What to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

A sandy beach with scattered rocks and seaweed, a calm sea, and a cliff with vegetation and palm trees.
A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, ocean waves, and a wooden boardwalk along a cliff.
A rocky beach with palm trees and cliffs.
A beach with palm trees silhouetted against a sunset sky.
A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, ocean waves, and a rocky hillside with sparse vegetation.

Things to do

Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

฿492
per traveller
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour
Private Surf Lesson Solana Beach Ride the Waves Fletcher Cove 2hr

Private Surf Lesson Solana Beach Ride the Waves Fletcher Cove 2hr

฿3,608
per adult
Private Surf Lesson Solana Beach Ride the Waves Fletcher Cove 2hr
Solana Beach: Beach Cruiser Full-Day Bike Rental

Solana Beach: Beach Cruiser Full-Day Bike Rental

฿1,312
per adult
Solana Beach: Beach Cruiser Full-Day Bike Rental
Carlsbad: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Village by the Sea

Carlsbad: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Village by the Sea

฿492
per adult
Carlsbad: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Village by the Sea
San Diego: Rage Room Experience

San Diego: Rage Room Experience

฿1,312
per adult
San Diego: Rage Room Experience
Solana Beach: Surfboard Rentals

Solana Beach: Surfboard Rentals

฿820
per adult
Solana Beach: Surfboard Rentals
Heritage Park & Old Town Walking Ghost Tour in San Diego

San Diego: Old Town Ghost Tour & Haunted History Walk

฿1,378
per adult
San Diego: Old Town Ghost Tour & Haunted History Walk
Carlsbad Food Tour

Carlsbad Food Tour

฿3,149
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Carlsbad Food Tour
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What to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Stay near popular Cardiff-by-the-Sea attractions

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, rocky cliffs, and palm trees.
Photo by Marcel Fuentes
Open Photo by Marcel Fuentes

San Elijo State Beach

9.2/10 (76 reviews)
Explore the great outdoors at San Elijo State Beach, a lovely green space in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
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Day trip destinations from Cardiff-by-the-Sea

A coastal cityscape with a beach, ocean waves, and a clear sky.

Encinitas

A residential area with houses, roads, and surrounding greenery.

Rancho Santa Fe

Frequently asked questions

Is Cardiff-by-the-Sea worth visiting?
Cardiff-by-the-Sea has a unique blend of attractions, local charm and culture. Whether you're into history, nature or local cuisine, there's plenty here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
Once you've checked off top attractions like LEGOLAND® California and Moonlight State Beach, spend the rest of your day exploring the retail and food options in Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
LEGOLAND® California is one of the top tourist attractions in Cardiff-by-the-Sea and should be high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
Three days in Cardiff-by-the-Sea is plenty of time to visit the city's main highlights. Many guests stay for three days on average. Moonlight State Beach, South Carlsbad State Beach and San Elijo State Beach are top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots like San Diego County.
Is Cardiff-by-the-Sea a walkable city?
With top attractions like Moonlight State Beach in the area, Cardiff-by-the-Sea is every bit a destination to explore on foot. Up for visiting some hip neighbourhoods a walkable distance from the city centre? Olde Solana Beach is only 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea with kids?
Planning what to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea with kids is easier than ever. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Carruth Cellars Winery or Craftsmanship Museum.
Are there free things to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
In Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Moonlight State Beach is a popular spot for anyone wanting to see the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a good way to find out about the best free things to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea.