“At Cardiff State Beach (aka: George’s), high tide swallows up the beach along this unprotected stretch of shore. If your lucky, you may see a Grunion run, when the beach is covered by thousands of spawning Grunion in the wee hours… Tasty!” Sandbag C. Gull
Home of numerous surf competitions, you’ll often see professional photographers and novice alike looking to catch the perfect surf shot. Some use the San Elijo Lagoon river mouth to sharpen their stand up paddle board technique, before attempting the ocean waves. This beach is best visited at lower tides, when more beach is available.
Cardiff State Beach Slideshow
Logistics
- Lifeguard services → if any ← varies by season, day, hours, even weather!
- → Paid ← parking lot available but fills up quickly
- Handicapped parking spots located in the paid lot
- Beach access is at street level, but hindered by rocky terrain in places
- Limited street parking along South Coast Highway 101
- Pedestrian cross walk in area → Use it ←
- Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach
- Public bathrooms & showers available
Directions
Take Interstate 5 to Cardiff-by-the-Sea: Exit at Birmingham & head west toward ocean. Turn left at San Elijo then right at Chesterfield. Cardiff State Beach will be south on Hwy 101.
