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Cardiff State Beach
Category: Active Life Beaches Beaches [Edit]
Hwy 101Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007
Neighborhood: Encinitas
(760) 753-5091
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
24 reviews for Cardiff State Beach
24 reviews in English
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Review from Brendon M.
Oceanside, CA
6/10/2011
best stretch of waves in sandiego
yes i will argue that -
Review from Sierra B.
Panama City, FL
1/31/2012
I wish I could give zero stars. First of all, I just moved here and none of the beaches compare to the Gulf of mexico. Definitely NOT worth the HUGE parking fine I received! I just saw that someone else wrote a review about the deceptive parking. Guess I'm not the only one! My husband and I tried to pay but there was no one in the booth to pay. We parked on the opposite end of the lot, and walked down to the beach. On our way back to the car to get our lunch, we saw a tiny little machine where you can pay if the booth is empty. Oops! We bought a $10 pass and when we got to our car we saw that we were too late. We had already received a $71.50 pakring ticket! WTF? I called all over town and I was passed back and forth from office to office when I was trying to figure out how to contest it. Also, you only have 21 days to pay it, instead of the 30 you get with most tickets. That was in thine fine print. If you exceed the 21 days you get charged time and a half.... Screw this place. They need to stop being so deceiving. We will never go here again.
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Review from Jason G.
New York, NY
1/4/2012
AVOID THIS PARK AT ALL COSTS, LITERALLY. It's poorly marked and deceptive about parking- there was no attendant at the booth when we drove in and only when we left did we get a parking ticket and then see way off to the side that there was a place to buy a parking permit. The rental company wasn't surprised and said that they (Cardiff Park) were infamous for this.
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Review from C.T. T.
San Diego, CA
11/18/2011
suck outs is an excellent break. Very versatile break for all sorts of boards. On small days, it overs up long shoulders to lock on the nose, on big days it offers big wedges that can be very fun.
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Review from Tammy G.
Huntington Beach, CA
10/17/2011 2 photos
Every time we come, the free parking is shocking! Another nice beach. This one is so near the PCH, you park right on the shoulder. Nothing fancy...except the sunsets.
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Review from Karen P.
Encinitas, CA
8/31/2011
So many surfers! Nice view and nice sand, but parking can be a real pain. Take a bike!
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Review from Robert T.
San Diego, CA
7/6/2010
The view is great, nice beach, nice camping. Nice waves.
The only problem is the water run off after a rainstorm. AVOID IT after one. I've gotten so sick as well as other surfing buddies after rainstorms at this spot. What is on the streets of Cardiff and elsewhere soon ends up in the water. -
Review from Michelle C.
Tucson, AZ
3/8/2010
Beach camping is truly the essence of my childhood, and every time I go I feel so incredibly disconnected from the stresses that exhaust my daily life. Cardif-by-the-Sea's campground is by far one of my favorite retreats. They do have free wifi connection - my uncle had a "conference call" - so he sat in his car, overlooking the beach, computer and Corona in hand. Now THAT is the way to work!
This is a very popular spot, minutes from the highway and within walking distance from bars and restaurants. Get reservations early, and if you're lucky you can get a spot overlooking the beach. Nice hookups for your RV, and decent restrooms.
I'm holding 1 star hostage because of the state park rangers. I understand it is important to keep the camground orderly, but you guys need to lighten up a bit!** You're a park ranger at the beach for Pete's sake... learn to enjoy your job a little bit!
**I need to add a little extra something here. You MUST obey the # of cars per lot rule... they really do get their panties in a bunch if you have more cars than permits allow... but I do have to tell you - my Dad has this HUGE dodge ram van, and my cousin had parked her jetta closer to the camper, both cars didnt have a permit. The park ranger actually drove right up to our picnic table in his golf cart got out, and while LEANING on my dad's van told us to move the jetta. Nothing was blocking anything ...we weren't having a beach rave... but we moved her car and left my dads all night... goof balls! -
Review from Madeline G.
