By the Sea Blog

Harvest Moon

September marks the start of the harvest season in California, and while San Diego County’s year-round good weather may be deceiving, there is still a seasonal shift around town. One of the most pleasant ways to experience the fall spirit in Cardiff-by-the-Sea is to check out the cornucopia of produce that becomes available at local farmer’s markets.

Just a few miles north, the Solana Beach farmer’s market is a North County favorite and runs every Sunday afternoon from 12 to 4 pm. This particular market is set apart by its offerings—some would even describe it as a unique curation of homemade delicacies and high-quality produce.

You can also head just a couple miles north to Coral Tree Farm in Encinitas for a selection of nature’s bounty. This spot has been family-owned and operated since 1958 and is dedicated to producing heirloom veggies and organically grown tropical fruits. These include avocados, cherimoyas, and guavas. You can also pick up some fresh eggs from their antibiotic-free, organically-fed chickens. The farm is open to the public from 10 am to 3pm on Saturdays, and you can make appointments to visit on Tuesdays.

Dining at Dusk

One of the most alluring aspects of visiting the coast of California during the month of August is the ability to enjoy warm, balmy evenings by the ocean. The days still bring long stretches of light, with twilight lingering past 8 pm. There’s nothing quite like a refreshing beverage or seafood dish combined with a West Coast sunset.

To really elevate your alfresco experience, opt for a chilled glass of white wine and homemade pasta at Cicciotti’s fine Italian restaurant. Catch the sky lighting up orange while you sip on your vino and eat your cioppino.

To get a little closer to that sunset, head to Pacific Coast Grill for sushi, mussels, and other fresh treats from the ocean. This airy, waterfront establishment has a chill atmosphere.

And if you simply want to bring that sunset even closer to you, stick around your ocean-view suite and order in. You can dine with a view and then slip smoothly into your jacuzzi tub at dusk.

Chilling Out in Midsummer

High summer in San Diego County is a vibrant time of year: the days are longer, the water is warmer, and the beaches are bustling with activity from surfing to sunbathing. But every beach vacation needs a spot of shade, so we have a few suggestions for chilling out with a healthy snack or even a craft cocktail near Cardiff by the Sea Lodge.

Can you get any more Californian than an acai bowl by the beach? This is the perfect snack to cool down midday, and we earnestly recommend Everbowl for their colorful, delicious bowls topped with fresh fruit, in addition to their other healthy offerings like kombucha and overnight oats.

If you’re fully ready to unwind, we recommend grabbing a drink at The Confessional by the Lost Abbey or Cardiff Beach Bar at Tower 13. Both offer views of the Pacific so you can catch the sunset over the ocean.

Botanical Bliss

After the much-needed spring rains, San Diego County is looking bright and green. We can’t help but suggest some lush spots to soak up the floral eye candy.

Just 3 miles north of Cardiff Lodge, you’ll find the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. It contains an incredible variety of plants from around the world, including the nation’s largest bamboo collection. The 37-acres of grounds also boast an extensive network of well-marked hiking trails and benches so that you can alternate between strolling and sitting to gaze at the vistas. If you have kids in tow, don’t miss the annual Fairy Festival on June 22 from 10 am to 4 pm.

If you’re looking for an even more meditative experience in a verdant setting, check out the nearby Encinitas Ashram Center and Meditation Gardens established by Paramahansa Yogananda. Part of the Self Realization Fellowship’s Encinitas temple, these peaceful gardens have become a center of pilgrimage for thousands of people each year.

Breakfast Before the Beach

Spring in San Diego County is spectacular, and you can regularly expect perfect temperatures and sunny days. There’s nothing like starting the day with hot coffee and a warm pastry before hitting the beach. These two locally-loved breakfast spots are sure to guide your good morning. 

VG Donuts is a landmark of Cardiff by the Sea. This spot has a line going out the door almost every day, which is just a testament to how delectable the freshly baked donuts are. The line moves quickly, and you won’t want to miss out on artisanal donuts in unique flavors like blueberry, crème brûlée, and maple bacon.

Located just down the street from Cardiff by the Sea Lodge, Zumbar Coffee & Tea is another favorite among locals for their freshly baked pastries and expertly crafted drinks. Their roasting operation is located locally in San Diego, and the quality shows in everything from their frothy lattes to refreshing cold brews.

Beyond the Beaches

Just a mile away, our city boasts a wonderful wetland ecological reserve: the San Elijo Lagoon. The lagoon is one of San Diego’s most diverse coastal wetlands and forms part of a nearly 1,000-acre nature reserve that is home to more than 1,000 species of plants and animals, many rare and endangered. There are numerous trail options for taking in the scenery and local wildlife. You’ll also find a family-friendly Nature Center with an observation deck that provides expansive views of the lagoon.

If you want to get moving for an even more rewarding view, choose Annie’s Canyon Trail, one of the more rugged and well-loved wilderness hiking paths in this ecological reserve that leads to sweeping ocean and lagoon views.

Spring by the Sea

In spring, millions of Persian Buttercup blooms open up and share their beauty with the public. They appear like rainbow waves from afar or a neon vision from up close. The best time to witness their full bloom is from mid-March to mid-April, but the Carlsbad Flower Fields open on March 1st and remain open until May 12th.

These fields are a renowned destination and have showcased Mother Nature’s spectacle for 60 years. You’ll find this is a popular spot for Instagram tourism, as well as more traditional photo shoots of young families with their little ones.

Tickets can be purchased on site, and there is more to discover, including wagon rides and specialty gardens. With a cool coastal breeze and bright sun, a stroll among the buttercups is the perfect spring interlude.