Cardiff State Beach

Located between Solana Beach and Encinitas in North County, Cardiff State Beach offers swimming, surfing and beachcombing, with many tide pools to explore. The designated camping areas are an affordable way to vacation and enjoy the sunset with the locals and surfers. The area also has some of the area's favorite beachfront restaurants, such as the Beach House and Charlie's by the Sea.

Lifeguards
Cardiff beach lifeguard towers are open from 10am to 6pm during the summer season.

Water Activity
During certain times of the year lifeguards separate swimming from other activities. Inside the swimming area, only swimming, wading, and body boarding are permitted. Outside of these designated areas, surfing, kayaking, and all other recreational activities are permitted. A checkered flag showing the surfing area and a blackball flag showing the swimming zone marks these areas.

Restrooms/Showers
There is a public restroom located on the East side of the parking lot. There are sinks located on the side of the restroom facility and can be used for rinsing out your wetsuit and booties. There is also a shower located on the beach side of the parking lot.

Alcohol
Alcohol is not permitted on any of the beaches.

Dogs
No dogs are allowed.

Camping
Campsite is limited to 8 people maximum and is designed for individual family use. Large groups require a special event permit. Maximum stay during High Season (June - September) is 7 nights.

Directions & Parking
From the 5 exit Manchester Avenue west until it becomes San Elijo Avenue. Turn left at Chesterfield Drive. Cross the railroad tracks onto the Pacific Coast Highway.You will see a parking lot on your left and that will be the Cardiff parking lot. Turn right into the Cardiff parking lot.