Long Beach, CA
6/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I am jealous that this is my sister's front yard. Literally. We can sit on her porch and watch the waves. Anyhow, this beach is long, wide, sandy, swimmable, and fun. SO MANY HOT SURFERS HERE :) Great campsite along side of it.
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Review from Jim W.
6/2/2009
This is a wonderful long beach for walking, wading, swimming, beach combing, etc. I learned plenty about surfing after talking with a surfer on his way out to the surf.
If it had been a movie (think Point Break, Blue Crush, etc.) the surfer dude would have been all territorial about the beach and disdainful of tourists or non-surfers. There would have been shouting, swearing, some pushing and shoving...his posse would have rolled up on my posse, things would have escalated, he would have insulted my wife, I would have gone Karate Kid, they would have done a drive-by a few days later and shot up our house, I would have dressed in camo and gone Rambo on the Surfer Hangout...you know how these things always turn out.
Like most of my life, my encounter with surfer dude was not movie like at all.Listed in: IGO (Institute of the Great…
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Review from Cristyn T.
Kaneohe, HI
5/3/2009
This beach is a full-on Monet: from far away it's ok, but up close it's a big ole mess.
You may be thinking, "whatever, as if!" but let me give you the 411.
Here's what I like or shall I say, LOVE:
1) I often walk my dog along the 101 from Swami's, past the campgrounds, past the statue, over the bridge and down to the beach. The view off the cliff is breathtaking and it's amazing to see how far the coast expands and how the vast ocean bleeds into the horizon. You will see amazing sunsets from the cliff. The pathway along the highway is great for walking dogs or taking a jog.
2) At night, the lights from The Beach House restaurant illuminate the water and it is another very beautiful sight. The way the light hits the waves creates a gentle sparkle.
3) Dogs are allowed at the beach (on-leash).
4) The bathrooms are pretty decent and clean, given that they are public.
Here's the bad (of no fault to the beach, but because I am a beach snob):
1) The seaweed is plentiful and infested with millions of little bugs, swarming around if you step anywhere near the seaweed.
2) The sand looks dirty, but only because I am spoiled and grew up with white sandy beaches.
3) The water is cold, too green, and looks pretty nasty coming out of that canal.
I admire from afar, but this wouldn't be my top choice beach to spend a whole day enjoying the sand and the water. This beach is a work of art, flaws and all.Listed in: Hola Encinitas!, Get outside!
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Review from Julie G.
Berkeley, CA
11/7/2006 3 photos
Cardiff State Beach has been called the Riviera of California. It's beaches are rockier that its European sister but the color of the water and rustic nature is just as breathtaking. The beach is actually a long strip sandwiched in between Solana Beach and the south end of Cardiff-by-the Sea. There are two paid parking entrances on either end however there is street parking in between both and just north in front of San Elijo Camp Grounds.
You can expect great surfing here especially at the reef on the north end known as Cardiff Reef. The south end is referred to as Seaside Reef can also pop up pretty nicely when the swell is just right. You can surf anywhere along the strip and also swim, fish and of course sunbathe.
When it's windy you may see a few kite surfers out and about as there is plenty of room to take off and glide into shore and park the kite.
It is the only beach around where you can bring a dog provided that you have it on a leash at all times. The tickets are hefty.
Cardiff Reef is a big longboard surf spot and the locals like to hang out all day and barbecue in between sessions. -
Review from Jena S.
8/22/2009 4 photos
This is a highlight of the drive along the 101... what a great little treat and place for a time out... even if I did just accidently lose my friend within a couple of blocks over near J.
I don't come down here as often as I should. I didn't when I lived down there and well... I can't wait to drive my bike along the road and come back.
The views here are spectacular. You can go so much closer than you can in beach areas along the freeway up here in LA... and the water is far more inviting.
The drive is peaceful and a bit off the beaten path... as you approach, there are almost always surfers.
