Visit Cardiff
What is it about Cardiff By The Sea that makes it so different from the other beach communities lining the Pacific Ocean north of San Diego? Well, there’s the ocean, an ecological reserve, a lagoon, fantastic beaches, restaurant row, surf breaks, Cardiff-By-The-Sea bed and breakfasts and never-ending sea breezes. To help you capture the flavor of Cardiff, here are Eight Things You Must Do when visiting Cardiff By The Sea.
Take A Magic Carpet Ride
Surfing is the essence of Cardiff By The Sea. You’ll undoubtedly see our $120,000 surfing statue across Highway 101 from the Cardiff Lodge overlooking Cardiff Reef Surfing Beach – a young surfer boy with his arms stretched out, ostensibly riding a wave, entitled “Magic Carpet Ride.” Surfers have been critical of the statue since it was unveiled in July 2008 complaining that the pose of the bronze figure does not capture the essence of a true surfing move. Called dorky by some, and too feminine by others, pranksters have since been dressing the statue in pink skirts, chains, bikini tops, bikini bottoms, flowers, lingerie and fairy wands. What do you think?
Watch The Surfers At Cardiff Reef
Cardiff Reef is a popular stretch of sandy beach at the mouth of San Elijo Lagoon, just north of Restaurant Row. It’s popular with long borders because it has a soft sand bottom and slow, mushy waves. Spectators line up to enjoy the views from the State Beach parking lots and picnic tables. The rocky reefs along Cardiff sport a great selection of surfer talent from beginners to seasoned pros. If you’re staying at one of the nearby bed and breakfasts in Cardiff, have lunch on the outdoor patios of The Beach House or The Chart House restaurants, you’ll have the best view in the house.
Learn To Surf
Kahuna Bob gives the best surf lessons in San Diego county just up the hill along Historic Highway 101 at Moonlight and Beacons Beaches in Encinitas. Bob’s style is both unique and entertaining, putting first-time surfers at ease for nearly 25 years. He likes giving lessons at Beacon’s Beach because the waves there often break perfectly for beginners. Bob offers a variety of packages from week-long surf camps to overnight and three day Baja excursions. If you’re staying at one of the Cardiff bed and breakfasts, Google “Kahuna Bob” to see what’s happening this week.…