Welcome to Cardiff
Picturesque beach community with the charms of golden California beaches.
From north of San Diego lies the beachfront community of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, or as the locals call it, Cardiff. This easy-to-walk quaint beach town offers two miles of pristine coastline and community, making it the perfect place for a weekend getaway. It's home to the Cardiff Kook, San Elijo Lagoon, fantastic restaurants, beaches, breweries, and all the amenities that define a laid-back beach community.
Cardiff's beaches are the hallmark of its lifestyle and community. They have unique coastal bluffs that tower above the long, rarely-crowded beaches, drawing snorkelers, beachcombers, and surfers into this small town. There are plenty of natural attractions away from beach life, like Manchester Preserve Hiking Trails and Coastal Rail Trails.
What to Love
- Snorkeling and scuba diving
- George's: an area lined with restaurants located above the beach on Highway 101
- Playing at the Glen Park
Local Lifestyle
As a beachfront community, Cardiff is an excellent destination for beach lovers. It's a perfect destination for surfers, swimmers, snorkelers, beach campers, and paddleboarders. Several annual activities are also geared towards preserving Cardiff's natural beauty and marine life.
Cardiff State Beach is home to most of the activities that Cardiff locals engage in. It’s also a popular destination for novice surfers who love waves. When the tide is out, its reefs are well-visible. San Elijo Lagoon is a wetland with trails that draw nature lovers and bird watchers.
Within walking distance of Cardiff beach and San Elijo Lagoon is the George Berkich Park along Montgomery Avenue. It's a community space owned by Cardiff School District with a soccer and baseball field open to the public. In addition, Glen Park has a playground, picnic areas, a walking path, tennis courts, and basketball courts that give locals a break from the beach activities and exceptional ocean views.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
While Cardiff is not a renowned fine-dining community, you cannot miss a few upscale restaurants for your selection. Get the best seafood choices at Chart House, which presents a well-curated menu with unique specialties. Waverly is another upscale restaurant you should visit to experience its full-service restaurant with a full bar, specialty cocktails, and an all-star team of chefs.
If you want an excellent getaway bar, look no further than The Kraken. It's the oldest bar in Cardiff, where good drinks and music are served and played. Don't miss their ice-cold beer that hits the spot despite how hot it is outside.
Cardiff is also home to good shopping outlets. Grab premium meat and seafood from Cardiff Seaside Market. If you want to catch up with trendy women's clothing, there's no better place than Salt Culture. For your artwork, The Pacific Surf Gallery has a wide range of art collections dedicated to Cardiff's surfing lifestyle and culture portrayed through photographs and paintings.
Things to Do
Cardiff has some of the most fun events you can find among the San Diego beach towns. Notable ones like Cardiff Dog Days of Summer, Cardiff Kook Run, and Taste of Cardiff will make you fall in love. The Pupologie Cardiff Dog Days of Summer is a free event featuring dog-related vendors, pet adoption agencies, and agility courses for all dog lovers. It also hosts dog contests, a libation lounge, and live music.
Cardiff Kook Run is San Diego's most scenic race, featuring costume contests, junior Kook run, pro/elite race, and finish line festivals, which you cannot miss. Taste of Cardiff is another epic event you cannot miss in Cardiff. It's a one-day community celebration where locals showcase the culinary flavors and crafted libations that Cardiff unique. Spend your evening enjoying locally-prepared foods and drinks, live music, and taking photos at the vintage Camera Camper.
Schools
Cardiff has several schools with the best educational opportunities across different levels, including:
- Cardiff Elementary School, K-2, Best elementary school in Cardiff Elementary School District.
- Ada W. Harris Elementary, Grade 3-6, 2nd best elementary in Cardiff Elementary School District.
- Canyon Crest Academy, Grade 9-12, 2nd best public high school in California.