Unlike other beaches of its caliber, the water does not do a huge drop right away. You will see both adults as well as families dotting the waves. It's great for body boarders as well as the surf culture... the water is clean and so is the beach after you get past the stone entryway.
There is parking along the road and prime views of just the water if perhaps you want to go at night with a date or just collect your thoughts.
It's difficult not to get hypnotized and live there.... but this mermaid has her own siren song to sing, and it shall not be here longer than today... until we meet again m'dear. Until we meet again... oh quiet doggy beach.. you are a bit of a secret Atlantis... I just wish you had more shells on you to bring... back to that other place I call home.Listed in: Do you come here often?, Summer Lovin'
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Review from Crystal L.
Studio City, CA
7/21/2007
We spent the better part of 3 days at this beach. Mainly because it was the only beach that is dog friendly.
The beach is beautiful. No short supply of waves or surfers. And the life guards were very attentive to the shifting of the water and moving the water dwellers to stable water. I seen them rescue 4 people. I guess I'd say this beach is probably better for people familar and comfortable with the ocean.
To say this beach is rocky is an understatement. I hardly saw any seashells, though I did find a sand dollar. Make sure to bring your beach shoes with you, becuase you'll be sorry you didn't.
The water is warm. The sand is nice. The view is incredible. The bathrooms are clean. The whole beach was clean. We BBQ'd. But I didn't see any fire pits.
There was 2 entrances for paid parking . But the 3 times we were there, there was never anyone collecting money. -
Review from Cloe A.
Malibu, CA
5/26/2010
Great beach. Lots of tiny rocks before the sand so beware and being flip flops. It's popular and parking can be really hard. They ticket and it's expensive. If you can get past all that then have a terrific time!
Bummer about the swimmer and shark last year. I've never had any problems. -
Review from Devin W.
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
1/19/2009
Cardiff State Beach is a great place to go relax and do what San Diegans do best: enjoy the ocean!
Some of the many things to do here include: enjoy the beach, pet the dogs, people watch, catch some zzzs, read a good book, drink some brews (discreetly), surf, body board and all other beach activities.
Cardiff isn't as crowded as most beaches, but parking can sometimes be troublesome. There's good restaurants nearby and if you like to bike there's plenty of beach to cruise or road to go down. I recommend this beach because it's very clean, friendly and laid back. Check it out, you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Srinivas R.
Los Angeles, CA
11/23/2009
I started surfing about 8 months back, but thanks to no job post-business school, that turned into 6 hours a day for the entire summer and most of the fall. So, needless to say my skills increased quite a bit. Last time I had been to a good wave was in early June at San Onofre. So when a friend said I should join him at Cardiff for a day trip, I figured it was time for it.
Right when I drove up and parked and I saw the sets rolling in I was completely stoked and couldn't wait to paddle out. The huge stretch of beach with so many waves was a nice change from Santa Monica where I normally surf. When caught my first wave, I caught such a rush because the rides at Cardiff are so long in compared to Santa Monica. I turned to my friend Grace and said "Catching a wave here at Cardiff, after surfing at Santa Monica, is like fu##$ing a really ugly girl and then finding out what it's like F#$#K a really hot one." Yes, that's exactly what I said.
Needless to say, I love this place and will definitely back here to surf. With the waves breaking so far off shore it's a dream for a longboarder and I could probably easily spend an entire day here. -
Review from P L.
Del Mar, CA
4/20/2008
This beach is tied with Del Mar Beach under the category of "my most favorite beach ever!!!" :)
I like how it's less crowded than other beaches, and how I could take a walk and then spend my time jumping over the seaweed and petting cute little puppies.
Whenever I drive past and I glance out onto the water, I'm always reminded of bright suns and warm bodies and a feeling of contentment that seems to extend as far out as the waters end :]. -
Review from Trish L.
