What to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Travel background of the gorgeous California coast, sea salt and spray, beach wash, and wet sand of the Pacific Ocean
Travel background of the gorgeous California coast, sea salt and spray, beach wash, and wet sand of the Pacific Ocean
San Elijo Beach, Cardiff By The Sea - CA
Gorgeous beach background, Pacific Ocean california
This image was taken at Swamis beach just north of San Elijo campgrounds. The tide was very low so it made for a perfect walk on the beach afternoon.

Cardiff-by-the-Sea Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Cardiff-by-the-Sea has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Cardiff-by-the-Sea is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Cardiff-by-the-Sea to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Cardiff-by-the-Sea Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Cardiff-by-the-Sea.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Cardiff-by-the-Sea attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.


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Most fun & popular experiences in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

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What to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea


Discover the most popular places to visit in Cardiff-by-the-Sea


 

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Day trip destinations from Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Frequently asked questions

Is Cardiff-by-the-Sea worth visiting?
Cardiff-by-the-Sea has a unique blend of attractions, local charm and culture. Whether you're into history, nature or local cuisine, there's plenty here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
Once you've checked off top attractions like LEGOLAND® California and Moonlight State Beach, spend the rest of your day exploring the retail and food options in Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
LEGOLAND® California is one of the top tourist attractions in Cardiff-by-the-Sea and should be high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
Three days in Cardiff-by-the-Sea is plenty of time to visit the city's main highlights. Many guests stay for three days on average. Moonlight State Beach, South Carlsbad State Beach and San Elijo State Beach are top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots like San Diego County.
Is Cardiff-by-the-Sea a walkable city?
With top attractions like Moonlight State Beach in the area, Cardiff-by-the-Sea is every bit a destination to explore on foot. Up for visiting some hip neighbourhoods a walkable distance from the city centre? Olde Solana Beach is only 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea with kids?
Planning what to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea with kids is easier than ever. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Carruth Cellars Winery or Craftsmanship Museum.
Are there free things to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
In Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Moonlight State Beach is a popular spot for anyone wanting to see the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a good way to find out about the best free things to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea.