Dawn patrol surfing in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Access the beach from the public stairway at the south end of Restaurant Row along the 101 in Cardiff. The stairway is just south of the Cardiff-by-the-Sea sign. You can also walk south along the beach from the San Elijo State Beach parking area, which is about a 10-minute walk.

Free parking along the 101 is the primary option, but spots directly in front of the restaurants fill up during meal times. The San Elijo State Beach lot to the north is a paid alternative. Side streets off the 101 have limited free parking, but you may need to walk a few minutes.

Access from the coastal path along Highway 101 in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, north of Cardiff Reef. Street-level access with a short path down the low bluff to the beach. The reef is visible from the road, making it easy to check conditions before committing. Enter the water from the sandy channel to the south of the reef and paddle north to the takeoff zone—do not scramble over the reef to enter. At lower tides, the drainage pipes (namesake) are exposed along the shoreline. Restrooms available at Cardiff State Beach to the south.

Street parking along Highway 101 (San Elijo Avenue) in Cardiff. The pullouts directly above the break are limited—maybe 6-8 spots—and go first every morning. Additional street parking extends north and south along 101, but expect a 5-10 minute walk on busy days. The Cardiff State Beach lot to the south has paid parking ($5-10) and is a reliable backup. No meters on the street spots along 101, which is a plus. Arrive before 7 AM on weekends for a close spot.

Access is via stairways cut into the bluff from the San Elijo State Beach campground off Highway 101 in Cardiff. The main beach staircase is at the south end of the campground parking lot. Non-campers can use the day-use lot or park along the 101 and take the public stairway near marker post 17.

The state beach day-use lot charges $10-15 and fills fast on weekends by 9 AM. Free street parking along the 101 is available but limited to 2-hour spots that get ticketed. The campground lot is reserved for registered campers only.