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

LEGOLAND® California Resort

LEGOLAND® California Tickets

฿3,034
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
LEGOLAND® California Tickets
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

฿502
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

฿3,682
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

฿1,339
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

฿502
per adult
Carlsbad: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Village by the Sea
Solana Beach: Surfboard Rentals

Solana Beach: Surfboard Rentals

฿837
per adult
Solana Beach: Surfboard Rentals
San Diego: Rage Room Experience

San Diego: Rage Room Experience

฿1,339
per adult
San Diego: Rage Room Experience
Heritage Park & Old Town Walking Ghost Tour in San Diego

Heritage Park & Old Town Walking Ghost Tour in San Diego

฿1,406
per adult
Heritage Park & Old Town Walking Ghost Tour in San Diego
Solana Beach: E-Bike Tour to Torrey Pines or North Coast

Solana Beach: E-Bike Tour to Torrey Pines or North Coast

฿3,012
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Solana Beach: E-Bike Tour to Torrey Pines or North Coast
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Most fun & popular experiences in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Tours & day trips

See all 32 activities
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

Activity duration is 6 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 11 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿503 per traveller*
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 17 activities
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

Activity duration is 6 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 11 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿503 per traveller*
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving TourOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 4 activities
Private Surf Lesson Solana Beach Ride the Waves Fletcher Cove 2hr

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

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿3,689 per adult
Private Surf Lesson Solana Beach Ride the Waves Fletcher Cove 2hrOpens in new tab

What to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Stay near popular Cardiff-by-the-Sea attractions

Cardiff State Beach

9.4/10 (113 reviews)
This laid-back stretch of Pacific coastline offers prime surfing at Cardiff Reef and fascinating tide pools to explore. Visit during low tide to discover colourful marine creatures clinging to the exposed rocks.
See properties

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.