Cardiff

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=656 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiff_State_Beach Cardiff State Beach is a protected beach, located near San Diego. Popular activities include swimming, surfing, and beachcombing. Just next to Cardiff State Beach is a San Elijo State Beach, which has a state-run campground.

T his southernmost part of the Golden State, with its warm beaches, sculpted bluffs and historic adobe buildings, has been a mecca for individuals seeking a better life. Today, more than ever, it is the destination of millions who pursue the modern equivalent of the “California Dream.” Our Mission The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. California State Parks does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (619) 688-3260. To receive this publication in an alternate format, contact: CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P. O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service www.parks.ca.gov Discover the many states of California.TM San Diego Coast State Parks 4477 Pacific Highway San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 688-3260 Cover photo courtesy of Susan Myrland. © 2002 California State Parks (Rev. 2009) Printed on Recycled Paper San Diego Coast State Parks T he San Diego Coast is world famous provides beach-level camping between the communities of Coronado and Imperial Beach. Day-use beach access is available from Carlsbad State Beach to Border Field State Park. Early California history, recreational opportunities and natural wonders await you in San Diego Coast state parks. of Spanish soldiers, priests and explorers led by Captain Gaspar de Portolá and Franciscan Father Junípero Serra, arrived in what is today San Diego. They built a chapel dedicated to Saint Diego and a fort on what is now Presidio Hill just to the east of present-day Old Town. As time passed, the town built up around a typical Spanish plaza, and the first San Diego community was born. Since 1769 it has known the rule of Spain, Mexico and the United States. Today the historic park reflects the cultural elements of its exciting and romantic past. Guided tours are available. For more information, call (619) 220-5422. for its mild year-round climate. This fiftymile stretch of coastline, from the U.S. Marine Corps base at Camp Pendleton to the Mexican border, contains some of California’s most interesting and rare examples of natural and cultural heritage. San Diego’s early history comes alive at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, Old Town San Diego State located in the heart of the city, and at San Historic Park Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park, near San Diego’s famed Wild Animal Park in the Explore the rich heritage of California by north county. touring the unique museum exhibits and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, the shops in the historic adobe buildings of Old home of rare and endangered Torrey pines, Town San Diego. Today’s Old Town bustles lies thirty miles north with activity while of the Tijuana River preserving the National Estuarine essence of one of Research Reserve California’s earliest and the international settlements. border. The On May 15, 1769, Research Reserve an overland party provides protection for a designated Father Junípero Serra “wetland of national importance” and offers an educational Bandini House in Old Town San Diego facility for students and visitors. San Diego Coast state parks provide visitors with three areas for camping and many day-use beaches. South Carlsbad and San Elijo State Beaches in the north county have full-service campgrounds with all the amenities except hookups, and Silver Strand State Beach in the south county Painting of early San Diego by Lt. William H. Emory, 1846 San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park An award-winning visitor center interprets the Mexican War, as well as the history of the San Pasqual Indians and the development of San Pasqual Valley. On a cold, wet December 6, 1846, in the valley known as San Pasqual, United States General Stephen Watts Kearny and his soldiers met Whimbrel 80 armed Mexican Californios under the leadership of Andrés Pico in a battle for the sovereignty of California. The Battle of San Pasqual was the bloodiest battle fought in California during the Mexican War. For more park information, call (760) 737-2201. Carlsbad State Beach Carlsbad State Beach is one of San Diego’s most popular beaches. The Tamarack Avenue area is a favorite surf spot. The reef provides gentle waves, perfect for long and short board surfing. Certain areas are set aside for swimming only. A seawall promenade stretches from Pine Street to Tamarack Avenue and offers views of Agua Hedionda Lagoon. From the walkway, visitors may watch marbled godwits and whimbrels troll the beach and gulls, cormorants and pelicans fly over the waves. Marine mammals such as dolphins, sea lions and harbor seals splash offshore. Carlsbad State B