 Heading to the Beach? • Information on Cardiff • Cardiff restaurants • Four-day tide report • Forecast | UV index | |
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Seaside, Restaurant Row/Cardiff Reef, San Elijo Campground
LOCATION:
Highway 101 in Cardiff, to either side of where Chesterfield crosses tracks [Map it]
HOURS:
7 a.m. to sunset
PARKING:
Free parking at the Seaside lot, plus street parking along Hwy. 101 near Cardiff Reef and Restaurant Row; paid parking available at Cardiff Reef and San Elijo Campground
PHONE:
760/753-5091
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| Beach Information |
Special Comments:
The three beaches in Cardiff actually lie within two California State Parks — Cardiff State Beach and San Elijo State Beach.
At the southern end of Cardiff State Beach just north of Solana Beach is Seaside. Seaside has a parking lot and restrooms but there is not much left of the beach thanks to a recent El Ni–o winter. Heavy rains and large surf washed away all of the sand on the beach and what is left is cobblestone. There are tidepools located south of Seaside Reef.
Restaurant Row/Cardiff Reef is situated around the mouth of San Elijo Lagoon. This area features a small paid public parking lot and, with perfectly formed small waves rolling over the reef, is a famous longboard surfing spot. The Cardiff Reef area is family oriented with "local" flair. Dogs are permitted all year round on a leash.
San Elijo Campground has a day-use parking lot. The parking fee is $2. The campground has 170 campsites some with complete RV hookups including water, electricity, and sewer. Call 800/444-7275 for information and reservations. There is a park ranger on site 24 hours a day. The campground lies on a bluff, with trails down to the beach.
Food/dining:
Restaurant Row offers oceanfront dining from formal to casual. Ki's features healthy vegetarian California cuisine. Las Olas serves excellent Mexican food with great happy hour specials. Charlie's and Chart House offer fine dining.
Restrooms:
There are restrooms and showers at all three locations within walking distance of beach.