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Cardiff State Beach, Encinitas

4.7
#5 of 12 in Outdoors in Encinitas
Beach · Hidden Gem · Nature / Park
Cardiff State Beach is a protected beach in the state park system of California, USA, located near San Diego. Popular activities include swimming, surfing, and beachcombing.

Just next to Cardiff State Beach is a San Elijo State Beach, which has a state-run campground. The 507-acre (205 ha) park was established in 1949.
To visit Cardiff State Beach on your trip to Encinitas, use our Encinitas online trip planner.
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Cardiff State Beach reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
84 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • By pasowine
    Loved this beach park - on the winter day we visited, it was cool but sunny and not crowded at all. Just a wonderful walk along the beach - we must have gone 3 miles or so. So peaceful and quiet...  more »
  • By invertpaleo
    It is worth paying to park here, or maybe you have a state parks pass, and so can park for free? It is so great to walk along the beach here for a mile or two or three or four, see the sea birds...  more »
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Google
  • By Nancy Arenas
    Seriously the best beach in San Diego! Great dog beach. I mean this location is terrible - ahem - tourists stay away! You will hate it.
  • By Shawn Pahl
    one of my favorite drive up beaches in northern SD.
See more on Google »

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