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With a name like Cardiff-by-the-Sea, you may assume that Cardiff State Beach is located in the United Kingdom, but this beautiful little community can be found on the coast of northern San Diego County. While many areas in Southern California embrace their Latin-American heritage, in Cardiff-by-the-Sea you will see Welsh influences from the town’s name to its street signs.

Cardiff State Beach is a state park comprised of two different beaches: North Beach in the north, and Seaside Beach in the south.

North Beach is home to Cardiff Reef, one of San Diego County’s most famous surf spots, as well as Restaurant Row, which offers a number of beachside restaurants. Seaside Beach is a lovely section of the shoreline that allows dogs and is also popular for surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Cardiff State Beach, California
Cardiff State Beach, California. Photo: Tim Buss

Activities at North Beach and Seaside Beach

Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, kiteboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Dogs are not allowed on North Beach but they are allowed on Seaside Beach provided they are leashed.

Amenities

Restrooms, showers, lifeguard, and restaurants.

Paid parking is available.

Nearby Attractions

Image of the sun setting at Cardiff State Beach in California
Sun setting at Cardiff State Beach. Photo: Phil Price

If the tide is low enough, you can reach Tide Beach Park from Seaside Beach. Tide Beach Park is great for surfing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and tide-pooling.

South of Tide Beach Park is Fletcher Cove, which offers much of what Tide Beach Park does, except there’s also a park, playground, and basketball courts.

Walk north from North Beach and you’ll find San Elijo State Beach Campground, where you can pitch a tent and spend the night.

You can also visit the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center, which is right next to Cardiff State Beach.

Fun Facts

Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and many of its streets, have U.K.-influenced names due to the community’s developer, J. Frank Cullen, following his wife’s request to honor her Welsh heritage, as she was born in Cardiff, Wales.

Cardiff-by-the-Sea is home to the Cardiff Kook, a notorious local statue of a surfer that is often mocked for his unnatural stance.

Details

Location: N. Beach – 2500 S Coast HWY 101, Encinitas, CA 92007

Location: Seaside Beach – 2504 S Coast HWY 101, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Phone:  760-753-5091

Season: Year-round

Pets: Yes, on-leash on Seaside Beach, no on North Beach

Website: parks.ca.gov…