San Elijo State Beach Access provides day-use parking and beach access via several long stairways and ramps leading down from the blufftop to a narrow sandy beach below.

The area is popular with surfers and offers amenities including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and a camp store (seasonal, March-October), with lifeguards on duty.

Swimming can be dangerous due to rip currents, and the nearby reef is popular with snorkelers and divers.