Things to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

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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 Resort

$86
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
LEGOLAND® California Resort
Solana Beach: Surfboard Rentals

Solana Beach: Surfboard Rentals

$25
per adult
Solana Beach: Surfboard Rentals
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
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
See all activities in Cardiff-by-the-Sea
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Most popular activities in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Tours & day trips

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Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

Activity duration is 6 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 9 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $15 per traveler*
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Private & custom tours

See all 18 activities
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

Activity duration is 6 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 9 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $15 per traveler*
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 11 activities
Carlsbad Food Tour

Carlsbad Food Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 132 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $96 per adult
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Water activities

See all 4 activities
Solana Beach: Surfboard Rentals

Solana Beach: Surfboard Rentals

Free cancellation available
Price is $25 per adult
Solana Beach: Surfboard RentalsOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Number of things to do
46
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
UC San Diego Campus Campus Adventure: $10
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Cardiff-by-the-Sea? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Cardiff-by-the-Sea attractions

Cardiff State Beach

9.4/5 (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 colorful marine creatures clinging to the exposed rocks.
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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from 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

Frequently asked questions

Is Cardiff-by-the-Sea worth visiting?
Cardiff-by-the-Sea has a unique mix of attractions, local charm and culture. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or regional cuisine, there's a lot you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
LEGOLAND® California and Moonlight State Beach are two great places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to explore the dining and retail options in Cardiff-by-the-Sea while you're in town too.
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 feature high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
You can easily tick off popular attractions like Moonlight State Beach, South Carlsbad State Beach and San Elijo State Beach with a three-day trip to Cardiff-by-the-Sea. On average, many travelers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so linger longer and head to San Diego County.
Is Cardiff-by-the-Sea a walkable city?
With top attractions like Moonlight State Beach nearby, Cardiff-by-the-Sea is every bit a place to see on foot. Want to visit some exciting neighborhoods a walkable distance from the city center? Olde Solana Beach is just 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea with kids?
If you are after activities and attractions for all of your group, take a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea with kids.

What to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Carruth Cellars Winery or Craftsmanship Museum.
Are there free things to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without getting your cash out. Moonlight State Beach is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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