Cardiff Reef

Cardiff Reef Surf Cam — Live View & Conditions

Live surf cam hosted by Hansen Surfboards in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California. Free, no paywall.

Watch the Live Cam

The Cardiff Reef surf cam is hosted by Hansen Surfboards, a legendary surf shop that has been serving the North County San Diego surf community since 1961. Click below to view the live HD feed on their website.

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About the Break

Cardiff Reef is a mellow cobblestone reef break located in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, about 25 miles north of downtown San Diego. It’s one of the most forgiving reef breaks in Southern California, which is why it’s a favorite for longboarders, intermediate surfers working on their pop-up, and anyone who wants a rippable wave without the ego-bruising consequences of a heavier reef.

The wave is known for its long, slopey rights that break off the reef at the mouth of the San Elijo Lagoon. On a clean day with the right swell, you’ll see everything from groms on foamies to seasoned loggers working on their cross-steps.

Surf Etiquette at Reef Breaks

Reef breaks are less forgiving than sand-bottom breaks — the takeoff is usually sharper, the consequences of a bad wipeout are higher, and the wave tends to break in the same spot every time, which means a more experienced, more territorial local crowd. Know your ability level honestly before paddling out somewhere unfamiliar, watch how locals are taking off before joining in, and give right of way without argument to whoever’s deepest on the wave. Reef breaks are not the place to learn lineup etiquette for the first time.

About the Cam Host

The cam is provided by Hansen Surfboards, a surf shop at 1105 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, California, founded in the early 1960s by Don Hansen and still family-owned, offering surf gear, wetsuits, and over 500 surfboards. Watch Live Cam →

Best Conditions

• Best swell direction: W to NW, 3-6 ft
• Best tide: Mid to high (low tide exposes too much reef)
• Best wind: Light offshore from the east, typically early morning
• Best season: Fall and winter for consistent size, but it works year-round
• Skill level: Beginner-friendly on small days, intermediate on bigger swells
• Crowd factor: Very crowded on weekends and holidays

Getting There

Cardiff Reef is located along South Coast Highway 101 in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, right across from the San Elijo State Beach campground. Parking is in the state beach day-use lot or along the highway.

Gear for Cardiff Reef

Based on typical conditions here, a 3/2 full suit works most of the year. Longboards and mid-lengths shine here. Beginners should grab a soft-top in the 8 to 9 foot range.

Where to Stay Near Cardiff Reef

Planning a surf trip to North County San Diego? Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge is a boutique beach hotel a few blocks from the reef. San Elijo State Beach Campground lets you camp right across the street from the break.

Location & Access

Cardiff Reef sits on the Pacific coast in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, San Diego County, California. See the California surf guide for the full regional picture →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cardiff Reef surf cam free to watch? Yes — every cam in the directory is free and public, no login required.

Where exactly is the camera? At Hansen Surfboards in Encinitas, CA — see the map above.

Are there other free surf cams nearby? Yes — see Nearby Live Cams below.