a view of the ocean and beach coast from a rock cliff at sunrise

Fun in Cardiff California

Cardiff-by-the-Sea is on a coastline renowned for wide-open beaches, breathtaking cliffs and radical surfing. Our beautiful boutique hotel near Encinitas is just steps from sandy shores begging for your visit and minutes from other popular San Diego hot spots.

attractions

San Elijo State Beach0.1 miles
2050 South Coast Highway 101
(760) 753-5091

You’re super close great swimming and surfing. Be sure to walk to the tide pool at low tide to spot a variety of sea life.

aerial view of beach, shoreline and road

attractions

Cardiff State Beach and Reefs0.8 miles
South of Cardiff on Old Highway 101
(760) 753-5091

Open from dawn to sunset, stroll the gently sloping beach. Surfers will love the big north swell at low tide.

surfers on their surf boards in the ocean

attractions

Swami’s Beach1.3 miles
1298 South Coast Hwy 101

Known for its wintertime swells and stand-out right point break, Swami’s is one of Southern California’s most popular surfing destinations.

ocean and beach with a palm tree in the foreground

attractions

Pipes Beach2.2 miles
South Coast Hwy 101

Another popular surfing spot, Pipes Beach is a favorite for biking, running and all-round relaxing steps from San Elijo State Beach Campground.

2 pelicans flying over the beach

attractions

Moonlight State Beach2.5 miles
Encinitas Blvd

Perfect for swimming, surfing, and fishing, this wide sandy beach features volleyball, tennis courts, equipment rentals and a snack bar.

surfer on surfboard on a wave as it crashes

attractions

Solana Beach2.4 miles

Located a few miles south of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Solana Beach is a charming seaside community with cute shops, dining, and nightlife.

red tropical flowers and palm trees in front of the ocean

attractions

Del Mar Racing4.4 miles
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
(858) 755-1141

Located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, this popular attraction is a summertime favorite for thoroughbred racing and trackside dining.

horses running on a grass racetrack

attractions

Carlsbad Premium Outlets8.3 miles
5620 Paseo Del Norte
(760) 804-9000

From Calvin Klein to Cole Haan, this open-air shopping center features more than 90 designer and name-brand stores, all tucked between courtyards and fountains.

close up of a woman looking through a rack of shirts at a store

attractions

Legoland California10.4 miles
1 Legoland Dr
(888) 690-5346

Featuring more than 60 rides, shows and attractions, this interactive theme park experience is a year-round family favorite. Highlights include the Sea Life Aquarium and the world's first Legoland Water Park.

two children playing with legos

attractions

Downtown San Diego24.2 miles

Plan a day trip south to San Diego to experience an array of world-famous attractions, including Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo and the USS Midway.

circular fountain with buildings behind it

dining

Pipes Cafe0.2 miles
121 Liverpool Drive
(760) 632-0056

This surf-themed espresso bar and cafe offers everything from pancakes and breakfast burritos to burgers and BLTs.

syrup being poured overtop a stack of pancakes

dining

Cicciotti's Trattoria Italiana0.3 miles
1933 San Elijo Avenue
(760) 634-2335

Live music and ocean views accompany traditional Italian food at Cicciotti's, where favorites include thin-crust pizzas, pastas, and other classics.

a person's hand sprinkling seasoning overtop tomato slices, mozzarella, and olives

dining

Pacific Coast Grill0.5 miles
2526 South Coast Highway 101
(760) 479-0721

This chic, coastal spot offers a bright and airy atmosphere for sushi and seafood overlooking the ocean.

plate of sushi with sides of ginger and wasabi

dining

Chart House0.6 miles
2588 South Coast Highway 101
(760) 436-4044

This high-end eatery delivers fresh seafood and steak in an upscale setting with waterfront views.

plate of grilled steak on top of vegetables

dining

UNION Kitchen & Tap1.5 miles
1108 South Coast Highway 101
(760) 230-2337

New American cuisine and a rotating menu of local craft beers are all on tap at this modern, rustic restaurant.

overhead view of a group of friends holding their beer glasses overtop a table for a cheers

dining

Vigilucci's Trattoria Italiana3 miles
530 North Coast Highway 101
(760) 634-2365

Savor authentic Northern Italian cuisine, reminiscent of the owner’s childhood in Milan, at this local staple in downtown Encinitas.

tomato bruchetta on a slice of bread

dining

MARKET Restaurant & Bar5.2 miles
3702 Via De La Valle
(858) 523-0007

Beautifully-plated entrees come to live at this upscale eatery, where fresh seasonal fare is at the center of every creation.

nicely decorated plate of scallops and a ball of rice

dining

Casa de Bandini5.4 miles
1901 Calle Barcelona
(760) 634-3443

Giant margaritas, roving mariachi bands, and homemade salsas welcome guests to join in the festivities at this authentic cantina, reminiscent of Colonial Mexico.

two margarita glasses with salt rims and a lime garnish

dining

Argyle Steakhouse8.5 miles
7447 Batiquitos Drive
(760) 603-6908

A sunlit dining room and lagoon facing terrace create the perfect seating for mouthwatering steak and chops at this Park Hyatt Aviara Resort restaurant.

two cutes of steak on a slate serving tray