Looking for the perfect beach camping getaway near San Diego? San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff-by-the-Sea checks all the boxes—epic ocean views, easy beach access, surf-worthy waves, and that laid-back SoCal vibe we all love. Whether you’re camping with friends, a partner, or your pup, this coastal campground is one of my absolute favorite spots in Southern California. But fair warning: it books up fast!
Beach Camping near San Diego:
Why Camp at San Elijo State Beach?
San Elijo State Beach is perched right on the bluffs just north of San Diego, and it’s honestly one of the best spots for beach camping around. The campsites sit on a narrow stretch overlooking the ocean, so you get amazing sunset views every night.
There are stairs that take you straight down to the sand, which makes it super easy to go for a swim or just hang out on the beach. During the day, it’s full of surfers riding the waves, but by evening it quiets down and turns into this peaceful little escape with ocean breezes and views that never gets old.
Here’s what makes San Elijo State Beach so special:
- 🏄♂️ Surf & Swim: Wake up and walk straight down to the surf. The reef nearby makes it a hit with divers and snorkelers, too.
- 🚿 Showers & Facilities: Token-operated showers are available, so you can rinse off after a sandy, salty day. There are outside beach showers available too.
- 🐶 Dog-Friendly Beach: Dogs are allowed south of Lifeguard Tower 16 (just make sure they stay on leash).
- 🍽 Convenience: Stores and restaurants are nearby, and we loved grabbing ready-made meals from Sprouts and Whole Foods. Perfect if you want to skip cooking.
- 📶 Signal Check: I had good service with T-Mobile throughout the trip—great for checking maps, snapping photos, or remote work if needed.
Insider Camping Tips
- ⛺ Book Early: Reservations open 6 months in advance and book out FAST. Even though some sites end up going unused due to no-shows (super frustrating!), it’s best to grab a spot as early as you can. Make your reservation on their website here.
- 💵 Cost: Sites start at $50 and allow up to 8 people.
- 🌅 Best Time to Photograph: Early mornings and evenings are magical here. I loved watching surfers carve through waves while flocks of pelicans glided overhead. If you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins playing just off the coast.
Things to do near San Elijo State Beach
San Elijo is perfectly located for short day trips to some of Southern California’s best coastal attractions. Here are a few favorites to add to your itinerary:
🌲 Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and Torrey Pines State Beach
Just a short drive south, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers dramatic cliffs, scenic trails, and rare coastal pine trees. It’s also home to peregrine falcons that nest in the cliffs—springtime is a great season for wildlife photography!
Easy hike recommendation: Guy Fleming Trail – short, scenic, and full of coastal views. Parking at the trailhead is limited, so consider walking up from the beach or down from the visitor center. The hike out to Yucca Point Vista Point is also a pretty fun hike!
💵 Parking Costs & A Free Entry Hack:
General Admission Day Use fee is $10-$25 per vehicle (demand based pricing) or a valid annual California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass. There is street parking available, but it fills up fast!
BUT! If you want to save that ten bucks, here’s a pro tip:
You can check out a California State Parks Pass from many local public libraries. Yes, like a book. Just scan it at the entrance and boom—you’re in for free. It’s one of the coolest low-budget travel hacks in California.
🦭 La Jolla Cove
La Jolla is a must-see coastal gem. Home to sea lions and pelicans, this rocky cove is a hotspot for snorkeling and swimming. Just keep your distance from the wildlife! (You can read my full blog – La Jolla Cove: Where San Diego’s Ocean Magic Unfolds ).
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun at Del Mar Dog Beach
Just a short drive south from San Elijo State Beach, Del Mar Dog Beach is a dream come true for pups (and their humans). We took Boscoe here, and he absolutely loved it! It’s one of the few places where dogs can run off-leash and splash around freely—perfect for a post-camp adventure.
- 🌊 Gentle Waters: There’s a small lagoon or stream area near the beach that’s calmer than the ocean—great if your dog isn’t a fan of big waves.
- 🐕 Off-Leash Area: Most of the beach is off-leash friendly (depending on the season), so your pup can roam, dig, and play to their heart’s content.
- 🌸 Bluff Trail Views: Above the beach is a scenic bluff trail covered in blooming sea lavender (Limonium perezii) in spring and early summer. While dogs aren’t allowed on the bluff, it’s still worth a walk for the stunning aerial views of the shoreline.
🏄♀️ Windansea Beach – A Local Surfing Gem
Another San Diego surf beach worth checking out is Windansea Beach, located in the La Jolla area. This beach is beloved by locals and known for its powerful surf breaks and laid-back atmosphere. Even if you’re not a surfer yourself, it’s a great place to kick back and watch some seriously impressive waves.
One of the most iconic features? The Windansea Surf Shack—a charming little hut made of palm fronds that’s become a symbol of the local surf culture. It’s super photogenic and adds a nostalgic, vintage beach vibe to the landscape.
During our visit, I saw some of the best surfing of the trip right here. The waves were consistent, and the surfers were so fun to watch—definitely a must-visit if you’re into the surf scene or just want to soak up the California vibes.
🌸 The Flower Fields in Carlsbad
If you’re visiting in March through early May, don’t miss The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch®. The 55 acres of blooming ranunculus flowers are absolutely stunning and make for the perfect springtime photo op.
The Carlsbad Flower Fields has an admission cost of $22 for adults, $20 for seniors (65+), and $12 for children aged 3-10. Entry is free for children under 3. Prices are subject to change each year.
🌊 Mission Bay Park
Want more beach time without driving far? Mission Bay is the largest aquatic park in the U.S., with 27 miles of shoreline and calm waters ideal for kayaking, SUP, or picnicking.
San Elijo State Beach camping: Final Thoughts
San Elijo State Beach is a coastal camping paradise. It’s close enough to San Diego for easy access to city amenities but far enough away to soak in the salty air, campfires, and chill beach vibes. Whether you’re traveling with a group, going solo, or bringing your senior dog along like we did, this spot delivers the perfect combo of adventure and relaxation.
So grab your gear, secure that campsite early, and get ready for a beachy escape that you’ll want to return to again and again.