San Clemente, CA
1/26/2011
Odd that I'm reviewing a beach, especially because its' not the one I live 2 blocks from, but one I actually drive 35 minutes to. Why? Because they allow dogs on leash! And not only that, It's a really long, wide beach so it's fun to walk with the dog. Also, the best beachcombing ever. I've never found whole sand dollars before but I find them all the time here. Great shells too. Try to park on the street, parking is $10.
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Review from Blair R.
Encinitas, CA
2/8/2008
Cardiff is one of the prettiest, chillest towns you will find in San Diego or California for that matter. I used to live up on the bluff overlooking Cardiff Reef, three doors down from Rob Machado's place and loved every minute of it! As a lifelong surfer, I could walk across the road, hop over the train tracks and voila....surfing heaven! The reef tends to get crowded, but depending on the time of day and season you go, you can find uncrowded conditions from time to time. Three distinct peaks consist of the main peak breaking right, Suckouts- the left, and Tippers which is about 75 yards north of Cardiff Reef. There are nice enough bathrooms and facilities within the pay parking lot in front of the main break. Be wary of the water quality coming out of the Rivermouth leading into the break. The water coming out of the lagoon is highly suspect at any time of the year, NOT just during the rainy season. I often warn the tourists and their kids about the water issue as they unknowingly wallow directly in the Hep "B" turd zone of the inner canal. The Cardiff Campgrounds is a very popular option for Zonies and inland locals alike as it spans in a linear fashion just west of the PCH from the southern end of Swamiis down to the northern fringe of Cardiff reef. I am quite nostalgic of the campfire smells emminating from this place, but you'll need to reserve a spot well in advance as this place books quickly!
In the central portion of Cardiff State Beach you have what is called "Restaurant Row", with a good assortment of seaside restaurants and eateries. The Kraken is a biker bar, you have Ki's, Yogi's, Charthouse, BeachHouse, and Charlies. Too much to say here but check out their individual reviews if you find yourself getting hungry or thirsty after a long day at the beach. Probably my favorite part of the beach, known as "Georges", this central expanse of beach meets Army Corp of Engineers rockpile is a great place to hang with friends and family, pick your own beachbreak peak for surfing, and play your assortment of beach games at low tide. You will often see stacked rock sculptures along this stretch of the PCH.
Lastly, you have Seaside Reef at the southern expanse of Cardiff. They recently renovated the parking lot last year but besides a few cosmetic improvements, the parking lot seems about the same as it was before. The waves at this break almost always offer something to ride, even on the smallest days, and there is a very technical, suckout left that will keep you on your toes during a good swell and a low tide. In fact, Seaside Reef is where surfing's Momentum crew featuring locals such as Taylor Knox and Rob Machado got their start to surf stardom back in the 90's. The talent level in the lineup here still blows minds so be prepared to bring your A-game in the surfing department or surf elsewhere as this break gets territorial for good reason.
All in all, Cardiff is probably one of my favorite beaches but get there early in the Summertime as parking can be a biatch. See you with the sunnies on...... -
Review from Jay D.
4/23/2008
I'm so glad it's nearby. Even though I live a few minutes away, I come here to get away. A night or two in the campgrounds is enough to charge my batteries as if I had gone away, but I don't have to. That's the beauty of it. Gotta love those bonfires and smores.
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Review from Alley S.
Philadelphia, PA
8/13/2010 2 Check-ins Here
This beach is awesome for surfing!
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Review from pamela r.
Solana Beach, CA
4/13/2008
My favorite beach to walk my dogs...especially in the winter when you have the beach pretty much to yourself except for the surfers (which is a big plus for me because there is nothing I like to look at more than a man in a wet suit!)That being said...your dogs have to be on a leash at this beach but my dogs don't mind...they just love having the beach to themselves to take their time sniffing every little piece of kelp they can (-:
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Review from Odie O.
9/6/2007
Best place to drive by, over and over and over again!! Spectacular view. If you can find parking and sit and watch the surf, even better!!!
Listed in: Please visit!
