San Elijo State Beach near San Diego lies beside San Elijo Lagoon and next to Cardiff State Beach, combining a narrow bluff-backed shoreline with nearby lagoon and reef. It is a popular coastal recreation area where swimming, surfing, boogie-boarding, and skim-boarding are part of daily use. A campground on the bluff above the sand makes it a favored destination for families, groups, and photographers seeking sunset views, while showers and picnic areas support both day visits and overnight stays. Offshore reef waters attract snorkelers and divers, and low tide brings visitors to tide pools to observe sea life, including commonly seen jellyfish.