State beach · Cardiff-by-the-Sea
San Elijo State Beach
A blufftop state campground above a long beach in Cardiff, with day-use parking, restrooms, showers, picnic areas and a camp store and restaurant. Big groups need a State Parks event permit.
Published prices
| Fee | Price |
|---|---|
| Vehicle day use (regular)Per the park page | $8 / car |
| Vehicle day use (special holiday/seasonal/weekend rate) | $20 / car |
| Special event permit / site feeNot published. Non-refundable once booked. | Not published |
| Event parking (per Special Event Terms)The terms give a range of $10-$20 per vehicle and $50-$100 per bus. | Not published |
| Late submission feePer business day after the 30-day deadline | $25 |
Bookable areas: San Elijo State Beach event site (25-50 attendees max; availability is seasonal) · 'Grunion Run' campground and picnic area with beach access (capacity not stated) · Campsites via ReserveCalifornia (camping fees not checked)
At a glance
- Capacity
- 50 guests
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Hours
- Dawn to sunset (park page). Closed to the public 11pm-6am (posted order).
- Parking
- paid lot
- Run by
- California State Parks
Amenities
- Restrooms
- Playground · not listed
- Picnic tables
- BBQ grills · not listed
- Sports fields (no)
- Beach access
- Dogs allowed · not listed
- Accessible (ADA) · not listed
Rules
- Alcohol
- Prohibited in day-use areas. Allowed within designated campsites, and in limited areas under 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 in the posted order or terms. Unconfirmed.
- Canopies
- Not addressed in the posted order. Unconfirmed.
- Other rules
- Glass is prohibited except in the campground. All fires are prohibited except free-standing propane or butane burners on the beach (6 in. clearance) and stoves in campsites. Dogs: the park page says campground only, no dogs on the beach, but the 2026 posted order allows leashed dogs from Lifeguard Tower 16 to the lagoon mouth. Closed 11pm-6am; the North Day Use lot closes 10pm-7am. 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
2050 S. Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007 · 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.