San Elijo State Beach

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San Elijo State Beach

San Elijo State Beach is about 5 minutes south of Encinitas, in Cardiff by the Sea. Very nice beach location with hiking trails, lagoon preserves, and tide pools. The nearby reef is also popular with snorkelers and scuba divers.

The surf is a mix of beach and reef break. Usually best around mid tide and with a west to southwest swell. Offshore kelp helps clean it up.

The campground is located at the south end of the beach. The nearby train tracks may annoy some at night. Book ahead...and book WAY ahead for summertime. There is also day parking at the north end. For those looking to learn to surf, the Eli Howard Surf School is located on the campground itself. This probably makes it the most convenient surf camp in all of California.

There are multiple breaks here with names like "Traps" and "Pipes". If it's summertime it will probably be crowded. If your here to learn then the surf instructors should take to the right area to avoid the more experienced surfers. Go early and avoid the biggest crowds and the standard afternoon wind blow out.