Things to do
Things to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Seaside Reef, the Kook statue, and restaurant row on the bluff with the best sunset seating in North County.
Things to do
Cardiff State Beach and Cardiff ReefBeach
A long state beach at the mouth of the San Elijo Lagoon, with a reef break that suits longboarders and a family-friendly stretch of sand to the south.
San Elijo State Beach CampgroundBeach
One of the few oceanfront campgrounds in San Diego County, set on the bluff above the surf with sites that book out months ahead.
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological ReserveTrail
About 7 miles of trails through salt marsh and coastal sage around one of the county's largest coastal wetlands, with a nature center on Manchester Avenue.
The Cardiff KookLandmark
The bronze surfer statue officially titled 'Magic Carpet Ride,' installed in 2007 along Highway 101 and frequently costumed by anonymous locals.
Seaside Reef (Seaside Beach)Beach
A reef break and beach at the north end of the state beach near the Self-Realization Fellowship boundary, popular with experienced surfers.
Glen ParkPark
The village's neighborhood park with a playground, tennis courts and summer concerts.
Cardiff LibraryFamily
A branch of the San Diego County Library system on Newcastle Avenue that doubles as a community gathering spot.
Coastal Rail TrailTrail
A paved path running north from Solana Beach along San Elijo Avenue, useful for biking into the village or downtown Encinitas.
Eat & drink
Seaside MarketFamily-owned grocery
Open since 1985 and famous for its marinated 'Cardiff Crack' tri-tip, which it now ships nationally.
Ki's RestaurantCoastal American
A Highway 101 restaurant with lagoon and ocean views that has fed the neighborhood for decades.
Chart House CardiffSeafood and steakhouse
An anchor of Cardiff's oceanfront restaurant row with windows looking straight at the surf.
Pipes CafeBreakfast cafe
A small breakfast spot named for a nearby surf break, busy with surfers before and after dawn sessions.
Las OlasMexican
A casual Mexican restaurant across Highway 101 from the beach, known for margaritas at sunset.
Annual events
Cardiff Dog Days of SummerAugust (Aug. 2, 2026)
Cardiff 101 Main Street's festival for dogs and their owners marked its 21st year in 2026, benefiting Rancho Coastal Humane Society.