Cardiff State Beach – North Beach

North Beach at Cardiff State Beach is located at the entrance to San Elijo Lagoon in the Encinitas community of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. This is a day-use facility, but across the lagoon channel is San Elijo State Beach Campground if you wish to camp overnight. This north end of Cardiff State Beach is also called “Restaurant Row” by locals because of the restaurants next to the beach on Highway 101. At the south end of this state park is Seaside Beach. The North Beach parking lot is much smaller than the one at the south end of Cardiff SB so plan to get here early. There are some parking spots along Highway 101 just south of the restaurants. Surfers congregate just offshore near the channel entrance in an area called Cardiff Reef. There are strong rip currents in some areas, especially at the lagoon channel, so be careful swimming here or check in with a lifeguard  before you swim.

Address

2500 S Coast Highway 101
Encinitas, CA 92007

Park Name

Cardiff State Beach

Other Names

George's, Restaurant Row, Cardiff Reef

Owner

State Park

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on the beach

Fees

Fee for parking

Activities

Surfing, Sunbathing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Beach Walking, Kitesurfing

Amenities

Lifeguard, Restrooms, Showers, Picnic Tables, BBQs

Links

Water Quality
Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart