Cardiff Reef is a popular surf spot located in Encinitas, California. It's known for being a family-friendly beach where you can see multiple generations enjoying the waves together. The break is a long, right point wave that rolls over a flat, grass-covered reef for about a quarter of a mile. While the wave is generally slow and a bit mushy, during low tides and big winter swells, the south peak can provide some decent action. If the conditions aren’t great, it’s a good place to grab your longboard and chill with friends.

The wave here handles swells coming from the West, West-Northwest, and Northwest, and works best with sizes ranging from about 2 feet (0.6 meters) to 8 feet (2.4 meters). Surfers can expect both rights and lefts off this break, with preference for low to mid tides. It’s a great spot for surfers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. The right can be a fun ride, especially with those bigger winter swells, while the left offers a chance to get some turns off its face. Paddling back out is generally easy, thanks to a channel, but it can feel a bit long when the crowds are thick. You might also want to check out Suckouts, which is just a short paddle north, offering a completely different vibe and wave experience.

Getting to Cardiff Reef is hassle-free, with a pay parking lot right at the spot and free parking available along the highway. Just keep in mind that weekends can get pretty packed, while weekdays are a bit calmer. Local surfers are around, so be respectful out there. Overall, this spot has its ups and downs, but with its easy access and variety of waves, it's worth a visit for a session or two.