Cardiff, CA

Cardiff, more formally known as Cardiff by the Sea, is a charming seaside village about 20 miles north of San Diego, sandwiched between Solana Beach and Encinitas. The town has gorgeous views of the Pacific as well as the San Elijo Lagoon which forms the south border, and is a popular tourist and surfer destination. Cardiff’s history as a popular spot for surfers has added to the charm that continues today. You will see lots of surfboards heading down the hill under arms, on bikes, in the backs…

Cardiff, more formally known as Cardiff by the Sea, is a charming seaside village about 20 miles north of San Diego, sandwiched between Solana Beach and Encinitas. The town has gorgeous views of the Pacific as well as the San Elijo Lagoon which forms the south border, and is a popular tourist and surfer destination. Cardiff’s history as a popular spot for surfers has added to the charm that continues today. You will see lots of surfboards heading down the hill under arms, on bikes, in the backs of trucks and running across the coast highway to the beach. There are a number of surfing related shops and eateries, too. But it’s not all about surfing. While Cardiff is not known as a gourmet food capital, there are some decent places to feed yourself, especially if you want to enjoy the ocean. Restaurant Row, on the Coast Highway, offers a number of different restaurants, several of them directly on the ocean where you can enjoy watching the surfers, and surf, and spectacular sunsets (watch for the green flash). Mexican, California, and seafood are the primary offerings. Pipes is one of the best known breakfast places around (that means crowds), and Yogi’s, a sports bar and pub, is another popular eatery that attracts residents and visitors. Cardiff, despite its small size, offers a range of housing, but at a hefty price tag, at least near the coast. Limited inventory, beautiful views, and overall desirability combine to keep home prices high. There are a variety of styles, including bungalows and cottages, twin-homes, contemporary and Spanish, as well as apartments and condominiums; there are several gated communities of attached and detached homes. Two and three-story upside-down homes are common on the hillside to take advantages of spectacular views. Be aware that there are height restrictions in town to limit owners from adding on too much space above existing and thereby blocking views of neighbors. Beaches are spectacular, and offer a wealth of activities to do or watch. Parking along the coast road is free and fairly easy to find in the off-season, but as expected more limited in the summer. Younger kids attend 1 of 2 elementary schools, and older kids attend school in Encinitas. There are several private schools as well, including Montessori. There is some nice outdoor space in Cardiff to enjoy out wonderful Southern California weather most of the year. There is a community park downtown along the train tracks. San Elijo Park and campground also offers nice space and is a popular camping destination. Glen Park, on Orinda Drive offers a pleasant play area for young kids, and horseshoes, basketball, tennis and beach volleyball. Want to explore beyond Cardiff? No problem. Neighboring Encinitas offers lots of other things to do, including shopping, more than 20 restaurants, the Quail Botanical Gardens, and The Self-Realization Temple and Meditation Gardens. You can easily go south to Solana Beach for more shopping, especially in the Cedros Design District.