The small town of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, just 30 minutes north of San Diego, was founded in 1911 and named after the city in Wales where the developer's wife was from. Cardiff-by-the-Sea prides itself on being a walkable community, with shops, restaurants and the beach all within close proximity of each other. Accommodations are limited in this tiny beach enclave, but visitors will find boutique lodgings nearby.
Cardiff by the Sea Lodge
Literally steps away from the ocean, Cardiff by the Sea Lodge is a bed and breakfast accommodation and the only boutique lodging located in this small community. The wood-shingled lodge features 17 rooms, each with a different theme; one bedroom has a Mediterranean theme with stone columns and another a French garden theme with wicker furniture and a garden view. Continental breakfast is served on the rooftop garden. The beach is across the street from the lodge. The San Diego Botanic Gardens are less than four miles away. Dining options within walking distance of the lodge include Zenbu, a Japanese sushi restaurant and East Coast Pizza.
Black Orchid Bed & Breakfast
The Black Orchid Bed and Breakfast in Encinitas is a converted ranch-style home that features three elegantly appointed guest rooms. Two of the rooms feature four-poster beds and one includes an in-room jetted tub. A full, hot breakfast is provided each morning. The Black Orchid is just seven minutes from Cardiff-by-the-Sea and not far from San Diego so guests have easy access to attractions such as Sea World and the San Diego Zoo. Nearby dining options include Chin's Szechan Restaurant for Chinese food and Gusto Trattoria, an Italian restaurant. The beach is about five minutes away for swimming, surfing or sunbathing.
Inn at Moonlight Beach
The Inn at Moonlight Beach is a five-minute drive from Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Overlooking Moonlight Beach, the inn is a spacious cottage surrounded by lush, tropical gardens. Four suites are available, including a penthouse suite which has its own deck and hot tub. A full breakfast is served daily and feature freshly baked pastries, yogurt with homemade granola and hard boiled eggs. Take the family to Sea World and the Del Mar Racetrack for fun and excitement. Nearby dining includes Leucadia Pizzeria and the Jamroc 101 Caribbean Grill, which serves Jamaican food.
Leucadia Beach Inn
The Leucadia Beach Inn is located 10 minutes up the road from Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Originally opened in the 1920s to serve travelers on highway 101, this hacienda-style hotel has a nostalgic feel to it. Its 21 rooms are brightly painted with different colors, but all have the same simple accommodations with single or double beds and tiny kitchenettes. Guests are just 10 minutes from Legoland, and golfers will appreciate the La Costa golf course three miles from the inn. Dining options nearby include Jawz Fish Tacos and Le Papagayo, a Latin restaurant.
Tags: from Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Black Orchid, Moonlight Beach, Black Orchid Breakfast, breakfast served, Cardiff Lodge, full breakfast