Cardiff by the Sea

 

Cardiff by the Sea is my personal favorite North County Beach town. I have a home here! This is an outdoor lover’s paradise! Cardiff by the Sea is blessed with many world-class surf spots such as Swamis and Cardiff Reef. Its wide-open beaches and open spaces are a paradise for those who want to live in a clean, safe, affluent yet laid-back beach town, but who also demand open space and a sense of the great outdoors. In addition to its lagoon and marine bird sanctuary and amazingly beautiful beaches, Cardiff is full of parks and great schools. The hillside neighborhood of The Composer District boasts some of the greatest views of the Pacific Ocean in all of California. Many of the better-placed homes enjoy views from La Jolla to Encinitas. The town center is small and quaint with one of the best markets in North County. Cardiff residents enjoy a vibrant and beautiful beach town with a sleepy, slow-to-change feel.

Swami’s and Cardiff Reef

 

With a rich history in the surf world, Cardiff boasts some of the best surf spots on the planet. The water here is peppered with surfers and the beaches are long and elegant. Looking for the perfect ocean sunset? You are likely to find it in Cardiff by the Sea. The streets here are filled with cars with surfboards on top of them. Surf shops and cafes named after surf spots are many. Whether you are a surfer or not, it is easy to fall in love with the beautiful coastline of this very special beach town.

Seaside Market, Town Center

 

Seaside Market is the family-owned market at the center of town. It exudes the North County lifestyle. With fresh flowers and produce out front- it gives you that farmer’s market feel. Inside, you will find the freshest seafood and the choicest meats, it’s a daily stop for Cardiff residents. I’m known to occasionally be there twice the same day- for a fresh deli sandwich at noon and then to pick up a little shrimp or halibut for an evening barbecue. Also in the Town Center is a Starbucks and a couple of boutique clothing stores and restaurants. There is an excellent high-end restaurant called Waverly, and a couple of pretty fantastic Italian cuisine at Ciccioti's and at Trattoria Positano. There are also a couple more casual family favorites, Bestawan Pizza, Best Pizza and Beer and Fish 101. There is a Local Brewery Tasting Room called The Confessional that serves both Port and Lost Abbey beers. Lordes is a small Mexican restaurant at the south end of town near the Cardiff by the Sea Patagonia store. For a small quaint town, Cardiff by the Sea really has a little something for everyone!