Cardiff by the Sea, part of the City of Encinitas, is in the coastal area south of Santa Fe and west of Lake Drive and actually includes three very different areas. The Composer district, named for famous composers, is generally the most expensive part of Cardiff with custom homes on interesting shaped lots and ocean views. A higher density area is just south of Birmingham with many ocean view duplexes. East of the freeway is a mix of condominiums and detached homes, and again, many have very nice ocean views. Restaurant Row on 101 offers dining with ocean views, including Chart House, Ki's and many other popular eateries. The San Elijo State campground at Cardiff State Beach is booked throughout the summer and most other months and each morning campers walk across 101 for donuts at VG's. Seaside market on San Elijo is a local's favorite for fresh meats and produce as well as gourmet foods. For more information about Cardiff by the Sea, check out www.ci.encinitas.ca.us, www.cardiffbythesea.org, www.seasidemarket.com and www.vgbakery.com. Don't forget to check out my Community Links page for more suggestions of what to do in Coastal North County.
