Location

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San Elijo State Beach, Encinitas

San Elijo State Beach, from its own website

Photo from the venue's own site

Park & beach · Admission from $8 a vehicle · 4 verified savings

Visit official site →

Fancy going together?

Plan a day here

Admission from $8 a vehicle. Open Dawn to sunset.

About San Elijo State Beach

San Elijo State Beach features a narrow stretch of sand backed by a bluff-top campground along the San Diego Coast, where visitors swim, sunbathe, and explore a nearby reef that is part of the State Marine Conservation Area. The park accommodates both tent camping and RV sites with hookup availability for motorhomes and trailers up to 35 feet. Dogs are allowed in the campground but not on the beach. Located in Encinitas near Cardiff-by-the-Sea along Coast Highway 101, the beach charges vehicle day-use admission at published rates. Fourth graders receive free entry through the state's 4th Grade Pass. Seniors 62 and older can purchase an annual Senior Golden Bear Pass for twenty dollars, providing free entry for the passholder and spouse during non-peak season. Honorably discharged California veterans receive a lifetime Distinguished Veteran Pass covering free use of all basic facilities. Individuals with permanent disabilities qualify for a lifetime Disabled Discount Pass offering fifty percent off vehicle day-use fees.

Tickets, prices & hours

Vehicle Day Use
$8a vehicle
Vehicle Day Use
$20a vehicle

Hours: Dawn to sunset

Prices quoted from parks.ca.gov. Prices can change — the link above goes to the page they came from.

What’s on at San Elijo State Beach

One reason to go, each in the venue’s own words, with the date we checked it.

Oct 10 – 24Event

Junior Rangers

State Park Interpreters lead hands-on learning sessions about the park's cultural and natural resources for ages 7–12. Participants earn stamps in their Junior Ranger logbook and meet fellow park enthusiasts.

Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.

“Oct 10 : [Junior Rangers]”

Quoted from parks.ca.gov · checked on
Details on the attraction’s site →

The 4 savings

If you qualify

4th Grade Pass

Free entry for fourth graders and their families at 54 select state parks

Free

“This pass provides free entry for fourth graders and their families at 54 select state parks throughout the state.”

Quoted from parks.ca.gov · checked on
See it on the attraction’s site →

Distinguished Veteran Pass

Lifetime pass for honorably discharged California veterans providing free use of all basic facilities

Free

“A lifetime pass for California residents who are honorably discharged veterans meeting certain requirements that entitles the passholder to use of all basic facilities (day-use, camping, and boating) in state parks for free.”

Quoted from parks.ca.gov · checked on
See it on the attraction’s site →

Season passes

Senior Golden Bear Pass

Pass for seniors 62+ providing free entry for passholder and spouse/domestic partner during non-peak season

$20

“This pass is valid for the calendar year and is for individuals 62 years or older and provides the pass holder and their spouse/domestic partner with free entry to many state parks during non-peak season.”

Quoted from parks.ca.gov · checked on
See it on the attraction’s site →

Other savings

Disabled Discount Pass

Lifetime pass for individuals with permanent disabilities with 50% discount on vehicle day-use fees

$3.50

“A lifetime pass for individuals with permanent disabilities, entitling the passholder to a 50% discount on vehicle day-use, family camping, and boat-use fees.”

Quoted from parks.ca.gov · checked on
See it on the attraction’s site →
Why there’s no expiry date here. Most attractions don’t publish one, and the dates that do appear are often stale. The date here is the day this offer was last read on parks.ca.gov, and the link goes to the exact page, so you can check it yourself in one click.

More to do in Encinitas

What’s on near Encinitas

Within 25 miles of San Elijo State Beach. Dates and wording are each venue’s own.

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