Things to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

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

Learn to Paraglide with San Diego Paragliding School

Learn to Paraglide with San Diego Paragliding School

P10,919
per adult
Learn to Paraglide with San Diego Paragliding School
Solana Beach: Surfboard Rentals

Solana Beach: Surfboard Rentals

P1,563
per adult
Solana Beach: Surfboard Rentals
San Diego: Beaches & Bluffs Self-Guided Driving Tour

San Diego: Beaches & Bluffs Self-Guided Driving Tour

P937
per traveler
San Diego: Beaches & Bluffs Self-Guided Driving Tour
Carlsbad: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Village by the Sea

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

P937
per adult
Carlsbad: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Village by the Sea
Heritage Park & Old Town Walking Ghost Tour in San Diego

San Diego: Old Town Ghost Tour & Haunted History Walk

P2,626
per adult
San Diego: Old Town Ghost Tour & Haunted History Walk
Solana Beach: Guided Hiking/Bike Tour to Annie’s Canyon

Solana Beach: Guided Hiking/Bike Tour to Annie’s Canyon

P5,001
per adult
Solana Beach: Guided Hiking/Bike Tour to Annie’s Canyon
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Most popular experiences in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Tours & day trips

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Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Activity duration is 6 hours
8.6 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 937 per traveler*
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Private & custom tours

See all 18 activities
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Activity duration is 6 hours
8.6 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 937 per traveler*
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 11 activities
Carlsbad Food Tour

Carlsbad Food Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 168 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 5,873 per adult
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Water activities

See all 6 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 P 6,872 per adult
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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.
See properties
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

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 neighborhoods a walkable distance from the city center? Olde Solana Beach is only 3 kilometers 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 neighborhoods 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.