Updated
Cardiff State Beach
Park · Cardiff, California
Not today — an official hazard warning is active
Avoid todayNot today — an official hazard warning is active: a Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for San Diego County Coastal Areas; Orange County Coastal.
- Water temp 73°F (23°C)
Live data from NOAA buoy 46266 (3.5 mi away), as of Oct 29, 10:56 AM UTC.
Why, sources & official advisories
- A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for San Diego County Coastal Areas; Orange County Coastal. — NWS San Diego CA
- Water temperature is 73°F, within the comfortable 70–86°F range. — NOAA buoy 46266, as of Oct 29, 10:56 AM UTC
- No official beach advisory posted (California Water Boards — FHAB Reports checked).
Official advisories
Checked against California Water Boards — FHAB Reports — no advisory posted.
Get an email when it’s warm enough
It’s 73°F at Cardiff State Beach now. We check the water daily and email you once when it reaches your temperature.
What’s swimming here?
Fish recorded within 2 km: Kelp Bass, California Sheephead, Blacksmith Chromis and 35 more species.
38 fish species in 854 public records within 2 km of Cardiff State Beach since 2000.
- Kelp Bass Paralabrax clathratus211 records · 2023
- California Sheephead Bodianus pulcher161 records · 2023
- Blacksmith Chromis Chromis punctipinnis75 records · 2023
- Garibaldi Damselfish Hypsypops rubicundus62 records · 2023
- Rock Wrasse Halichoeres semicinctus50 records · 2023
- Black Perch Embiotoca jacksoni47 records · 2023
- Rudderfish Girella nigricans44 records · 2023
- Señorita Wrasse Halichoeres californicus39 records · 2023
Show all 38 species
- Kelp Perch Brachyistius frenatus33 records · 2023
- Barred Sand Bass Paralabrax nebulifer28 records · 2023
- Sargo Anisotremus davidsonii19 records · 2023
- Halfmoon Medialuna californiensis15 records · 2023
- White Seaperch Phanerodon furcatus9 records · 2023
- Dwarf Perch Micrometrus minimus8 records · 2022
- Striped Mullet Mugil cephalus7 records · 2026
- Pile Perch Phanerodon vacca6 records · 2021
- Perch Kyphosus azureus5 records · 2026
- Giant Kelpfish Heterostichus rostratus3 records · 2023
- Rubberlip Seaperch Rhacochilus toxotes3 records · 2023
- Giant Sea Bass Stereolepis gigas3 records · 2023
- California Killifish Fundulus parvipinnis3 records · 2009
- Longjaw Mudsucker Gillichthys mirabilis3 records · 2009
- Barred Pipefish Syngnathus auliscus3 records · 2009
- Walleye Surfperch Hyperprosopon argenteum2 records · 2023
- Rainbow Seaperch Hypsurus caryi2 records · 2012
- Spotted Sand Bass Paralabrax maculatofasciatus1 record · 2023
- California Halibut Paralichthys californicus1 record · 2022
- Diamond Turbot Pleuronichthys guttulatus1 record · 2022
- Jack Mackerel Trachurus symmetricus1 record · 2022
- 1 record · 2018
- 1 record · 2018
- Painted Greenling Oxylebius pictus1 record · 2012
- Kelp Rockfish Sebastes atrovirens1 record · 2012
- Barred Surfperch Amphistichus argenteus1 record · 2011
- Arrow Goby Clevelandia ios1 record · 2009
- 1 record · 2003
- Topsmelt Silverside Atherinops affinis1 record · 2003
- 1 record · 2003
Non-native: the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database lists the species as introduced to the San Diego watershed.
Caught one? Make it a card.Snap your catch in Reelio and collect every species. Free on iPhone.Data: GBIF.org occurrence records, CC0 and CC BY only (PISCO fish transects, iNaturalist research-grade observations, GBIF dataset, GBIF dataset). Common names: USGS NAS; GBIF.org (The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), Catalogue of Life). Non-native flags: USGS NAS. These are sightings and specimens people reported, not a survey: a fish missing from the list may still live here.
Things to Do Near Cardiff State Beach
Top-rated tours and experiences around Cardiff, powered by Viator — free cancellation on most.
Cardiff Bay Boat Tour
Cardiff: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour
Cardiff Private Walking Tour with a Local
Cardiff in a Day
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Frequently asked questions
- Where is Cardiff State Beach?
- Cardiff State Beach is a park in Cardiff, California.
- What is the water temperature at Cardiff State Beach?
- As of October 29, 2026, the water temperature at Cardiff State Beach in Cardiff, California is 73°F (23°C), measured by NOAA buoy 46266, 3.5 miles away.
- Can you swim at Cardiff State Beach?
- Not today — an official hazard warning is active: a Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for San Diego County Coastal Areas; Orange County Coastal. Checked October 29, 2026.
- How is Cardiff State Beach rated?
- Cardiff State Beach in Cardiff, California has an average visitor rating of 4.8 out of 5, based on 62 reviews.
- What amenities does Cardiff State Beach have?
- Visitor-listed amenities at Cardiff State Beach include camping-nearby.
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Location & Contact
💡 Best times & visiting tips
- ›Weekday mornings (8–10 AM) are typically less crowded
- ›Check the forecast 2–3 days ahead for best planning
- ›Avoid holiday weekends for a quieter experience
Features & amenities
Highlights
Accessibility
Amenities
Family & Children
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