Surf or swim at San Elijo State Beach then shower off at the office after. Walk to nightlife, shops and restaurants. A namesake town, Cardiff by the Sea is a beach community in the city of Encinitas, 30 minutes north of San Diego. Resting beside the Pacific Coast, Cardiff is lined with palm trees and filled with beach-inspired homes. Residents take full advantage of Cardiff’s sandy treasures, going to the beach almost every day. San Ellijo State Beach is a popular spot for snorkeling, surfing, picnics, and camping, while Cardiff Beach offers breathtaking sunsets at waterfront eateries and bars. If you’re feeling adventurous, schedule a balloon ride and get a bird’s eye view of SoCal. After a long day, head inland to one of Cardiff’s many laidback eateries and cafes. Cardiff is truly a dream, but if you want to experience a bustling city, San Diego isn’t far.