Cardiff-by-the-Sea is a small beach community within the City of Encinitas, California, tucked between Encinitas proper and Solana Beach and known for its surf and the San Elijo Lagoon.
A tiny beach community tucked between Encinitas and Solana Beach, known for its surf, its lagoon, and a grocery-store sandwich people genuinely plan trips around.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea at a glance
- Population
- 11,100
- Median age
- 40.4
- Median household income
- $182,629
- School district
- Cardiff School District (K–6) / San Dieguito Union High School District (7–12)
- Region
- North County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020–2024 ACS 5-Year Estimates (ZCTA 92007). ZIP-code approximation — Cardiff-by-the-Sea is part of the City of Encinitas, not its own Census place.
Points of interest in Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Beach
Cardiff Reef
Parks & nature
San Elijo Lagoon
Dining & main street
Seaside Market
Home of the 'Cardiff Crack.'
Dining & main street
Restaurant Row
The real story
Inventory is thin because nobody wants to leave. Patience matters here more than money — I'll keep watch so you don't miss the right one.
Questions about Cardiff-by-the-Sea
What is Cardiff-by-the-Sea known for?
Cardiff-by-the-Sea is known for Cardiff Reef, the San Elijo Lagoon, Restaurant Row, and Seaside Market — home of the famous 'Cardiff Crack.'
What school districts serve Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
Cardiff is served by the Cardiff School District (K–6) and the San Dieguito Union High School District (7–12).
What is the population of Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
The Cardiff ZIP code (92007) has a population of 11,100, per the U.S. Census Bureau's 2020–2024 ACS 5-Year Estimates. Cardiff-by-the-Sea is part of the City of Encinitas, so ZIP-level figures are an approximation.
Why is inventory limited in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
Inventory is thin because few owners leave. Patience matters more than money here — the right home is worth waiting for.
See what’s for sale in Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Live MLS listings, updated in real time.
Search Cardiff-by-the-Sea homes →Cardiff-by-the-Sea market snapshot
Real, current numbers — median price, days on market, what’s moving — wire in here once the live data feed is connected. No guesses, no filler.
Ask me for the real numbers →Comparing towns? Cardiff-by-the-Sea sits near…
