Dog-friendly beach
Cardiff State Beach (Cardiff Reef and Seaside)
Cardiff State Beach, Encinitas, CA — Cardiff Reef and Seaside, south of Tower 16
Rules change, especially around nesting season. This page was last checked against the official source on 14 Nov 2026. Read the live official page and the signs at the access before you go.
- Off-leash
- On-leash
- Fenced
- Not fenced
- Hours
- Follow California State Parks hours and posted signs for this unit.
- Last checked
Rules, as cited
Leash rule: Dogs are allowed at Cardiff Reef and Seaside, south of Tower 16, and must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet. California State Parks' general rule is a maximum 6-foot leash and physical control at all times.
- California State Parks' dog policy table states that dogs are allowed at Cardiff Reef and Seaside, south of Tower 16, but must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
- The same statewide policy says dogs must be on a maximum 6-foot leash and physically under control at all times, must not be left unattended, and owners must clean up after them.
- Dogs are not permitted on most California State Park beaches; this listing is limited to the stretches named in the official table.
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Official source
California State Parks — Visiting State Parks With Your Dog
Nearby dog parks and beaches
- Maggie Houlihan Memorial Dog ParkPark · Cardiff-By-The-Sea · 1.2 mi · Typically off-leash
- Del Mar Dog Beach (North Beach)Beach · Del Mar · 2.9 mi · Hours-based
- Pacific Highlands Ranch Dog ParkPark · Fairbanks Ranch · 6.7 mi · Typically off-leash
- Poinsettia Dog ParkPark · Carlsbad · 7.0 mi · Typically off-leash
- San Elijo Hills Dog ParkPark · Lake San Marcos · 7.5 mi · Typically off-leash
- Torrey Hills Dog ParkPark · Del Mar · 7.7 mi · Typically off-leash