What is it about Cardiff By The Sea that makes it so different from the other beach communities that border the Pacific Ocean north of San Diego? Well, there’s the ocean, an ecological reserve, a lagoon, fantastic beaches, restaurant row, surf breaks, Cardiff-By-The-Sea bed and breakfast and the never-ending sea breeze. To help you capture a taste of Cardiff, here are Eight Things You Must Do When You Visit Cardiff By The Sea.
Take a magic carpet ride
Surfing is the essence of Cardiff By The Sea. You’ll no doubt see our $120,000 surf statue across Highway 101 from Cardiff Lodge overlooking Cardiff Reef Surfing Beach: a young surfer with arms outstretched, apparently riding a wave, titled “Magic Carpet Ride”. Surfers have criticized the statue since it was unveiled in July 2008, complaining that the bronze figure’s pose doesn’t capture the essence of a true surfing move. Called silly by some, too girly by others, the pranksters have been dressing the statue in pink skirts, chains, bikini tops, biker shorts, flowers, lingerie and magic wands. What do you think?
Watch the surfers at Cardiff Reef
Cardiff Reef is a popular stretch of sandy beach at the mouth of San Elijo Lagoon, just north of Restaurant Row. It is popular with longboarders because it has a soft sandy bottom and slow, soft waves. Spectators line up to enjoy the views from State Beach parking lots and picnic tables. The rocky reefs along Cardiff’s sport have a great selection of surfing talent, from beginners to seasoned pros. If you’re staying at one of the nearby bed and breakfasts in Cardiff, have lunch on the outdoor patios of The Beach House or The Chart House restaurants, you’ll have the best view in the house.
Learn to surf
Kahuna Bob gives the best surf lessons in San Diego County, just up the hill along the historic 101 Freeway in Moonlight and Beacons Beaches in Encinitas. Bob’s style is unique and entertaining, making first-time surfers comfortable for nearly 25 years. He likes to give lessons at Beacons Beach because the waves there often break perfectly for beginners. Bob offers a variety of packages, from week-long surf camps to three-day overnight excursions in Baja. If you’re staying in one of Cardiff’s bed and breakfasts, google “Kahuna Bob” to see what’s going on this week.
Watch professional surfers at Swami’s
One mile north on Highway 101, just over the border from Encinitas, Swami’s Surf Beach attracts the world’s best professional surfers. Perched on the cliffs right next to Swami’s Temple, this busy surf spot has a grand stairway leading down to the beach. The picnic tables and benches at the top of the bluffs are a great place to sit and watch the best surf show in SoCal.
work on your tan
Cardiff State Beach is a wonderful place to work on that tan, enjoy a picnic, watch the surfers, or try your hand at surfing, boogie-boarding, or body surfing. It has been called the Western Riviera because it has a gently sloping sandy beach and warm waters. The site offers swimming, surfing and beachcombing, people watching and relaxing after a night in a bed and breakfast or accommodation in Cardiff.
Witness amazing sunsets
Sunsets are a special tradition for residents and visitors to Cardiff-By-The-Sea. No matter what time of year, you’ll find dozens or hundreds of people lining up along the 2 miles of beach for perfect, unobstructed views of the sunset over the Pacific Ocean as joggers jog and bikers zip by. . Time your restaurant row dinner to coincide with the sunset.
Go for a walk
San Elijo Lagoon is one of the largest coastal wetlands in San Diego County. It is found along the Pacific coast between Cardiff-By-The-Sea and Solana Beach, extending inland to the community of Rancho Santa Fe. This mosaic of habitats is home to more than 310 species of plants, 21 species of fish, 22 species of reptiles and amphibians, 24 species of mammals and more than 300 species of birds. The new visitor center is open to the public seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm and is an excellent vantage point from which to explore the Ecological Reserve and its more than seven miles of walking and jogging trails.
Relax in your own private Jacuzzi
The Inn at Moonlight Beach, just 2 miles from historic Highway 101, is a romantic seaside inn located on a hill above Moonlight Beach. The four guest suites overlook the Pacific Ocean and the quaint seaside town of Encinitas and are reminiscent of a French-European inn with immaculate private baths, wi-fi internet, refrigerator, and cable television. Ask about the Penthouse Suite with its own private balcony and private Jacuzzi with a commanding view of the sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.