San Elijo State Beach

San Elijo State Beach is a campground and spot to watch the sunset or eat at a restaurant, along S. Coast Highway 101. If it's too cold to be on the beach but you just want to watch the sunset from your car, you can pull in for a little while without paying. Otherwise there's a fee to come to this fairly plain strip of sand. 

It's fun to watch the pebbles on the shore in the glowing light. There is also kelp and driftwood. Kids like to jump on the boulders, and surfers ride waves to shore. 
It looks nice to eat at the restaurants across the channel: Ki's Breakfast, The Kraken Bar, Las Olas Mexican, Pacific Coast Grill with great ocean views, and Chart House seafood. After, take a long walk along the beach.
For a shopping plaza nearby, check out Cardiff Town Center.
For a pretty garden nearby, on cliffs over the sea, check out Self-Realization Fellowship Garden. It is three minutes drive north. 

Directions

San Elijo State Beach is located at 2050 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007. You have to pay to park.

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