San Elijo State Beach

San Elijo State Beach is best known for its campground spread along the bluff overlooking the ocean. The cobble beach attracts surfers, swimmers, snorkelers and divers. Surf fishing is also popular here. To reach the beach, many visitors descend wooden stairways. Friends of Cardiff and Carlsbad State Beaches, through donations, have helped to repair the stairways that lead to the beach throughout the park. A ramp is also available, making the descent to the beach easier.

A Camp Store is open seasonally from March through October. Some of campsites are closed during the non-peak season. During low tides visitors can explore tide pools. Caution: Before setting out, always check with rangers that conditions are safe for your planned activities.

Nearby Beaches

Cardiff State Beach

Located just south of the mouth of San Elijo Lagoon, Cardiff State Beach offers gently a sloping sandy beach that attracts swimmers, sun bathers, walkers, and surfers. Lifeguards are on duty during peak times. The day-use facilities include two parking lots, restrooms, and outdoor showers. One parking lot is immediately south of the lagoon, while the Seaside Reef Parking Lot is a mile farther south. Like San Elijo, Cardiff State Beach charges $10 per vehicle and raises it to $15 on holiday weekends. Many visitors find parking along the highway.

Soft-bottom and carry-on boats can be launched from the north beach launch zone, except during the summer. Swimming is confined to the north beach while surfers have the southern half. Dogs on leash are allowed on the beach. The beach is open from 6 AM to 11 PM, while the parking lot is open from 7 AM to sunset.

Tide Beach Park

A short distance south of Cardiff State Beach is Tide Beach Park, a sandy beach best known for diving, snorkeling, and surf fishing. Access to the beach is via a stairway down the bluff at the foot of Solana Vista Drive at Pacific Avenue. Parking is along residential streets. Seasonal lifeguards are on duty.

Fletcher Cove Beach Park

Fletcher Cove Beach Park is located in Solana Beach. It offers a nice stretch of sand popular for sun bathing, swimming, surfing, and fishing. The park adjacent to the beach has basketball and sand volleyball courts, shuffleboard, picnic areas, showers, and restrooms. Seasonal lifeguards are on duty.

The park can be reached by heading west on Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach. At the Coast Highway, Lomas Santa Fe turns into Plaza Street and leads directly to the park. The parking lot is open from 6 AM to 10 PM in the summer, 6 PM in the winter. The Coaster commuter train stops on North Cedros Avenue, only blocks from the park.