San Elijo State Beach
A blufftop campground beach in Cardiff with stairways to the sand and reef.
Know before you go
- Parking
Parking available (Coastal Commission listing).
Coastal Commission listing · California Coastal Commission
- Fees
$8 regular; $20 holiday.
Verified · California State Parks · checked Oct 3, 2026
- Paying
Unknown – check locally
- Getting down
Stairs to the beach. Coast Hwy. 101, .2 mi. N. of Chesterfield Dr., Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
Coastal Commission listing · California Coastal Commission
- Tide & surf
Unknown – check locally
- Hours
Dawn to sunset.
Verified · California State Parks · checked Oct 3, 2026
- Dogs
Dogs only in the campground.
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
Disabled access listed.
Coastal Commission listing · California Coastal Commission
- Lifeguards
Lifeguard service listed. Staffing varies by season.
Coastal Commission listing · California Coastal Commission
- Rules
The reef is part of a state marine conservation area.
Verified · California State Parks · checked Oct 3, 2026
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.