What is it about Cardiff By The Sea that makes it so different from the other beach communities that line 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 breakfasts and endless sea breezes. 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 will 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 surf move. Called silly by some, too girly by others, pranksters have been dressing the statue in pink skirts, chains, bikini tops, biker pants, 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’s popular with longboarders because it has a soft sand bottom and slow, mushy waves. Spectators line up to enjoy the views from State Beach parking lots and picnic tables. The rocky reefs along the Cardiff sport have a great selection of surfing talent, from beginners to seasoned professionals. If you’re staying at one of the nearby Cardiff bed and breakfasts, 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 historic Highway 101 in Moonlight and Beacons Beaches in Encinitas. Bob’s style is unique and entertaining, keeping 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 overnight and three-day Baja tours. If you’re staying at one of Cardiff’s bed and breakfasts, Google “Kahuna Bob” to see what’s happening this week.
See pro surfers at Swami’s
A mile north on Highway 101, just across the border from Encinitas, Swami’s Surf Beach attracts the best professional surfers in the world. Located on the cliffs right next to the Swami Temple, this busy surf spot has a grand staircase 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 Riviera of the West 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 Cardiff bed and breakfast or accommodation.
Witness amazing sunsets
Sunsets are a special tradition for Cardiff-By-The-Sea residents and visitors. 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 Pacific Ocean sunset as joggers jog and bikers pass by. . Time your dinner in the restaurant line to coincide with sunset.
Go for a walk
The 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 a great 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 perched 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 Franco-European inn with pristine private baths, Wi-Fi, refrigerators, 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.