Cardiff-By-The-Sea California has a unique vibe compared to other SoCal beach communities on Pacific Ocean. It boasts unparalleled ocean views, an ecological reserve, a lagoon with great trails, incredible beaches and Cardiff bed and breakfasts. To make sure you don’t miss the essence of Cardiff, here are Five Things Visitors Must Do When Visiting Cardiff California.
1. Take A Magic Carpet Ride
At the corner of Chesterfield and Highway 101 (across from the Cardiff Lodge) is a bronze sculpture of a surfer that has been the topic of much conversation and ridicule ever since it was installed. The one-of-a-kind sculpture depicts a young surfer boy and is entitled “Magic Carpet Ride.” Ever since it was unveiled in the summer of 2008, surfers and locals have been griping that the look of the “surfer” it too feminine and does not capture the essence of true surfing. Called dorky by some, “gay” by others, pranksters have delighted in adorning the statue with pink skirts, braids, bikini tops, biking shorts, high heels, flowers, lingerie and teddy bears. Take a walk by. what do you think?
2. Watch The Surfers At Cardiff State Beach
Cardiff Reef is a popular stretch of sandy beach at the mouth of San Elijo Lagoon, just north of Restaurant Row. It’s popular with long-boarders because it has a soft sand bottom and slow, mushy waves. Spectators line up to enjoy the views from the State Beach parking lots and picnic tables. The rocky reefs along Cardiff sport a great selection of surfer talent from beginners to seasoned pros. If you’re staying at one of the nearby bed and breakfasts in Cardiff, have lunch on the outdoor patios of The Beach House or The Chart House restaurants, and you’ll have the best view in the house.
3. Take A Hike
San Elijo Lagoon is one of San Diego County’s largest coastal wetlands. It lies along the Pacific coast between Cardiff-By-The-Sea and Solana Beach, extending inland to the community of Rancho Santa Fe. This mosaic of habitats supports more than 310 species of plants, 21 species of fish, 22 species of reptiles and amphibians, 24 species of mammals and more than 300 species of birds. The new visitor’s center is open to the public seven-days-a-week from 9 am to 5 pm, and is an excellent vantage point from which to explore the Ecological Reserve and its more than seven miles of hiking and jogging trails.
4. Have Fun At The Beach
Cardiff’s beaches are wonderful places to work on your tan, read a good mystery novel, have a picnic with your sweetie, enjoy the antics of the surfers, body surf or go boogie-boarding. The beaches are sandy, gently sloping, and the water is some of the warmest in San Diego county.
5. Relax In Your Own Private Hot Tub
Just 2 miles up Historic Highway 101 from Cardiff-By-The-Sea is a romantic inn located on a hillside above Moonlight Beach in the beach town of Encinitas: The Inn at Moonlight Beach. The Inn has four lovely guest suites overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Penthouse Suite is a favorite for honeymooners and those celebrating their anniversaries because it has its own private balcony and hot tub with phenomenal view of the Pacific Ocean sunsets.
Terry Hunefeld retired from a CEO career in 2007 to follow his bliss of sailing the ocean to observe seabirds and mammals. He and his wife Ann purchased and renovated the lovely Inn at Moonlight Beach. Visit Cardiff Lodge or Cardiff Ca Bed and Breakfast for more info.
