What to see and do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Cardiff by the Sea neighborhood sign with the Pacific Ocean in the backgroung

The Cardiff Kook

The Cardiff Kook

Where: South Coast Highway and Chesterfield Drive, Cardiff, CA 92007
Its official name may be “Magic Carpet Ride,” but Cardiff’s signature statue is known pretty much universally as The Kook. The Matthew Antichevich sculpture, which presides over South Coast Highway 101 near Cardiff Reef, depicts a surfer riding a wave in a way that defies physics (not to mention surfing decorum). But the community loves this funky figure, which gets surreptitiously decorated for all manner of occasions.

Explore San Diego's Surfing Scene

Pacific Coast Grill

Pacific Coast Grill

Where: 2526 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Cardiff, CA 92007
You really can’t dine any closer to the sand than at the Pacific Coast Grill, which sits along a sandy and scenic stretch of Cardiff State Beach. It’s the perfect place to sip a handcrafted margarita or enjoy such delicacies as pan-seared sea bass or seafood pasta, while watching surfers tear up the waves at adjacent Cardiff Reef. And make sure to stay for the epic sunsets.

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The Waverly

The Waverly

Where: 2005 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007 
One of the newer additions to Cardiff’s eclectic dining scene, the Waverly is a fun and relaxed spot that’s open all day, with separate and expansive brunch and dinner menus. The restaurant serves progressive American cuisine with a European influence, reflected in signature cocktails and menu items from “funfetti” pancakes to grilled barramundi. 

Swami's Beach

Swami's Beach

Where: 1298 S. Coast Highway 101, Cardiff, CA 92007.  
You know a surf break is big-time when it gets name-dropped in the Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ USA.” But there’s more to Swami’s than just tasty waves: Head down the stairs from the spot’s tiny blufftop parking lot and you’ll find an inviting pocket beach, tidepools and coastal views for miles. 

Cardiff Seaside Market

Cardiff Seaside Market

Where: 2087 San Elijo Ave., Cardiff, CA 92007 
This friendly and beach-classic neighborhood market has been serving the Cardiff community for decades. But it’s most famous for “Cardiff Crack,” the place's Burgundy pepper tri-tip, which is now exported to the San Diego Padres’ Petco Park and other locations. The market also has a full deli and one of the best seafood counters in the county.

San Elijo Lagoon and Ecological Reserve

San Elijo Lagoon and Ecological Reserve

Where: 2710 Manchester Ave., Cardiff, CA 92007 
You could spend days exploring this beautiful, 987-acre wetland oasis, which stretches from the ocean east to Interstate 5 and beyond. Start your visit at the excellent nature center off Manchester Avenue, which serves as both a museum and a gateway to the lagoon’s sprawling network of bridges and trails, including the popular Annie’s Canyon along the south rim.

Cardiff Certified Farmers Market

Cardiff Certified Farmers Market

Where: 333 Manchester Ave., Cardiff, CA 92007 
Just east of Interstate 5, on the Cardiff campus of MiraCosta College, is this relaxed and friendly farmers market, which takes place on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You’ll find plenty of fresh produce as well as crafts by local artisans, along with excellent food and coffee vendors, live music and more.