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.
1. Take A Good Close Look At Our "Magic Carpet Ride"
At the corner of Chesterfield and Highway 101 (across from the Cardiff Lodge) is a bronze sculpture of a surfer that has been the topic of much conversation and ridicule ever since it was installed. The one-of-a-kind sculpture depicts a young surfer boy and is entitled "Magic Carpet Ride." Ever since it was unveiled in the summer of 2008, surfers and locals have been griping that the look of the "surfer" it too feminine and does not capture the essence of true surfing. Called dorky by some, "gay" by others, pranksters have delighted in adorning the statue with pink skirts, braids, bikini tops, biking shorts, high heels, flowers, lingerie and teddy bears. Take a walk by. what do you think?
2. Watch The Surfers At Cardiff State Beach
Cardiff Reef is a highly popular stretch of sandy beach for walking, sunning and surfing. It's located at the channel mouth of San Elijo Lagoon. Long-board surfers like it because it there is an extensive soft sandy bottom along with slow, easy waves. People enjoy great views of rookies and experts alike from the State Beach benches and picnic tables. Cardiff has a big selection of surfer talent - from rookie beginners all the way to seasoned pros. If you stay at one of the bed and breakfasts in Cardiff, be sure to reserve a table for lunch on the outdoor patios of one of the restaurants and you will have the best surfer-views in the house.
3. Take A Hike in an Ecological Reserve
San Diego County's largest coastal wetland is San Elijo Lagoon, situated along the ocean between Cardiff and Solana Beach. This lush habitat supports 305 plus species of plants, 22 species of fish, 23 species of reptiles and amphibians, more than 20 species of mammals and upwards of 300 species of birds. The new San Elijo Lagoon visitor's center on Manchester Avenue is open daily to the public free of charge. More than seven miles of hiking and jogging trails branch out from the visitor's center, so bring your walking/jogging shoes.
4. Go Boogie-Boarding Or Body-Surfing
Cardiff's beaches are wonderful places to work on your tan, read a good mystery novel, have a picnic with your sweetie, enjoy the antics of the surfers, body surf or go boogie-boarding. The beaches are sandy, gently sloping, and the water is some of the warmest in San Diego county.
5. Enjoy The Sunset From Your Private Hot Tub
Just 2 miles up Historic Highway 101 from Cardiff-By-The-Sea is a romantic inn located on a hillside above Moonlight Beach in the beach town of Encinitas: The Inn at Moonlight Beach. The Inn has four lovely guest suites overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Penthouse Suite is a favorite for honeymooners and those celebrating their anniversaries because it has its own private balcony and hot tub with phenomenal view of the Pacific Ocean sunsets.
1. Take A Good Close Look At Our "Magic Carpet Ride"
At the corner of Chesterfield and Highway 101 (across from the Cardiff Lodge) is a bronze sculpture of a surfer that has been the topic of much conversation and ridicule ever since it was installed. The one-of-a-kind sculpture depicts a young surfer boy and is entitled "Magic Carpet Ride." Ever since it was unveiled in the summer of 2008, surfers and locals have been griping that the look of the "surfer" it too feminine and does not capture the essence of true surfing. Called dorky by some, "gay" by others, pranksters have delighted in adorning the statue with pink skirts, braids, bikini tops, biking shorts, high heels, flowers, lingerie and teddy bears. Take a walk by. what do you think?
2. Watch The Surfers At Cardiff State Beach
Cardiff Reef is a highly popular stretch of sandy beach for walking, sunning and surfing. It's located at the channel mouth of San Elijo Lagoon. Long-board surfers like it because it there is an extensive soft sandy bottom along with slow, easy waves. People enjoy great views of rookies and experts alike from the State Beach benches and picnic tables. Cardiff has a big selection of surfer talent - from rookie beginners all the way to seasoned pros. If you stay at one of the bed and breakfasts in Cardiff, be sure to reserve a table for lunch on the outdoor patios of one of the restaurants and you will have the best surfer-views in the house.
3. Take A Hike in an Ecological Reserve
San Diego County's largest coastal wetland is San Elijo Lagoon, situated along the ocean between Cardiff and Solana Beach. This lush habitat supports 305 plus species of plants, 22 species of fish, 23 species of reptiles and amphibians, more than 20 species of mammals and upwards of 300 species of birds. The new San Elijo Lagoon visitor's center on Manchester Avenue is open daily to the public free of charge. More than seven miles of hiking and jogging trails branch out from the visitor's center, so bring your walking/jogging shoes.
4. Go Boogie-Boarding Or Body-Surfing
Cardiff's beaches are wonderful places to work on your tan, read a good mystery novel, have a picnic with your sweetie, enjoy the antics of the surfers, body surf or go boogie-boarding. The beaches are sandy, gently sloping, and the water is some of the warmest in San Diego county.
5. Enjoy The Sunset From Your Private Hot Tub
Just 2 miles up Historic Highway 101 from Cardiff-By-The-Sea is a romantic inn located on a hillside above Moonlight Beach in the beach town of Encinitas: The Inn at Moonlight Beach. The Inn has four lovely guest suites overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Penthouse Suite is a favorite for honeymooners and those celebrating their anniversaries because it has its own private balcony and hot tub with phenomenal view of the Pacific Ocean sunsets.
About the Author:
The author retired in 2008. He spends months each year at sea. Photographing seabirds is a passion. He operates a small resort inn in Cardiff By The Sea. Visit: Cardiff By The Sea Hotels or Encinitas B&B.
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