State beach · Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Cardiff State Beach
A popular surf beach with paid parking, restrooms and outdoor showers. It's one of the few Encinitas beaches where leashed dogs are allowed, and groups over 25 need a State Parks event permit.
Published prices
| Fee | Price |
|---|---|
| Vehicle day use (demand-based minimum)A valid annual CA State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass is accepted. Pay at the kiosk or automated machine. | $12 / car |
| Vehicle day use (demand-based maximum) | $25 / car |
| Special event permit / site feeNot published | Not published |
Bookable areas: Reef Side event site (up to 50 attendees; not available in peak season) · Seaside event site (50-150 attendees; year-round)
At a glance
- Capacity
- 150 guests
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Hours
- Gates 7am-sunset. Beach open 6am-11pm. The Reef and Seaside lots and restrooms close at sunset.
- Parking
- paid lot
- Run by
- California State Parks
Amenities
- Restrooms
- Playground (no)
- Picnic tables · not listed
- BBQ grills · not listed
- Sports fields (no)
- Beach access
- Dogs allowed
- Accessible (ADA)
Rules
- Alcohol
- Prohibited, except through an approved Special Event Permit (2026 posted order).
- Bounce houses
- Not permitted at special events (SD Coast District Special Event Terms).
- Amplified sound
- Not addressed. Unconfirmed.
- Canopies
- Awnings and slide-outs are banned in parking lots. Beach canopies are not addressed.
- Other rules
- Glass is prohibited on the beach. All fires are prohibited except free-standing propane or butane burners. Dogs must be on a 6-ft leash at Cardiff Reef and Seaside south of Tower 16, and are not allowed in the Living Shoreline Dune Area. Free beach wheelchairs are available at the San Elijo campground entrance. Groups of more than 25 need a State Parks Special Event Permit. Book 45-90 days ahead through sd.specialevents@parks.ca.gov. Insurance of at least $500K is required. No bounce houses, balloons, confetti or glass. The permit fee isn't published. See city-wide rules.
How to book
Groups over 25 need a State Parks special event permit: email sd.specialevents@parks.ca.gov 45–90 days ahead; $500K+ insurance.
Location
Old Highway 101, about 1 mile south of Cardiff · Pin from the street address. Get directions
Nearby
Sources
We checked these pages in September 2026. Prices change; confirm with the venue before you book. Something out of date? Tell us.