Cardiff Beach
Kayakers, surfers, families and body-boarders show up at Cardiff on summer weekends. It’s a great place for low-key swimming, surfing and sunbathing to enjoy Cardiff’s casual attitude.
The beach community is primarily residential and offers great views from the Pacific Surfliner train, which parallels the beach.
Shower, restrooms and lifeguards are available and the San Elijo beach offers overnight camping.
Parking
Paid parking is available inside San Elijo State Park. Free parking can also be found outside the park along the highway.
Directions
Take the I-5 North from San Diego and exit Manchester Avenue. Go west on Manchester and it will turn into San Elijo Avenue. From San Elijo Avenue, turn left onto Chesterfield Drive which will take you onto Highway 101 Coast Highway.
Tips
The south end of Cardiff’s Beach is a favorite surf break which has periodic surfing events and contests.
Nearby Attractions:
San Elijo Lagoon – It’s an ecological reserve administered by the San Diego County Parks. It’s a great spot to bird watch and take a look at the natural coastal habitat in Southern California. Children and adults will want to check out the tide pools at the south end of Cardiff State Beach.
Restaurant Row – Locals and tourists enjoy the seafood and mexican restaurants on restaurant row on the beach at the north end of San Elijo Lagoon.
Self Realization Fellowship Retreat – located near “Swami’s” parking lot north of San Elijo State Beach (look for gold domed roof). Built by the followers of Paramahansa Yogananda in 1931, opens its gardens to the public Tuesday through Sunday during the day hours.
Seaside Market – Located on San Elijo Avenue (north of Chesterfield Drive) and in the Cardiff Town Centre, this locally-owned market offers a wide variety of ready to go, healthy organically-grown snacks and foods including deli services. There’s an old-fashioned butcher’s counter, up-to-date cuisine, sushi counter, midwestern beef served at the meat department, a floral section and a bakery. The Market open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Check out their website.
