Cardiff-by-the-Sea, founded about 1911, is a shoreline community
within Encinitas, a city of over 60,000 people lying about 25
miles north of San Diego and 95 miles south of Los Angeles.
The moderate climate, two miles of Pacific coastline, and world-class
surf draw professional and amateur surfers from all over Southern
California and beyond.
One hotspot is at Cardiff Reef, located alongside Historic Highway 101 at the
mouth of the San Elijo Lagoon. Surf at the reef consistently breaks both right and
left, making it ideal for all surfers year-round
Cardiff-by-the-Sea is also home to the Hansen-Machado Surf Classic & Cardiff Beach Fair.
This annual Amateur Surf Contest & Beach Fair is named after Cardiff's Favorite son,
pro surfer Rob Machado, long time resident, businessman and surf legend Don Hansen of Hansen Surfboards.
Restaurant Row
Restaurant Row, home of six popular eateries, is located just south of the business district of Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
Each has its own unique flavor of food and they all have an ocean view which provides a spectacular sunset view with your dinner.
1. Las Olas
Las Olas, (“The Waves”) is situated on the east
side of the highway overlooking the San Elijo Lagoon. The
FIRST American restaurant to serve fish tacos, the earth-toned
structure has been home to a liquor store, a surf and sail
shop as well as a shell and gift shop. Resident ducks, geese
and a unique creature called a Mud Hen are tame and entertaining
and tease to be fed. Sunny dining spots offering lagoon views
can be found on both the inside or outside patio or inside
the cozy structure. Health conscious menus are prepared with
canola oil and the chicken tortilla soup is excellent. Las
Olas has a full bar which offers a great Mango Margarita.
2. Jay's Gourmetr
Next door to Las Olas is Jay's Gourmet
and it occupies what was originally the Fish House West Restaurant.
Jay's opened in 1995 and has a sister restaurant in Carlsbad.
The menu includes chicken, pizza and casserole dishes. Famous
for their large portions, their motto is “We just don't
ever want anyone to leave our restaurants hungry.” Seafood,
which accounts for 85% of their business, can be enjoyed inside
at either tables or large booths or on the covered patio in
the back overlooking the San Elijo Lagoon.
3. KI's Juice Bar & Restaurant KI's, named for the
owner's nickname, also shares the bank of the San Elijo Lagoon.
Originally down village in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, they started
serving their health foods at this location in 1994. Downstairs
there is a small dining room and upstairs a covered, glassed-in
balcony which offers a splendid view of the ocean and is an
excellent choice for a party. The menu includes veggie burgers
and home made soups as well as a squash enchilada.
4. The Chart House
George Beech began building his inn in 1916 using lumber that came from the Cardiff Kelp Work. The kelp works was a large
structure that stood near the east side of the railroad tracks
north of the lagoon mouth. Seaweed was processed here for
its food and industrial content. The reputation of George's
menus was attributed in large to his home grown vegetables
which came from his hillside garden where he also grew prize
winning roses.
Historical documentation states that sometime in 1920 the train stopped at Cardiff-by-the-Sea's train station and George was ushered aboard where he had a private visit with President Woodrow Wilson. The property, where George's the House by the side of the Road once stood was sold to the Chart House.
The Chart House, constructed in 1975, incorporated a wall
from George's into its construction. With a breathtaking ocean
view, The Chart House has also entertained its share of celebrities
including Joe DiMaggio, Marilyn Monroe and Senator John F.
Kennedy. With a menu that is predominately seafood, their
macadamia-crusted sea bass, mahi mahi and prime rib are extremely
popular as is their chocolate lave cake.
5. The Beach House In 1993 The
Beach House opened in the building that had formerly been
occupied by the Triton Restaurant. One can enjoy an ocean
view and watch the surf from tables everywhere in the dining
room, the upstairs bar and the banquet room. Fresh oysters,
steamed clams and chargrilled artichokes are to be enjoyed
with lunches that include burgers and salad with choices seafood.
There is a Sunday Brunch which includes champagne, pastries
and several egg dishes
6. Charlie's By The Sea
Sharing the ocean front with The Chart House
and the Beach House, Charlie's By The Sea has matchbooks that
read: “Any closer and you'd be wet.” and high tide
and pounding surf have more than once “entered”
the restaurant. Pasta fishes, prime rib, steaks and a special
feature, macadamia nut scallops are but a few of the menu
choice. Patio tables allow you to enjoy a gorgeous view of
the ocean and reduced 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. happy hour offers reduced
prices on the bar menu and drinks.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, founded about 1911, is a shoreline community
within Encinitas, a city of over 60,000 people lying about 25
miles north of San Diego and 95 miles south of Los Angeles.
The moderate climate, two miles of Pacific coastline, and world-class
surf draw professional and amateur surfers from all over Southern
California and beyond.
Las Olas, (“The Waves”) is situated on the east
side of the highway overlooking the San Elijo Lagoon. The
FIRST American restaurant to serve fish tacos, the earth-toned
structure has been home to a liquor store, a surf and sail
shop as well as a shell and gift shop. Resident ducks, geese
and a unique creature called a Mud Hen are tame and entertaining
and tease to be fed. Sunny dining spots offering lagoon views
can be found on both the inside or outside patio or inside
the cozy structure. Health conscious menus are prepared with
canola oil and the chicken tortilla soup is excellent. Las
Olas has a full bar which offers a great Mango Margarita.
KI's, named for the
owner's nickname, also shares the bank of the San Elijo Lagoon.
Originally down village in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, they started
serving their health foods at this location in 1994. Downstairs
there is a small dining room and upstairs a covered, glassed-in
balcony which offers a splendid view of the ocean and is an
excellent choice for a party. The menu includes veggie burgers
and home made soups as well as a squash enchilada.
In 1993 The
Beach House opened in the building that had formerly been
occupied by the Triton Restaurant. One can enjoy an ocean
view and watch the surf from tables everywhere in the dining
room, the upstairs bar and the banquet room. Fresh oysters,
steamed clams and chargrilled artichokes are to be enjoyed
with lunches that include burgers and salad with choices seafood.
There is a Sunday Brunch which includes champagne, pastries
and several egg dishes
