Cardiff-by-the-Sea is a small beach town in North County San Diego, about 22 miles north of downtown San Diego, between San Elijo Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean. Surfing and ocean life define Cardiff by the Sea. Cardiff Reef is one of San Diego County's most beloved breaks, and Seaside Reef, Pipes, and Tabletops offer waves for every level along a stretch of coast lined by Cardiff State Beach and San Elijo State Beach. Locals paddleboard, bodysurf, and camp on the bluffs at San Elijo, and they gather at sunset along the water.
Cardiff's famous Restaurant Row puts oceanfront dining right on Coast Highway 101, steps from the sand. Seaside Market is a local institution, best known for its "Cardiff Crack," a marinated tri-tip that draws people from all over San Diego County and has become a staple of Cardiff barbecues and beach days. The bronze surfer statue, "Magic Carpet Ride," known locally as the Cardiff Kook, is famous for the costumes residents dress it in. The San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve offers miles of walking trails and birdwatching.
Cardiff's neighborhoods each offer a distinct way to live by the coast. The walking district, west of Interstate 5, puts residents within easy walking distance of the beach, cafés, shops, and restaurants. It's ideal for buyers who want to leave the car at home. The Composer District is known for its streets named after classical composers, such as Mozart, Chopin, and Brahms, and for its mix of classic beach homes and modern remodels close to the coast. East Cardiff-by-the-Sea, east of Interstate 5, offers larger lots, quieter streets, and many homes with ocean or lagoon views, while staying just minutes from the beach. Elementary students attend the highly regarded Cardiff School District.
The Pond Team at Compass was named Best Real Estate Team in North County San Diego by Coast News. We help buyers and sellers throughout Cardiff-by-the-Sea, from walkable beach cottages to ocean-view homes in East Cardiff.
