San Elijo State Beach

Located in the city of Encinitas, San Elijo State Beach is situated near San Elijo Lagoon. It is narrow, long, bluff-backed, and a popular camping destination.

The beach has several amenities including lifeguards, restrooms, showers, picnic tables.

This beach offers many activities including bike paths, camping, diving, fishing, paddle-boarding, sailing, skim-boarding, snorkeling, and surfing. You can also swim here, but be careful of the high tides and rip currents. San Elijo State Beach has a tide pool where visitors can see the sea creatures, especially jellyfishes, during low tides.

To access the beach, you will find its entrance near the intersection of southbound lanes of Highway 101 and Chesterfield Drive – there is a famous bronze statue of a surfer here. San Elijo State Beach has paid parking lot near several long stairways and ramps that lead to the beach.

If you are looking for nearby attractions, you can drive eight minutes to San Elijo Lagoon – it is one of the largest remaining coastal wetlands in San Diego and is home to many species of plants, fish, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, and birds. San Elijo State Beach Campground is situated on the cliff overlooking San Elijo Beach and has more than 156 campsites, a camp store, boogie-boards and RV supply rentals, and a fast-food restaurant. You can reserve campsites here through Reserve America up to six months in advance. If you like hiking, Annie's Canyon Trail provides hiking areas great for both beginners and experienced hikers because of the natural climbing walls with single-pitch rock climbing routes. As another option, San Diego Botanic Garden features the nation’s biggest bamboo collection and 29 uniquely themed gardens including, the well-known Hamilton Children’s Garden. It has been awarded ‘Readers’ Choice 2019’ and ‘Top 10 Botanic Gardens in North America’ awards by USA Today 10Best. The 18-hole beachfront golf course Encinitas Ranch Golf Course offers a driving range, golf shop, and restaurant.

If you're looking for a restaurant, you can drive four minutes to Pacific Coast Grill, an upscale American restaurant that was mentioned in "The 100 Most Scenic Restaurants in the US" by Business Insider and "7 Beachfront Bars" by Visit San Diego. Cicciotti's Trattoria Italiana & Seafood is a vegetarian-friendly Italian restaurant-bar that serves many seafood items including oysters, shrimps, groupers, and shrimps at very reasonable prices. If you are looking for a family-friendly option, try VG Donut & Bakery – it offers donuts, croissants, cupcakes, pastries, and shakes.

If you are looking for a hotel, there are many options within a 15-minute drive of San Elijo State Beach. If you are looking for a luxurious option, the 5-Star pet-friendly hotel Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego boasts its pool, bar, spa, restaurant, fitness center, tennis court, and golf course. The upscale 4-Star pet-friendly hotel L'Auberge Del Mar has a pool, bar, sauna, spa, and restaurant. Cardiff by the Sea Lodge is a 3-Star hotel that was awarded the Traveller’s Choice Award by Tripadvisor. If you are looking for an affordable option, Econo Lodge Encinitas Moonlight Beach is a pet-friendly hotel with a gym.