Cardiff State Beach
A state beach along Highway 101 with the Cardiff Reef and Seaside surf breaks.
Know before you go
- Parking
Parking available (Coastal Commission listing).
Coastal Commission listing · California Coastal Commission
- Fees
$12 to $25, demand-based (pay with LAZ).
Verified · California State Parks · checked Oct 3, 2026
- Paying
Unknown – check locally
- Getting down
Coast Hwy. 101, W. of San Elijo Lagoon, Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
Coastal Commission listing · California Coastal Commission
- Tide & surf
Unknown – check locally
- Hours
Gates 7 a.m. to sunset.
Verified · California State Parks · checked Oct 3, 2026
- Dogs
Dogs allowed at Cardiff Reef and Seaside south of Tower 16, on a 6 ft leash.
Verified · California State Parks · checked Oct 3, 2026
- Restrooms
Yes
Coastal Commission listing · California Coastal Commission
- Showers
Yes
Coastal Commission listing · California Coastal Commission
- Accessibility
Mobi-Mat at Tower 15 in summer. Free beach wheelchairs from the San Elijo campground entrance.
Verified · California State Parks · checked Oct 3, 2026
- Lifeguards
Lifeguard service listed. Staffing varies by season.
Coastal Commission listing · California Coastal Commission
- Rules
Unknown – check locally
Information only, not safety advice. Conditions change. Always follow lifeguards and posted signs.
Tides & daylight · next 3 days
Information only, not safety advice. Conditions change, so always follow lifeguards and posted signs. Data: official city, county, State Parks and National Park Service pages, the California Coastal Commission, NOAA and the National Weather Service · Facts checked Oct 3, 2026 · Map © OpenFreeMap © OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors.