Budget-friendlyDay Trips
San Elijo State Beach
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
By Simir Shah
A long bluff-backed beach with reliably gentle surf at the south end, which makes it one of the better North County beaches for young swimmers. Day-use lots fill by 10am in summer — arrive early, or park free along Coast Highway 101 and take the stairs down.
Day-use parking ~$10–15
San Diego CountyCardiff-by-the-SeaBeach
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