Check the local surf, weather, beach conditions, Cardiff State Beach parking lot and traffic on Highway 101 with the free live Cardiff Reef surf cam.
Boasting pristine beaches, an oceanfront campground, and a devout local surfing community, Cardiff starts at the river mouth, flanked by San Elijo State Beach and Cardiff State Beach, and extends north to Swami’s Point in Encinitas. This stretch of coastline offers wide open sandy beaches, gorgeous cliffs and great surfing. At extreme low tide, the reef reveals itself with intriguing tide pools, where plants and sea creatures can be observed up close.
The waves at Cardiff Reef, simply called "The Reef" by locals, are a favorite among California surfers for consistent long right handers that roll steady over the level reef. Perfect for San Diego surfers from beginners to professionals, the smooth soft waves are ideal for long boards or short fun boards. If you're new to surfing or looking for surf gear, drive or walk 5 mins south of the reef down Highway 101 you'll find Mitch's Surf Shop North in Solana Beach.
While this stretch of Cardiff Beach is known for beach dwelling, paddle boarding and surfing, there are also popular San Diego hiking trails a short walk from the beach. Across from Cardiff State Beach you'll find San Elijo Lagoon. Follow this trail to the back of the Lagoon on the Solana Beach side. Hikers can enter at Rios Ave Trailhead towards Annie's Canyon Trail, a rugged family friendly hiking trail in a slot canyon with natural eroding sandstone on either side. This hike is easy but not for the claustrophobic! The 1.4 mile hike offers pristine panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and San Elijo Lagoon at the top.
If you love a long walk on the beach, at low tide this area is perfect for a beautiful beach walk! Starting at Cardiff State Beach, walk south along the ocean for 1.5 miles to Fletcher Cove Beach Park in Solana Beach. Continue walking another 1.5 miles you'll find the Del Mar Dog Friendly Beach at the San Dieguito Lagoon river mouth at the edge of Del Mar directly across from the Del Mar Fairgrounds home of the San Diego County Fair and Del Mar Racing.
If you're visiting or vacationing the Cardiff area in San Diego, make sure to visit the local staples, Sea Side Market, VG Donuts and Rancho Coastal Humane Society Thrift Shop.
This live cam ptz tours around the entire Cardiff coastline, starting on the far left of the cam which shows Cardiff State Beach.