San Elijo State Beach in Encinitas, CA

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About San Elijo State Beach in Encinitas, California

San Elijo State Beach is a long beach that takes up most of the oceanfront land in the community of Cardiff-by-the-Sea in Encinitas, CA. This state park has a large campground facility (170 spots) and a day-use parking area with beach access at the north end as well.

Several long stairways and ramps lead from the parking area and blufftop camp spots to the narrow sandy beach below. Swimming here can be dangerous so look for rip currents and know what to do if you get caught in one. Surfers are the biggest users of San Elijo State Beach and Cardiff State Beach which is just south of here.

From March to October there is a store in operation near the park entrance that offers rentals, sundries, and food. Next door there is a room with laundry facilities. Sometimes there is a food truck on site too.

The San Elijo State Beach entrance is on the southbound lanes of the 101 near the intersection with Chesterfield Drive. At this intersection there is a famous bronze statue of a surfer that is nicknamed the Cardiff Kook by locals who say the man looks more like a ballet dancer than an experienced surfer. This statue is often dressed up or messed up in some way.

Address: 2050 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92007

Park hours: Open sunrise to sunset every day.

Activities: Surfing, Sunbathing, Camping, Beach Walking, Scuba Diving.

Amenities: Campground, Restrooms, Showers, Picnic Tables, Camp Store, Laundry, Famous Statue, Accessible Features, Lifeguards.

Campground reservations: They can be made online at ReserveCalifornia.

Dog rules: No dogs allowed on the beach, but they are ok in the campground if on a leash