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 coastline is renowned for wide open sandy beaches, gorgeous cliffs and great surfing. There’s even camping, in a spectacular oceanfront setting which is a favorite spot for many San Diego locals and visitors (who book well in advance!). Due to the diverse areas, homes can offer large yards with ocean views to smaller, original homes from the 1950s and 60s. For those looking for something closer to the center of town, there are condos and apartments that make walkability to the shops and the beach much easier.

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. At extreme low tide, the reef reveals itself with tide pools, where plants and sea creatures reveal themselves for an up-close look. Cardiff is also home to the Cardiff Kook, a surfer statue that’s often criticized, and sometimes revered, as a parody of California’s iconic sport.

Cardiff State Beach and its two reefs create excellent breaks for surfing, while its kelp beds are well-suited for diving. San Elijo, the beach in front of the campground, is open for day use and is ideal for families. Pipes is a fun peaky surf break north of the campground, popular with swimmers, sunbathers and surfers alike. Cardiff Reef is a quaint beach park and surf spot on the south end of the campground where the cliffs end.