San Elijo State Beach

San Elijo State Beach

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. A campaign by the Friends of Cardiff and Carlsbad State Beaches is underway to repair the stairways. A ramp is also available, making the descent to the beach easier.

A Camp Store is open seasonally from March through October. Besides the usual beach supplies they offer doughnuts and coffee. Some of campsites are closed during the non-peak season.

During low tides visitors can explore tide pools.

Parking at San Elijo State Beach

A pair of day-use parking lots are located off South Coast Highway 101. Parking is usually $10 per vehicle, but on holiday weekends the price rises to $15. More parking can be found nearby along the highway and farther back along San Elijo Avenue.

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

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.

Nearby Beach Access Points

• 501 S. Sierra Ave. Walkway and stairs to beach with sand volleyball, surfing, swimming
• 180 Del Mar Shoes Terrace - Walkway and stairs to beach with surfing, fishing, sand volleyball, summer lifeguards

Nearby Viewpoint

• Just south of Fletcher Cove Beach Park - follow trail from Fletcher Cove to viewpoints along the bluff. Benches available.

Ride the Coaster to the Beach

The Coaster commuter train runs along the Pacific coast in San Diego County, with stops at 8 stations between San Diego and Oceanside. Every weekday more than 20 trains make the scenic journey, with more trains on weekends. The entire Coaster route only takes about an hour.

Station Stops

• Santa Fe Depot - San Diego
• Old Town - San Diego
• Sorrento Valley - San Diego
• Solana Beach - 105 North Cedros Ave.
• Encinitas - 25 E. D Street
• Carlsbad Poinsettia
• Carlsbad Village
• Oceanside Transit Station

Nearby Restaurants and Shops

Restaurants

• Jack in the Box - 1967 San Elijo Ave.
• The Bestawan Pizza - 148 Aberdeen Dr.
• Beach House at Cardiff by the Sea - 2530 S. Coast Highway 101
• Ki's Restaurant - 2591 S. Coast Highway 101
• Chart House - 2588 S. Coast Highway 101
• Las Olas - 2655 S. Coast Highway 101
• Beach Grass Cafe - 159 S. Coast Highway 101. Solana Beach

Beach Supplies

• Seaside Market - 2087 San Elijo Avenue
• 7 Eleven - 2211 San Elijo Avenue
• Mitch's Surf Shop - 363 N. Coast Highway 101, Solana Beach
• Blue Water Tackle - 124 Lomas Santa Fe Dr. Solana Beach