dog-friendly
Leashed dogs at Cardiff Reef and Seaside, south of tower 16
Restrooms
Restrooms, outdoor showers and drinking water
Accessible
Free beach wheelchairs and a summer access mat
Rules & official resources
- Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and are allowed at Cardiff Reef and Seaside, south of tower 16parks.ca.gov ↗
- Camping and tailgating are not permittedparks.ca.gov ↗
- Vehicle day use is demand-based, $12 to $25parks.ca.gov ↗
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