Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, USA

Overview Cardiff-by-the-sea

Cardiff-by-the-Sea, usually referred to as Cardiff, is a beach community in the incorporated city of Encinitas in San Diego County, California. The Pacific Ocean is to the west of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, the rest of incorporated Encinitas is to the east and north, and a beach and lagoon to the south. With a population of under 12,000, Cardiff-by-the-Sea operates as part of the city of Encinitas, but unlike the other communities that comprise Encinitas, has its own ZIP code. Cardiff is home to a few well-known surf spots, such as Swami’s and Cardiff Reef. [source: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas, California – Wikipedia ]

Cardiff-by-the-Sea, …more details

Cardiff-by-the-Sea, founded about 1911, is a shoreline community within Encinitas, a city of over 60,000 people lying about 25 miles north of San Diego and 95 miles south of Los Angeles.

Cardiff starts at the river mouth, flanked by San Elijo State Beach and Cardiff State Beach, and extends north to Swami’s Point in Encinitas.

The moderate climate, two miles of Pacific coastline, and world-class surf draw professional and amateur surfers from all over Southern California and beyond. One hotspot is at Cardiff Reef, located alongside Historic Highway 101 at the mouth of the San Elijo Lagoon.
Surf at the reef consistently breaks both right and left, making it ideal for all surfers year-round.

Cardiff-by-the-Sea was once also home to the Rob Machado Surf Classic amateur surf contest & beach fair — named after Cardiff’s favorite son, pro surfer Rob Machado.

Known for its charm, Cardiff retains its small village hospitality and welcomes visitors.
Cardiff has warm sunny days and cool evenings that prevail throughout the year.

There is an endless list of recreational opportunities here.
You can enjoy swimming, hiking, jogging, boating, tennis, fishing, hang gliding, bicycling, or nearby golfing in this ideal setting.

Naturalists enjoy visiting the San Elijo Lagoon, a state wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary that attracts some 300 species annually.

Cardiff-by-the-Sea is only five minutes from the famous Del Mar Racetrack, and 25 minutes from the well-known San Diego Wild Animal Park where you can see the sprawling 2,100-acre wildlife sanctuary by monorail. Drive 15 minutes south on nearby Interstate 5 and you will find yourself in the heart of San Diego with its Seaport Village, Horton Plaza Shopping Center, and Sea World.
Don’t miss the fabulous Balboa Park with its many outstanding art museums, gardens, aerospace and flight museums, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo, all within that spacious park.

Map

Camping

Interested in Beach Camping? Look here: Surf and Camp at San Diego’s San Elijo State Beach (visitcalifornia.com)

More resources

Web: Guide to Cardiff-by-the-Sea Beaches | Official San Diego, Ca. Travel Resource