Welcome to Cardiff by the Sea
A relaxed beach town with hip vibes
Revel in the relaxed atmosphere that this brilliant beach town provides. Cardiff by the Sea, California, is a hip community located between Solana Beach and Encinitas. With miles upon miles of coastline and various parks, restaurants, and attractions, you have no shortage of activities to keep your days filled with fun and adventure. Expansive waterfront homes and single-family residences nestled close to the town center provide residents with ample housing options.
What to Love
- The miles of coastline and beach access
- Close proximity to Encinitas and Solana Beach
- Variety of eating establishments to meet your fancy
- Walkable
Local Lifestyle
While beach life is imminent, there is more to Cardiff by the Sea than sand and swimming. There is a beautiful walking district, a seaside market, various restaurants, and worthwhile parks to help you fill your time here. No matter where you are, though, beauty surrounds you in this community.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
When you're looking for gourmet groceries to prepare a home-cooked meal,
Cardiff Seaside Market is your best option. Here, you can find fresh produce, meat, seafood, and more to create the perfect meal. The market also features ready-made meals ideal for picnic lunches or quick dinner ideas.
Waverly is a chic venue offering modern twists on American classics. It's especially well-loved for its brunch menu. Turkish poached eggs, Funfetti pancakes, breakfast rice bowls, and whipped buttermilk ricotta are just a few of their menu selections.
Traditional Italian dishes are served at Trattoria Positano. This well-rated spot provides all the usual salads, pasta dishes, flatbread pizza, soups, and meat and seafood selections. For dessert, you can't go wrong with the gelato, creme brulee, cannoli, or cream cheese strudel.
Things to Do
The Walking District is a neighborhood in Cardiff by the Sea begging to be explored. It's a terrific area to stretch your legs and see incredible sights as you make your way around the area. From there, you can make your way to the many beaches located in and around the community. The
San Elijo State Beach offers two miles of sand. Snorkeling, surfing, and swimming are the most common activities seen here. There is also an adjacent campground for nightly stays close to the water.
Cardiff State Beach is at the southern end of Cardiff near the San Elijo Lagoon. With beautiful blue ocean views and a serene ambiance, this is a great spot to unwind and connect with nature. It's also a well-known surfing spot.
The San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center is home to a significant wetland habitat teeming with wildlife. When you visit, you'll notice numerous insects, reptiles, and birds, at the very least. If you want to enjoy a walk away from the sand, this is an ideal place to do just that. Many runners and hikers enjoy the trails available here, and birdwatchers, painters, and photographers also appreciate the serenity and beauty of the lagoon.
Schools
The Cardiff School District serves the community of Cardiff by the Sea. Highly-rated schools in the area include:
- Aviara Oaks Middle School