Cardiff-by-the-Sea Motel: Browse Cheap Motels in Cardiff-by-the-Sea 2026

A sandy beach with scattered rocks and seaweed, a calm sea, and a cliff with vegetation and palm trees.

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Our top choices for Cardiff-by-the-Sea motels

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board

Days Inn by Wyndham San Marcos

San Marcos

Lark

CA $138 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 16 - Aug 17

Motel Mediteran Escondido

Kit Carson

Deborah

CA $131 total

includes taxes & fees

Jul 30 - Jul 31

Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, WiFi (free)

Escondido Lodge

Kit Carson

David

CA $125 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 4 - Aug 5

Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board (on request), WiFi (free)

Motel 6 Oceanside, CA

Lake

Brent

CA $139 total

includes taxes & fees

Jul 20 - Jul 21

Moonlight Beach Motel

Downtown Encinitas

Jayme

CA $457 total

includes taxes & fees

Jul 22 - Jul 23

Franciscan Inn

Vista

sophoeun

CA $111 total

includes taxes & fees

Jul 20 - Jul 21

Vista Inn Motel

Vista

Janine

CA $111 total

includes taxes & fees

Jul 20 - Jul 21

Mission Bay Motel

Pacific Beach

Juan C

CA $133 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 16 - Aug 17

Hacienda Motel

Central Escondido

Jason

CA $144 total

includes taxes & fees

Jul 22 - Jul 23

Motel San Diego - In San Diego (Pacific Beach)

Pacific Beach

Travis

CA $195 total

includes taxes & fees

Jul 27 - Jul 28

Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach

Downtown Encinitas

Faustino

CA $181 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 18 - Aug 19

Deluxe Studio, 2 Double Beds, Kitchenette

Scandia Motel

Carlsbad Village

Alfred

CA $123 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 9 - Aug 10

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites San Diego-Escondido by IHG

Escondido

Irene

CA $212 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 9 - Aug 10

Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA - Near Legoland

City Center

Liliana

CA $126 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 10 - Aug 11

Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Jetted Tub

Super 8 by Wyndham Oceanside Downtown

Townsite

Gretchen

CA $152 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 16 - Aug 17

Escondido Inn

Central Escondido

Brian

CA $233 total

includes taxes & fees

Jul 26 - Jul 27

Days Inn by Wyndham Carlsbad

Olde Carlsbad

Hunter

CA $169 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 18 - Aug 19

Laptop workspace, blackout drapes, soundproofing, WiFi (free)

Motel 6 Escondido, CA

Central Escondido

Jitkim

CA $127 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 19 - Aug 20

Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA Beach

South Beach

FELIX

CA $163 total

includes taxes & fees

Jul 21 - Jul 22

Pillowtop beds, desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board

Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA - North

Olde Carlsbad

steven

CA $139 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 9 - Aug 10

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Top Cardiff-by-the-Sea Hotel Reviews

Lakehouse Resort

10/10 Excellent

"Everything was great"

The Dana on Mission Bay

10/10 Excellent

"An amazing stay in San Diego! Our waterfront suite overlooked Mission Bay and was steps from the ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️restaurant with excellent kids choices as well as very well prepared real food! Most seating is outdoors, but many of the tables had tabletop gas fires. After dinner, at 8:45pm, you can watch the Sea World drone light show from the restaurant or nearby beaches! Sea World parking lot is practically attached (not quite) and very easy to get to! Only 20min from the zoo! The staff were all very helpful and I didn't encounter one member who looked unhappy to be there. We will definitely stay here at future Sam Diego trips!"

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

8/10 Good

"The staff was very helpful and friendly especially Gaith, who went above and beyond to help us out with extra towels and room items. The room was well maintained. The property is beautiful. The restaurants on the resort are overpriced for the quality of food. You can eat at a very nice restaurant outside of the resort for much better quality and better price in my opinion, the spa prices are also very high. They wanted 200$ per person for a 1 hr body massage, we went off the property get a 90 minute massage for 95$ per person. Over all the property is nice but, if you want to get food and a spa experience I'd recommend going off the property to get more for your money."

Best Western Inn & Suites San Diego – Zoo/SeaWorld Area

8/10 Good

"Overall, we liked the hotel's proximity to the beach, SeaWorld etc. I liked that there was plenty of street parking and after the first night gave back my pass and didn't pay for the other 4 nights. I didn't find the area very sketchy as others have mentioned. Breakfast was good. Lots of choices. Others have reviewed that there weren't hot options but there were like 6 waffle makers, eggs/omelets, breakfast potatoes and bacon or sausage as well as toast, oatmeal, cereal, muffins, fruit etc. If we waited till the end of breakfast there wasn't seating but that was only one morning. We just took our food to our room that day. The only reason I took off a star was the room smelled. My first room had too much of a smell so we switched. The 2nd room started out fine but by the next day it started to smell as well. I don't do well with smells so I struggled with that but we had lots of outings and didn't spend much time in the room so I didn't make a fuss. Because of that, I don't think I would stay there again. Overall, it was a fine hotel and the staff was very friendly."

