Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA

Travel Guide

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.
Handlery Hotel

Handlery Hotel

3.5 out of 5
950 Hotel Cir N San Diego CA
$119 nightly
The price is $137 total per night from Sep 20 to Sep 21
$137 total
Sep 20 - Sep 21
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,913 reviews)
"The experience is amazing is amazing , worth every penny we spent clean , pool and hot tub awsome staff friendly and helpful location near everything I will be back again !!!"

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2026

Handlery Hotel
Best Western Seven Seas

Best Western Seven Seas

3 out of 5
411 Hotel Circle South San Diego CA
$85 nightly
The price is $97 total per night from Sep 20 to Sep 21
$97 total
Sep 20 - Sep 21
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,907 reviews)
"The grounds are well maintained the pool and hot tub are great the room I stayed in had a really musky smell needs a deep clean and new decor to brighten it up"

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2026

Best Western Seven Seas
Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
1404 Vacation Rd San Diego CA
$261 nightly
The price is $300 total per night from Oct 4 to Oct 5
$300 total
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,873 reviews)
"Room really bad"

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2026

Paradise Point Resort & Spa
See all 8,990 properties in Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort

4 out of 5
3075 Carlsbad Blvd Carlsbad CA
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Carlsbad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,842 reviews)
"We love it at this hotel, but I didn’t give it 5 stars this time because it smelled musty in the lobby and in our room, and our bathroom was where I could smell it the worst. Last time we stayed, we were given an upstairs room but this time we were downstairs very near the lobby. I figured it was ..."

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2026

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
Winners Circle Solana Beach Del Mar Resort

Winners Circle Solana Beach Del Mar Resort

2.5 out of 5
550 Via De La Valle Solana Beach CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Solana Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Del Mar Fairgrounds and Del Mar Racetrack are ...
Winners Circle Solana Beach Del Mar Resort
The Marbella

The Marbella

3.5 out of 5
308 S The Strand Oceanside CA
Book a stay at this beach condo in Oceanside. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions LEGOLAND® California and Oceanside Beach are located ...
The Marbella
See all properties in Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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.
See properties

Things to do

Solana Beach: Surfboard Rentals

Solana Beach: Surfboard Rentals

$25
per adult
Solana Beach: Surfboard Rentals
Private Surf Lesson Solana Beach Ride the Waves Fletcher Cove 2hr

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

$110
per adult
Private Surf Lesson Solana Beach Ride the Waves Fletcher Cove 2hr
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

$15
per traveler
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour
See all activities in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Frequently asked questions

Is Cardiff-by-the-Sea worth visiting?
Cardiff-by-the-Sea is worth visiting for its beautiful Cardiff State Beach, perfect for coastal relaxation, and the engaging Encinitas Community Park. Travelers can also enjoy a diverse food scene, with options ranging from Italian cuisine to classic North American dishes, offering something for every palate.
What is Cardiff-by-the-Sea known for?
Cardiff-by-the-Sea is known for Cardiff State Beach, a popular destination for travelers seeking sun and surf. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities at Encinitas Community Park. For those looking to hit the waves, the Eli Howard Surf School offers lessons, making it a great spot for a relaxed coastal experience.
What is a good itinerary length for Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
A good itinerary length for Cardiff-by-the-Sea is one to two days to enjoy Cardiff State Beach and Encinitas Community Park. For a longer trip of three to four days, travelers can also include a surf lesson at Eli Howard Surf School and explore the local Italian, North American, and seafood dining options.
What are the top things to do in and around Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
Cardiff-by-the-Sea offers a relaxed coastal vibe with beaches, parks, and unique local spots:

  • Visit Cardiff State Beach for sun and sand.
  • Explore Encinitas Community Park for outdoor recreation.
  • Learn to surf at Eli Howard Surf School.
  • Enjoy Maggie Houlihan Memorial Dog Park with your furry friend.
  • Discover the local Elks Lodge.

How do I plan a trip to Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
To plan your trip to Cardiff-by-the-Sea, search for places to stay on Expedia and book flights in advance. You can enjoy activities like surfing lessons at Eli Howard Surf School, or relax at Cardiff State Beach and Encinitas Community Park. Consider a rental car to easily explore the area and its Italian, North American, and seafood dining options.
What cuisines can you find in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
In Cardiff-by-the-Sea you can find Italian cuisine, featuring popular dishes like pasta, pizza, lasagna, and tiramisu. Travelers can also enjoy fresh seafood, along with diverse North American and Latin American flavors.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Cardiff-by-the-Sea by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Cardiff-by-the-Sea with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Cardiff-by-the-Sea trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Cardiff-by-the-Sea can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Cardiff-by-the-Sea trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Cardiff-by-the-Sea trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Cardiff-by-the-Sea trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Cardiff-by-the-Sea trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
If it's your first trip to Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Cardiff-by-the-Sea hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Cardiff-by-the-Sea hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Cardiff-by-the-Sea

A beach at sunset with a cliff and a lifeguard tower.

Solana Beach

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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia