Often referred to simply by Cardiff, Cardiff By The Sea is a beach community sandwiched in between Encinitas to the north and Solana Beach to the south. While technically a part of the city of Encinitas, Cardiff is recognized by its own zip code. Cardiff is located just west of Interstate 5, and many of its residents live on hillsides with gorgeous ocean views. Who says you can’t have it all? Despite the paradise getaway feel, Cardiff is still easily within commuting distance to almost all of San Diego.

Over eighty years ago, this farming community in the hills north of the San Elijo Lagoon, began to take root and grow as Cardiff when developer J. Frank Cullen broke ground to build new homes. Mr. Cullen is responsible for the English based names of many of the places he was familiar with growing up; Birmingham, Chesterfield and Manchester are familiar streets to Cardiff residents.

Primarily a residential area, there are two hotels in town. Fine dining, shops and the beautiful Pacific Ocean attract tourists to the region. The San Elijo State Beach Campground provides plenty of opportunities for tent camping right on the ocean. Local residents and tourists alike can enjoy bird watching and hiking along the trails in the San Elijo Lagoon and running and biking along the beachside highway.

Cardiff offers a range of water-related activities; swimming, surfing, a multitude of other water sports, sunbathing, and strolling along the shore. You can also enjoy hiking, jogging, boating, tennis, fishing, hang gliding, bicycling, or nearby golfing. Cardiff-by-the-Sea is a great escape. Known for its charm, village hospitality and warm, sunny weather, it offers everything unique to those who seek the beauty of a small ocean side town.

Cardiff is the perfect place for purchasing your dream home. Own a luxury home in Cardiff and have it all? You might think that you can’t have the small town atmosphere with the convenience of a big city, living outside of the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but still close being close enough to make it work. But you can have all this and more at Cardiff! Care to enjoy some wind surfing after a day of work? Or just a relaxing stroll on the beach with your loved ones? Cardiff is all conveniently located just west of the 5 freeway, and is a quick commute down to San Diego. In Cardiff, you truly can have it all.