Cardiff By the Sea

Not just your ordinary beach community

Cardiff-by-the-Sea, also known as Cardiff, is a beach community located in Encinitas in San Diego County, California. Located 95 miles to the south of Los Angeles and 25 miles North of San Diego. In 1911 this former farming community began to develop when Boston developer J. Frank Cullen broke ground to build new homes.

Frank Cullen’s wife, a native of Cardiff, Wales, persuaded him to name the community “Cardiff”, as well as many streets, such as “Birmingham”, “Oxford”, “Chesterfield” and “Manchester”, despite heavy Spanish influence in the area. In 1986 Cardiff joined with the nearby communities of Leucadia, Olivenhain, and Encinitas to form the incorporated city of Encinitas.

Cardiff is also home to a few well-known surf spots, such as Swami’s and Cardiff Reef. It produces waves of both professional and novice surfers who enjoy the sport year-round.

The reef was not well known in the 1950’s but it has come a long way into being one of the most popular surfing spots in San Diego County. During low tide, a flat rock reef is revealed that extends 50 yards from shore. Exploring these tide pools is a popular activity for visitors of Cardiff.

Among the many wonderful activities at Cardiff would be its beachside dining. There is a wide range of delicacies at Restaurant Row, from Italian, Mexican to California foods of your choosing.

If you are into camping the San Elijo beach Campground offers one of the best campsites along the beach. There are other recreational facilities here in the community like Glen park. It has basketball and tennis courts, picnic tables and a wide space for kids to play at.