Heritage Inn San Diego

8/10 Good

"Read the reviews before booking and the latest comments were ok so booked. Did not get the best vibe on first look. A man clearly on drugs acting a fool in the parking lot and in the office. The room can definitely use some updating. The toilet and shower were recently updated so that was good! For the price, you get a room for the night. The pool and hot tub looked clean, we did not use them. The mattress sagged big time in the middle, was a little tricky getting comfy. Good location for what we had planned, Padres game, Seaworld, Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach. If youre looking for an affordable spot for a night or two, it will suffice."

Find out more about Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Cardiff-by-the-Sea Motels information

Number of reviews	10,551
Accommodation	33 Motels
Lowest Price	CA $111
Highest Price	CA $457

Frequently asked questions

What can I expect from a motel trip to Cardiff-by-the-Sea?

Because you'll save on your room, you can make the most of what Cardiff-by-the-Sea has to offer. In the larger area, favorite places to visit include LEGOLAND® California, Mission Bay, and Mission Beach.

What is a motel?

Motels often have free parking, and many also include an outdoor pool. Often one or two stories tall, motels usually have exterior corridors overlooking the parking lot or an outdoor pool. Starting in the early 1950s, colorful neon signs were used as beacons for tired families on road trips, and you can see these today along the historic U.S. Route 66.

What are the best motels in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?

These are some of Expedia customers' favorite motels to book in the larger area. Motel 6 Oceanside, CA is located 11.2 mi (18 km) from the heart of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Enjoy access to the snack bar/deli, and freebies including WiFi and parking. Motel 6 San Diego, CA - Hotel Circle - Mission Valley: Free WiFi, parking, and laundry facilities are available during your stay. Central Cardiff-by-the-Sea is 18.8 mi (30.2 km) away. Mission Bay Motel: Enjoy access to the parking, 24-hour front desk, and outdoor pool. Located 15.9 mi (25.5 km) from the heart of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach: Central Cardiff-by-the-Sea is 2 mi (3.1 km) away. Free breakfast and free WiFi are available during your stay, along with room amenities like a microwave. Days Inn by Wyndham Oceanside: 14.4 mi (23.2 km) from the heart of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Enjoy access to the 4 beach bars, and freebies including WiFi and parking.

What can I do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?

In this family-friendly area, enjoy its popular beaches and top-notch restaurants while you're sightseeing. Favorite places in and around Cardiff-by-the-Sea include LEGOLAND® California, Mission Bay, and Mission Beach. These are some of the parks and outdoorsy places: Cardiff State Beach, San Elijo State Beach, and Encinitas Community Park. You'll find these family-friendly sights in the area: San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Birch Aquarium, and Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens. During your trip, here are some other places to visit: Swamis Beach, Eli Howard Surf School, and Elks Lodge.

What's the seasonal weather like in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?

Weather can make or break a roadtrip, so we've gathered some data about year-round temperatures in Cardiff-by-the-Sea to help you plan yours. The hottest months are usually September and August with an average temp of 70°F, while the coldest months are February and January with an average of 57°F. Average annual precipitation for Cardiff-by-the-Sea is 13 inches.

What are my options for getting around Cardiff-by-the-Sea when staying in a motel?

We've gathered some information about local transportation options in Cardiff-by-the-Sea to help you navigate your stay: Fly into Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar), which is located 7.2 mi (11.7 km) away from the heart of the city. Otherwise, look for flights into San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field), which is 16.6 mi (26.7 km) away. If you'd like to explore around the area, you may want a rental car for your journey.

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Our top choices for Cardiff-by-the-Sea motels

Days Inn by Wyndham San Marcos

Motel Mediteran Escondido

Escondido Lodge

Motel 6 Oceanside, CA

Moonlight Beach Motel

Franciscan Inn

Vista Inn Motel

Mission Bay Motel

Hacienda Motel

Motel San Diego - In San Diego (Pacific Beach)

Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach

Scandia Motel

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites San Diego-Escondido by IHG

Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA - Near Legoland

Super 8 by Wyndham Oceanside Downtown

Escondido Inn

Days Inn by Wyndham Carlsbad

Motel 6 Escondido, CA

Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA Beach

Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA - North

Top Cardiff-by-the-Sea Hotel Reviews

Lakehouse Resort

The Dana on Mission Bay

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Best Western Inn & Suites San Diego – Zoo/SeaWorld Area

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Welk, San Diego Area

Heritage Inn San Diego

Hampton Inn San Diego/Mission Valley

California Suites Hotel

Inn By The Sea La Jolla

Find out more about Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Cardiff-by-the-Sea Motels information

Frequently asked questions

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Search Motels in Cardiff-by-the-Sea from CA $111

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

Our top choices for Cardiff-by-the-Sea motels

Days Inn by Wyndham San Marcos

Motel Mediteran Escondido

Escondido Lodge

Motel 6 Oceanside, CA

Moonlight Beach Motel

Franciscan Inn

Vista Inn Motel

Mission Bay Motel

Hacienda Motel

Motel San Diego - In San Diego (Pacific Beach)

Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach

Scandia Motel

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites San Diego-Escondido by IHG

Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA - Near Legoland

Super 8 by Wyndham Oceanside Downtown

Escondido Inn

Days Inn by Wyndham Carlsbad

Motel 6 Escondido, CA

Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA Beach

Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA - North

Top Cardiff-by-the-Sea Hotel Reviews

Lakehouse Resort

Find out more about Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Cardiff-by-the-Sea Motels information

Frequently asked questions

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