Cardiff is tucked between Encinitas and Solana Beach. It has the Pacific Ocean on its west, Encinitas on east and north, and a beach and lagoon on the south. Even though it is part of the city of Encinitas, the town of under 18,000 still considers itself a separate entity.

Like so many other beach towns around the region, locals prefer the small town atmosphere and most want to keep it like that. It's hard to believe it is located just 25 miles north of California's second largest city, San Diego. Conveniently located just west of Interstate 5, many residents live on hillsides with gorgeous ocean views but are still within commute distance to downtown San Diego.

Over eighty years ago, this farming community in the hills north of the San Elijo Lagoon, began to take root and grow as Cardiff when developer J. Frank Cullen broke ground to build new homes. Many streets in Cardiff bear names this English-born landowner grew up with in his native UK. Birmingham, Chesterfield and Manchester are familiar streets to Cardiff residents.

Primarily residential, there are two hotels in town, fine dining, shops and the beautiful Pacific Ocean which attracts tourists to the region. San Elijo State Beach Campground, provides opportunities for tent camping right on the ocean. Locals and travelers alike, enjoy bird watching and hiking along the trails in the San Elijo Lagoon and running and biking along the beachside highway.