The Ultimate Guide to Cardiff by the Sea in San Diego: Beaches, Food, Camping & Coastal Favorites
- San Diego Beach Review
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Cardiff-by-the-Sea is one of San Diego’s most relaxed and charming beach towns, a small coastal community with big scenery, great food, and some of the best beach access in North County. If you want a place that feels local, laid-back, and effortlessly beautiful, Cardiff is it.
This guide covers the beaches, the food, the parks, the lodging, the shopping district, and the hidden gems that make Cardiff a must-visit.
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Cardiff-by-the-Sea Overview
Cardiff is technically part of Encinitas, but it has its own distinct personality. Think surfers grabbing breakfast burritos before dawn, locals walking the coast at sunset, the sound of waves rolling over smooth round stones, and unbeatable coastal dining with toes-in-the-sand views.
Whether you're planning a beach day, a weekend getaway, or simply dinner with a view, Cardiff delivers.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea Beaches
Cardiff State Beach
Cardiff State Beach is one of the most accessible beaches in San Diego, with easy parking off of Highway 101 as an option. Long and perfect for swimming and walking, it’s a favorite for families and beachgoers looking for easier water entry.
Why it’s great:
Long stretches of walkable shoreline
Lifeguards in summer
Paid parking lots right along the coast
Gentle waves compared to nearby reef breaks
San Elijo State Beach
San Elijo State Beach sits just north of Cardiff State Beach and is one of the most popular beach campgrounds in Southern California. Perched along a bluff, campsites offer ocean views, direct beach access, and incredible sunsets.
Camping at San Elijo:
Book many months in advance, spots sell out quickly
Beach showers & restrooms included
Perfect for surfing and tidepool exploring
Don't miss our guide to beach camping in San Diego County for more information on camping by the coast!
Tip:
Even if you aren’t camping, it’s a beautiful beach to look at from atop the bluffs, and the reef here brings great surf conditions.
Where to Eat in Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Cardiff punches above its weight with some of the best oceanfront dining in San Diego.
Pacific Coast Grill (PCG)
A true oceanfront dining experience as PCG sits directly on the sand with unbeatable views and high-quality seafood, sushi, and cocktails. Perfect for date nights, celebratory dinners, or watching surfers catch some waves around lunchtime.
Tip: Dine on the patio for a true beachfront dining experience.
Las Olas Mexican Restaurant
A local favorite for decades. Las Olas serves fresh, traditional Mexican dishes with beach views and a laid-back vibe.
Ki’s Restaurant
Healthy, California-style cuisine with vegetarian, vegan, and organic options. Ki’s has a stunning upstairs dining level with panoramic ocean views.
Great for: breakfast burritos, smoothies, salads, and oceanview dinners.
Chart House
Technically at the southern gateway of Cardiff, Chart House is a classic steak-and-seafood restaurant with sweeping windows looking over the break. It’s upscale, elegant, and perfect for special occasions.
Where to Stay in Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge
A charming boutique hotel just a short walk from the beach and restaurants. The rooftop deck offers some of the best views in Cardiff.
Why stay here:
Walkable to beaches
Rooftop lounges
Romantic coastal vibe
Easy access to Encinitas, Solana Beach, and Del Mar
Parks & Local Spots
Glen Park (George Berkich Park)
A quiet neighborhood gem with big pine trees, tennis courts, a playground, and wide grassy areas. It has views of the ocean and is perfect for relaxing after a beach day.
Shopping in Cardiff
Shopping on San Elijo Avenue
Cardiff’s small shopping district offers local boutiques, surf shops, coffee houses, and specialty stores. It has that classic beach-town feel: casual, friendly, and distinctly local.
Don’t miss:
Seaside Market (home of the famous “Cardiff Crack” tri-tip)
Local surf shops
Small cafés with sidewalk seating
Things to Do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Surf or watch surfers at Cardiff Reef
Walk the coast along Highway 101
Picnic on the sand
Explore tidepools at low tide
Bike the 101 through Cardiff, Encinitas, and Solana Beach
Stay for sunset, Cardiff has some of the best in North County
Related Posts
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FAQ: Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Is Cardiff-by-the-Sea good for families?
Yes. Cardiff State Beach and camping at San Elijo is popular with families.
Where can I watch the sunset in Cardiff?
Pacific Coast Grill, the San Elijo bluffs, and Cardiff State Beach all offer incredible sunset views.
Is Cardiff good for surfing?
Absolutely. Cardiff Reef is one of the most consistent surf breaks in North County.
Where’s the best place to stay?
Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge for boutique charm or San Elijo State Beach for oceanfront camping.
Is there shopping in Cardiff?
Yes, San Elijo Avenue has local boutiques, cafés, and the famous Seaside Market.
Can you walk between Cardiff and Encinitas?
Yes, the entire stretch along Highway 101 is walkable and scenic.
Conclusion
Cardiff-by-the-Sea is one of San Diego’s most authentic beach communities, it's relaxed, scenic, and filled with great food, great beaches, and great people. Whether you're camping on the bluff, dining over the ocean, or spending the day surfing and exploring, Cardiff offers a classic California coastal experience.
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