Cardiff Real Estate

Cardiff-by-the-Sea: A Coastal Gem in San Diego County, CA

Nestled within the picturesque county of San Diego, California, lies the charming coastal community of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, Cardiff offers residents and visitors alike a truly idyllic place to call home.

One of the most appealing aspects of Cardiff is its prime location along the Pacific Ocean. With miles of pristine sandy beaches and breathtaking coastal cliffs, this neighborhood is a haven for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy surfing, swimming, or simply strolling along the shore, Cardiff's beautiful beaches provide endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation.

Beyond its coastal allure, Cardiff also boasts a vibrant community atmosphere. The neighborhood's quaint downtown area is home to a variety of local shops, restaurants, and cafes, offering residents a delightful mix of dining and shopping options. From enjoying a cup of coffee at a cozy café to exploring the unique boutiques, Cardiff's downtown is the perfect place to unwind and connect with neighbors.

In addition to its natural beauty and community charm, Cardiff is also known for its excellent schools and family-friendly environment. Families looking to settle down in a safe and welcoming neighborhood will find Cardiff to be an ideal choice.

With its stunning coastal scenery, vibrant community spirit, and family-friendly amenities, Cardiff-by-the-Sea truly offers the best of coastal living in San Diego County, CA. Whether you're looking for a permanent residence or a vacation getaway, this charming neighborhood is sure to capture your heart.

Newest Listings in Cardiff

$1,099,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths

Charming Townhome in Cardiff-by-the-Sea's beloved Park Place Bluff community! This vibrant 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home instantly impresses with a spacious living room that opens up to a private flagstone patio through updated French doors. The beautifully remodeled kitchen features real wood maple cabinetry, granite countertops, large window overlooking the patio light and bright throughout! Luxury vinyl flooring and recessed lighting flow through the entire downstairs. Upstairs, the generous primary suite enjoys a private balcony and large secondary rooms provide ultimate flexibility. The hall bathroom offers real wood cabinetry with a charming vintage vibe. Updated vinyl windows throughout. Lovingly cared for by the same owner for 28 years no pets, all upgrades done with pride! One-car garage plus one assigned parking space. Just a 2-minute stroll to the community pool! Enjoy miles of scenic walking trails, lush green open space, and a dog-friendly canyon right in the community. Minutes to Briggs Tennis Club, pickleball courts, and the Encinitas Village Center with Trader Joe's, great restaurants, and more. HOA includes water, trash, and exterior insurance. Welcome to the Cardiff lifestyle this is the one! Charming Townhome in Cardiff-by-the-Sea's beloved Park Place Bluff community! This vibrant 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home instantly impresses with a spacious living room that opens up to a private flagstone patio through updated French doors. The beautifully remodeled kitchen features real wood maple cabinetry, granite countertops, large window overlooking the patio light and bright throughout! Luxury vinyl flooring and recessed lighting flow through the entire downstairs. Upstairs, the generous primary suite enjoys a private balcony and large secondary rooms provide ultimate flexibility. The hall bathroom offers real wood cabinetry with a charming vintage vibe. Updated vinyl windows throughout. Lovingly cared for by the same owner for 28 years no pets, all upgrades done with pride! One-car garage plus one assigned parking space. Just a 2-minute stroll to the community pool! Enjoy miles of scenic walking trails, lush green open space, and a dog-friendly canyon right in the community. Minutes to Briggs Tennis Club, pickleball courts, and the Encinitas Village Center with Trader Joe's, great restaurants, and more. HOA includes water, trash, and exterior insurance. Welcome to the Cardiff lifestyle this is the one!

1081 Woodlake Dr, Cardiff-by-the-Sea

$4,495,000

6 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths

Welcome to 518 Sheffield Avenue, where everyday living feels like a coastal retreat in the heart of Cardiff, in the Composer District. Tucked behind an automatic privacy gate on a low-traffic street west of I-5, this 6-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, function, & lifestyle. Spanning approx. 3,826 square feet across two levels, the home is thoughtfully designed for modern family living. A highly desirable main-level en-suite bedroom, ideal as a guest suite or “Nana’s room,” adds flexibility for multigenerational living. Upstairs, all additional bedrooms provide a cohesive layout perfect for families, while the spacious primary suite features dual walk-in closets and an expansive bathroom retreat. Natural light pours through abundant windows, highlighting the home’s architectural character and seamless flow. Multiple fireplaces in the living room, family room, and primary bedroom create warm, inviting spaces throughout. The upgraded kitchen, complete with a Sub-Zero refrigerator, opens effortlessly to indoor and outdoor gathering areas, making day-to-day living and entertaining feel effortless. Butler's pantry included. Outside, a private courtyard and beautifully curated backyard designed for connection and relaxation come complete with a fire pit, fountain, pergola, and outdoor BBQ. Trail access to Encinitas Community Park, Seaside Market, Cardiff Elementary, local dining, shopping, and some of North County’s best beaches, this home offers exceptional walkability and a vibrant coastal lifestyle.

518 Sheffield, Cardiff-by-the-Sea

$8,500,000

3 Beds ⋅ 6 Baths

Breathtaking ocean views and a newly completed multi-million dollar renovation highlight this one-of-a-kind residence. The lagoon/ocean facing exterior has been fully reimagined to incorporate two outdoor kitchens and two covered dining areas within 2,000+ square feet of outdoor living space. Designed to blur the lines between indoors and out, the home embraces seamless indoor-outdoor living at every turn. Expansive floor-to-ceiling glass walls disappear into the scenery, flooding the interiors with natural light, ocean breezes, and uninterrupted views of the lagoon, sunsets, and coastline beyond. With the luxurious primary retreat positioned at the pinnacle of the home on the top-floor entry level, nearly every space captures jaw-dropping vistas of nature in its purest form. Every inch of the residence reflects thoughtful design and bespoke craftsmanship, from the sculptural statement staircase to the integration of the latest smart home technology throughout. Located just moments from Cardiff’s sandy beaches, renowned restaurants, boutique shops, and scenic lagoon trails, this is a rare opportunity to own one of North County’s most iconic and refined coastal retreats.

2516 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Start Your Search

This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. You should rely on this information only to decide whether or not to further investigate a particular property. BEFORE MAKING ANY OTHER DECISION, YOU SHOULD PERSONALLY INVESTIGATE THE FACTS (e.g. square footage and lot size) with the assistance of an appropriate professional. You may use this information only to identify properties you may be interested in investigating further. All uses except for personal, non-commercial use in accordance with the foregoing purpose are prohibited. Redistribution or copying of this information, any photographs or video tours is strictly prohibited. This information is derived from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) service provided by San Diego MLS®. Displayed property listings may be held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent responsible for this display. The information and any photographs and video tours and the compilation from which they are derived is protected by copyright. Compilation © 2026 San Diego MLS®,