Cardiff-by-the-Sea is a shoreline community within the City of Encinitas, a population 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 coast line, 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.

Beautiful homes adorn Cardiff hill-sides on terrain that rises from the ocean, falls into town centre, and rises again. This provides lovely front yard views for many local residents. Streets are named after famous composers. The school district is ranked among the highest in the nation.

Cardiff has many beautiful recreation areas: Glen Park, Cardiff Sports Park and soon to be renovated George Berkich Park. Activities range from swimming, boating, and fishing, to cycling, hiking, golfing, even hang gliding! Bird watching is popular at San Elijo Lagoon, a state wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary that attracts some 300 species annually. The San Elijo State Beach Campground and Carpentier Parkway borders town businesses. Restaurant Row is located along 101 Coast Highway assures an ocean view with any meal, and always an outstanding sunset.