Cardiff By The Sea

Charming neighborhood with great surfing.

Welcome to Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Charming Encinitas neighborhood with great surfing.

Cardiff-by-the-Sea is a cozy beach town nestled between Encinitas and Solana Beach. Bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and San Elijo Lagoon to the south, the beautiful scenery includes dramatic coastal bluffs and the two-mile San Elijo State Beach. Homes here enjoy awe-inspiring ocean views. ​​​​​​​Cardiff was founded by artist-turned-developer J. Frank Cullen in 1911, who named it after Wales’ capital city in honor of his Welsh wife. Cardiff is subdivided into two main residential areas: the Walking District, with streets named for towns in Cullen’s native Britain, and the Composer District, where the streets take their names from famous European composers. ​​​​​​​The 1911-built Craftsman beach cottage in which Cullen and his wife lived is typical of Cardiff’s charming real estate, which takes in everything from condominiums and townhomes to single-family homes and spectacular custom builds.

What to Love

  • Beautiful and diverse homes

  • Amazing views

  • Laid-back vibe

  • Fantastic weather

Places to Eat & Things to See in Cardiff

Best Food Spots:

  • Cardiff Seaside Market - community hub selling gourmet food

  • VG Donuts
  • Fish 101
  • Pacific Coast Grill
  • Chart House
  • Las Olas
  • Tower 13 Cardiff Beach Bar
  • Pipes Cafe
  • Best Pizza & Brew
  • Sambazon

Best Beaches:

  • Swami's
  • Pipes
  • San Elijo State Beach - features ocean front camping!
  • Cardiff Reef
  • Cardiff State Beach - dog-friendly!

Places to Visit:

  • The famous Cardiff Kook
  • San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
  • Hike Annie's Canyon
  • San Elijo Ave for food, shopping, bars, and more!

    Schools

    Cardiff-by-the-Sea real estate belongs to the Cardiff School District and the San Dieguito Union High School Districts.


    Cardiff School District operates:

    Cardiff School (K-2)

    Ada Harris School (3-6)


    San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD) oversees the following middle schools:

    Oak Crest Middle School


    And residents have to possibility to go to the following high schools:

    San Dieguito High School Academy

    La Costa Canyon High School


    Interested in owning a piece of Cardiff-by-the-Sea real estate? Klinge Realty Group can guide you as you explore Cardiff-by-the-Sea homes for sale. Contact us to begin your search!

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    Jim and Donna recognize that buying or selling a home is more than a business transaction—they help people change their lives! If you want a hands-on approach directed by two agents at the top of their field, reach out to the Klinge Realty Group today.