Sunset sessions 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.

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.

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.