San Diego Neighborhood Guide: Cardiff-by-the-Sea
The coastal neighborhood of Cardiff-by-the-Sea is named after Cardiff, Wales—thanks to the earliest land developer’s wife and her hometown pride—which is also the reason so many of its streets bear the names of cities in the United Kingdom. “Cardiff” for short, this Encinitas community just north of Solana Beach is known locally for its “Cardiff crack” (marinated tri-tip) and The Cardiff Kook statue (a bronze surfer officially called Magic Carpet Ride).
Endowed with prime surf conditions, scenic hiking trails, and seaside walking paths, Cardiff has less than 12,000 residents in its upmarket zip code. The main business district runs along San Elijo Avenue, with several waterfront restaurants scattered further down Highway 101. Plan your next trip using this guide to some of the must-visit places that make Cardiff every beach lover’s paradise.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea Restaurants, Bars, and Coffee Shops
VG Donut & Bakery
An ever-present line out the front door of VG Donut & Bakery is indicative of this humble dough shop’s extreme popularity. Family-owned and -operated, VG (short for “very good”) produces some of San Diego’s best donuts, as well as other baked goods like cookies, muffins, cakes, and pastries. The team makes donuts daily in the morning and afternoon to ensure freshness. When in doubt, order one with the shop’s beloved chocolate glaze.
106 Aberdeen Drive
Ki’s Restaurant
Healthy, California cuisine and fresh juices are on the menu at Ki’s Restaurant, a casual all-day eatery with killer views of Cardiff State Beach from its upstairs dining room. Entrees are satisfying but not too heavy, including curries, fresh spring rolls, and eclectic bowls that can easily be made vegetarian. Check the restaurant’s online calendar for live music and special events like wine tastings, painting classes, and game nights.
2591 South Coast Highway 101
Waverly
Undoubtedly one of the chicest dining options in Cardiff, Waverly has coastal boho décor and twists on classic American food served all day. Portions are on the smaller side, but dishes like Funfetti pancakes, brussels sprouts cacio e pepe, and a grilled pork chop with Peruvian sauce are memorable enough to keep you returning. Live DJs, beautiful cocktails, and indoor palm trees will make you want to sit and stay awhile.
2005 San Elijo Avenue
Pacific Coast Grill
If your goal is to dine beachside with unobstructed ocean views, look no further than Pacific Coast Grill. With a menu that leans heavily into seafood, this is the place to go for oysters, seared ahi, and sushi rolls. The two-story restaurant is a great spot to watch the sunset or go for an after-dinner stroll. Be sure to start with an order of the shrimp dumplings.
2526 South Coast Highway 101
Pipes Cafe
San Diegans head to Pipes Cafe for hearty breakfast burritos in a no-frills dining room packed with the après-surf crowd. Pipes has a full coffee bar, açai bowls, smoothies, egg scrambles, and sandwiches, but it’s the burritos (ordered by number) that have put it on the map as a local institution for 30 years.
121 Liverpool Drive
Cardiff Seaside Market
This gourmet grocery store is locally famous for its “Cardiff crack,” or marinated tri-tip sirloin. Grab some to cook at home or order a sandwich from the prepared foods counter to sample this tender beef prepared with a burgundy pepper marinade. Outdoor tables at Seaside Market make for a quick, no-hassle meal close to the beach.
2087 San Elijo Avenue
Rose Hill Purveyors
Dogs and kids are welcome at Rose Hill Purveyors, where you can glimpse the ocean from the small patio. Formerly Zumbar Coffee & Tea, this bustling shop has a simple menu of coffees, teas, and pastries, so you won’t find frou-frou syrup flavors or add-ons here—just high-quality java.
111 Chesterfield Drive, Suite 115
The Shanty
For more than 60 years, North County residents have flocked to The Shanty for cold beer and strong cocktails. Pool tables, foosball, and arcade games fill the nostalgic dive bar, which still looks much like it did in 1964. Play a game of cornhole on the patio while looking out at San Elijo State Beach, and check for local food vendors onsite every Friday through Sunday.
126 Chesterfield Drive
The Besta-Wan Pizza House
Besta-Wan Pizza House is more than merely a fun-to-say name—the eatery also claims to be the oldest restaurant in the area. It opened in 1965 inside a single-family home. Known for its tavern-style pizza—which is thin, crispy, and cooked well-done with cheese and toppings extending all the way to the edge—Best-Wan also serves burgers, pasta, salad, and chicken wings in a quaint, homey atmosphere.
148 Aberdeen Drive
Fish 101 Cardiff
Get your fish taco fix at Fish 101, a fast-casual seafood spot with burritos, bowls, sandwiches, and tacos. Chow down on mahi-mahi, salmon, yellowtail, shrimp, and Baja-style fish or shrimp with the shop’s chipotle crema sauce or diabla hot sauce. The outdoor patio is a great place to dig in and get your hands dirty.
