San Elijo State Beach
It doesn’t get more summery in San Diego than beach camping, and at San Elijo, both tents and RVs are welcome on the bluff—if you booked a reservation six months ago, that is!
2500 South Coast Highway 101
The Besta-wan Pizza House
The casual, often packed, locals-only pizzeria also covers salads, pasta, hot dogs, and sandwiches. Kids and fur kids are welcome on the patio.
148 Aberdeen Drive
Neighborhood Guide: Cardiff-by-the-Sea
BEsta-Wan Pizza HOuse
BEsta-Wan Pizza HOuse
Pipes Café
Love huge portions? Hit up this breakfast-all-day spot, where the burritos and bacon scrambler rule.
121 Liverpool Drive
Zumbar Coffee & Tea
The satellite location of the Sorrento Valley-based roaster keeps it simple with a short menu of drinks, which also includes bottled cold brews, and a cozy space steps from the water.
111 Chesterfield Drive
Neighborhood Guide: Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Seaside Market
Seaside Market
Seaside Market
The family-owned market offers produce, meats, and wines as well as prepared foods. Locals order the Burgundy tri-trip, or “Cardiff crack,” a tender tri-tip trimmed, marinated, and infused with a unique Burgundy pepper marinade.
2087 San Elijo Avenue
V.G. Donut and Bakery
This classic, no-frills bakery is known for its buttermilk blueberry bar, a fluffy, oblong donut, but V.G. also makes cookies, cakes, and cupcakes. Go early to beat the rush.
106 Aberdeen Drive
Bull Taco
Perched above San Elijo State Beach, the self-dubbed “inauthentic Mexican” eatery serves tacos, burritos, tortas, and more in a laid-back spot filled with picnic tables and ocean views.
2050 South Coast Highway 101
Neighborhood Guide: Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Confessional Tasting Room
Confessional Tasting Room
Confessional Tasting Room
The Lost Abbey brings a tasting room to the coastal set, with 24 different Lost Abbey and Port Brewing beers available in various sizes, including a 64-ounce growler.
2007 San Elijo Avenue
Neighborhood Guide: Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Sambazon Acai Cafe
Sambazon Acai Cafe
Sambazon Acai Cafe
In addition to the traditional acai bowl, Sambazon offers spin-offs like a chocolate, peanut butter, and banana version, along with smoothies, coffee, and organic chocolate.
2031 San Elijo Avenue
Cardiff This Month
First Sundays of the Month
Family Fun Days
San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center
July 13, July 27
Karaoke Night
The Kraken
Neighborhood Guide: Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Photo By Sam Wells
