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San Elijo State Beach, Cardiff, CA

Photo: Bjorn, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sports & Outdoors

San Elijo State Beach

A California State Beach in San Diego County with a campground on the bluff, a surf-friendly shoreline, and a nearby reef.

2050 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007 · Cardiff, CA

About San Elijo State Beach

This state beach in San Diego County offers a narrow strip of sand backed by bluffs, with a campground set on the bluff top. Visitors can swim, surf, snorkel, dive, fish, windsurf, picnic, and shower on site. A reef close to shore sits inside a State Marine Conservation Area and draws snorkelers and divers. The park is open from dawn to sunset, and dogs are allowed only in the campground, not on the beach.

  • #beach
  • #camping
  • #surfing
  • #snorkeling
  • #diving

What's around here?

The closest stops to San Elijo State Beach, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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  • Sports & Outdoors

    Torrey Pines State Beach

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    6.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

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  • Sports & Outdoors
    Outdoor Adventure

    Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

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    Hike clifftop trails among the rare Torrey pines above the Pacific and take the Beach Trail down to the sand once the reserve reopens in March 2027.

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