2101 San Elijo Avenue
Sambazon
Healthy açai bowls are Sambazon’s specialty, served with toppings like housemade granola; coconut; honey; nuts; seeds; and juicy fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and mango. The juice bar also has fruit smoothies made with organic and fair-trade açai that’s hand-harvested in the Brazilian Amazon. A superfood prepared like a dessert? Sign us up.
2031 San Elijo Avenue
Las Olas
For more than 40 years, Mexican restaurant Las Olas has offered up tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and combo plates from an order-by-number menu. Sandwiched between San Elijo Lagoon and Cardiff State Beach, Las Olas has a prime coastal location but remains a casual locale for the after-beach crowd. Don’t miss special deals like $5 margaritas during happy hour.
2655 South Coast Highway 101
The Confessional by The Lost Abbey
Hopheads unite at The Lost Abbey’s Cardiff tasting room, The Confessional. You can grab pints of crowd favorites like Duck Duck Gooze sour ale and Carnevale Saison—or try several in a flight with four tasters. Outside food from neighboring restaurants is permitted in the tasting room, since it is strictly a beer establishment.
2007 San Elijo Avenue
Things to Do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Annie’s Canyon Trail
You don’t have to travel to Utah for a slot canyon hiking experience. Annie’s Canyon is a 1.2-mile trail that’s relatively easy and flat, though it can get crowded due to its Instagrammable appeal. The sandstone canyon becomes quite narrow in certain places and requires hikers to climb a few ladders.
2550 Via Poco
The Cardiff Kook
Officially named Magic Carpet Ride, this 16-foot bronze sculpture of a surfer is the unofficial Cardiff mascot. Its nickname comes from the subject’s eccentric surf stance, dubbed by serious surfers as that of a “kook.” The statue is often embellished with personal birthday messages or dressed up in Padres gear, Santa hats, graduation regalia, and other seasonal fashions.
Chesterfield Drive & Highway 101
Cardiff State Beach
Surfers flock to Cardiff State Beach for the consistently good waves generated by a reef that runs parallel to the beach. It’s easily accessible and is the only dog-friendly beach in the area.
2500 South Coast Highway 101
Coastal Rail Trail
A popular destination for walkers, runners, and cyclists, Coastal Rail Trail stretches along the railroad tracks next to San Elijo Avenue from Chesterfield Drive up to Santa Fe Drive for a scenic 1.3-mile route. The paved walking path includes an underpass at Santa Fe Drive near Swami’s Beach so you can cross over to Highway 101 and complete a full loop.
Chesterfield Drive & San Elijo Avenue
San Elijo Lagoon
This 979-acre ecological reserve is one of San Diego’s largest coastal wetlands. San Elijo Lagoon is a shallow-water estuary that’s home to seven miles of easy to moderate trails for walkers, runners, and hikers, plus many native plants and animals. Visit the nature center for animal exhibits, cultural and historical displays, and information on local wildlife.
2710 Manchester Avenue
San Elijo State Beach Campground
Pitch a tent at San Elijo State Beach Campground for views of the Pacific atop sea bluffs. There are showers, picnic tables, and 171 campsites available, though you should make reservations online ahead of time since they book up quickly.
2050 South Coast Highway 101
Cardiff Farmers Market
More than 80 vendors show up on Saturdays for the Cardiff Certified Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mira Costa College’s San Elijo Campus. Fresh produce, specialty food products, handmade crafts, and prepared foods are on offer each week, with special programming like kids’ days, yoga classes, dog adoptions, and live music taking place throughout the month. Large parking lots make for an easy market visit.
3333 Manchester Avenue
Cardiff-by-the-Sea Shops & Boutiques
Cardiff Surf Co.
This family-owned surf shop sells and rents its own brand of custom-made surfboards. Cardiff Surf Co. is the spot to go for shirts and hats branded with Cardiff designs to show your local pride.
2107 San Elijo Avenue
Sea + Wander
Upscale women’s boutique Sea + Wander stocks clothes and shoes from designer brands like Alice + Olivia, Aviator Nation, and Larroudé. The shop’s apothecary collection of products includes everything from cleansers and lotions to serums and scrubs.
154 Aberdeen Drive
Fowler’s Boutique
Keep it casual and beachy with clothes, shoes, and accessories from Fowler’s Boutique. Located in Cardiff Town Center, it’s an easy place to pop in and browse for gifts from brands like Brixton, Havaianas, and Toms.
2029 San Elijo Avenue
Patagonia
Outdoor clothing brand Patagonia’s only retail store in the county is located in a historic building that was once home to Hotel Cardiff. Here, you can find surf gear like wetsuits, surfboards, and paddleboards, plus clothing and hiking equipment for all the elements. The store donates money to local environmental and community-focused nonprofit organizations.
2185 San Elijo Avenue
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