{"ok":true,"data":{"id":2163,"slug":"cardiff-state-beach-cardiff-by-the-sea","name":"Cardiff State Beach","country":"USA","state":"California","city":"Cardiff-by-the-Sea","coords":{"lat":33.0206,"lng":-117.2806},"beachType":null,"tags":["surf","scenic","sunset"],"article":{"hero":"Cardiff State Beach unfurls along a mile of coastline where the Pacific Coast Highway curves close enough that you can hear the hiss of tires mixing with the break. The beach itself is wide and workmanlike—no manicured volleyball courts, just honest sand, driftwood logs for seating, and a reef system that shapes one of North County's most reliable waves. Surfers in faded wetsuits paddle out at the point break near the southern end, where the reef bottom creates long, peeling rights that host California State Parks sanctioned competitions throughout the year.\n\nNorth of the surf zone, the beach flattens into a stretch popular with families who spread blankets near the tide pools and lifeguard tower. At low tide, the reef reveals itself in dark, barnacle-crusted shelves where hermit crabs scuttle and sea stars cling in the surge. The campground perched on the bluff above—one of the few beach-adjacent camping options in San Diego County—sends the scent of morning coffee and campfire smoke drifting down the wooden staircase.\n\nSunset here is a quiet affair. The offshore Channel Islands create a jagged horizon, and the light turns the kelp beds amber. Locals walk their dogs along the hard-packed sand near the waterline, and you'll see anglers casting into the surf as the evening glass-off begins. There's no boardwalk, no fanfare—just the rhythm of swell meeting reef.","teaser":"You'll smell eucalyptus from the blufftop campground before you see the waves wrapping around the reef. Below, longboarders carve smooth rights while kids crouch over anemones in shallow basins. The sand here is coarse underfoot, studded with kelp after winter storms.","uniqueAngle":"One of San Diego County's few beaches where you can camp within earshot of a championship-caliber reef break.","accessType":"Drive-up with bluff staircase","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"surf","title":"Ride the Reef","subtitle":"Longboard rights at the point"},{"icon":"hike","title":"Coastal Trail North","subtitle":"Walk to neighboring Seaside Beach"},{"icon":"camera","title":"Low-Tide Pools","subtitle":"Photograph anemones and starfish clusters"},{"icon":"food","title":"Taco Stand Lunch","subtitle":"Chart House or Las Olas nearby"}],"audience":{"surfer":"The reef break at the south end delivers shoulder-high rights on west or northwest swells, best at mid to high tide when the inside section softens. It's a longboard paradise—wax your board for warmer water, even in winter. The lineup gets crowded on weekends, so respect the pecking order and don't snake locals who've been waiting. Spring and fall offer the cleanest conditions with fewer bodies. Check the buoy; anything over four feet at 14 seconds lights it up.","couples":"Claim a driftwood log near the lifeguard tower as the sun drops behind the Channel Islands, painting the kelp beds copper and rose. The blufftop San Elijo Campground offers tent and RV sites steps from the sand—book months ahead for oceanfront spots where you'll fall asleep to waves. For dinner, walk north to Chart House for white tablecloths and harbor views, or keep it casual at Las Olas with fish tacos on the patio. Morning strolls reveal tide pools teeming with life.","backpacker":"San Elijo Campground above the beach charges around thirty dollars per tent site—reserve through ReserveCalifornia. Beach access is free; park in the small lot off Old Highway 101 or find street parking. Grab breakfast burritos under ten dollars at Pipes Cafe, or stock up at Seaside Market. The Coaster train stops in Encinitas, two miles south—bike or walk the coastal route. Showers at the campground let you rinse salt before catching the next leg north.","local":"Arrive before seven on weekday mornings when the lineup is yours and the marine layer still hugs the bluff. The northernmost tide pools near the Restaurant ruin rarely see crowds—hunt for octopus in the deeper crevices. Winter king tides expose the full reef shelf; bring boots. Skip the main lot and park residential streets east of the highway. Locals know the offshore wind turns glassy an hour before sunset—that's when the point shows its real shape.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Cardiff State Beach is popular for surfing but requires caution for swimmers. The beach has consistent waves that attract surfers year-round, which can create challenging conditions for casual swimmers. There are no lifeguards stationed at all sections, so swim near the Restaurant area where supervision is more common during summer. Rip currents can occur, especially during winter swells. The reef bottom in some areas may be rocky. Check local surf reports before entering the water, and stay close to shore if you're not an experienced ocean swimmer.","q":"Is Cardiff State Beach safe for swimming?"},{"a":"Cardiff State Beach is enjoyable year-round due to Southern California's mild climate, with temperatures ranging from 60-75°F. Summer (June-August) offers warmest water temps around 65-68°F and the most crowded conditions. Spring and fall provide excellent weather with fewer visitors. Winter brings larger surf swells, ideal for experienced surfers but less suitable for swimming. Mornings typically feature clearer skies before coastal fog rolls in. Sunset visits are spectacular any season. Weekdays are quieter than weekends throughout the year.","q":"When is the best time to visit Cardiff State Beach?"},{"a":"Cardiff State Beach has a paid parking lot directly off Old Highway 101 with approximately 160 spaces. Parking costs around $10-15 for the day (rates vary seasonally). The lot fills quickly on summer weekends and holidays, often by mid-morning. Street parking is available along San Elijo Avenue and residential streets in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, but observe posted restrictions carefully. Arrive before 9 AM on busy days to secure a spot. The beach is also accessible via the San Elijo Lagoon Trail for those staying nearby.","q":"Where do you park at Cardiff State Beach?"},{"a":"Cardiff-by-the-Sea offers excellent dining within walking distance of the beach. Seaside Market (a local deli/grocery) is steps from the sand, perfect for picnic supplies. Las Olas Mexican restaurant and Beach House Cardiff offer casual beachfront dining. VG Donut & Bakery is a breakfast favorite. The beach has basic restrooms and outdoor showers but no on-site food vendors. Lodging options include nearby Cardiff Lodge and various vacation rentals. Encinitas, just north, has additional hotels and restaurants within a 5-minute drive.","q":"Are there restaurants and places to stay near Cardiff State Beach?"},{"a":"Cardiff Reef is famous among Southern California surfers for its consistent, user-friendly waves that break over a rock reef bottom. The reef creates multiple peaks suitable for longboarders and intermediate surfers, though experienced shortboarders also enjoy it. The break works on various swell directions and tides, making it more reliable than many beach breaks. It's a popular spot for surf contests and can get crowded. The offshore reef structure also creates tide pools visible at low tide, adding interest for non-surfers exploring the beach.","q":"What makes the Cardiff Reef special for surfing?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Cardiff State Beach: San Diego's Soul-Surf Haven","description":"Velvet reef breaks roll beneath sandstone bluffs where locals chase sunset sessions. Cardiff State Beach delivers California's coastal dream minus the crowds.","ogImage":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7747/29165240434_e249022b5f_b.jpg"},"images":[{"id":"513533","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8480/29462974052_07187c95b2_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8480/29462974052_07187c95b2.jpg","alt":"San Diego County"},{"id":"513542","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5674/23699986829_d502361b4b_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5674/23699986829_d502361b4b.jpg","alt":"Dusk surfer"},{"id":"513544","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48972321482_9383af45ca_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48972321482_9383af45ca.jpg","alt":"Milkman 🍼"}]}}