Cardiff-by-the-Sea · California · USA
Cardiff State Beach
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.
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Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Cardiff State Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
- 0%
- Conditions
- 0%
- Crowd
- 0%
- Vibe
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The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
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.
Photos
8 captures from Cardiff State Beach
About this beach
Where it is
Cardiff State Beach
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, USA
33.0206°, -117.2806°
Top things to do
At Cardiff State Beach
Ride the Reef
Longboard rights at the point
Coastal Trail North
Walk to neighboring Seaside Beach
Low-Tide Pools
Photograph anemones and starfish clusters
Taco Stand Lunch
Chart House or Las Olas nearby
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Cardiff State Beach.
Questions people actually ask about Cardiff State Beach.
Is Cardiff State Beach safe for swimming?
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.
When is the best time to visit Cardiff State Beach?
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.
