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Address: Encinitas, CA (Google Maps View)
Directions: Follow the Map Link for Directions.
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Known as Encinitas or Cardiff. This is where I personally want to live. It is a smaller beach town with a very friendly feel to everything that goes on there. The surf here is great. There is Pipes, which consists of every break in front of the campground, all of which have there own names. The waves here are very longboard friendly, and that is what you will see most of. I love these breaks. I learned to surf here so I may be biased, but I always end up having a blast when I surf here. And there is also Seaside reef down to the south, this break used to be better but the parking lot changed it heavily, it is still a great break, but the sand exchange was changed when the parking lot was put in place and now it breaks a bit different, most believe it changed for the worst. But again, it is still a fun break. There is only one peak there, so expect crowds. Then there is the world renowned Swamis, surf here only if you can surf well. It is VERY crowded as a rule and usually mostly everyone is a good surfer. This wave is great though. Right above swamis is a nice town to explore, I would recommend a beach cruiser or a longboard skateboard when going through this town, it is a long stretch. There are some cool shops and places to look at. Swamis cafe is excellent too. And if you can find Cardiff burritos, go there, it is excellent. So is VG's donuts, right next door.

I believe that is as far north as you'll want to go for a beach day. Cardiff is a good 35 minute drive if there is no traffic (traffic sucks in those north county parts).

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