History of Cardiff by the Sea

In 1875,  a man by the name of Hector Mackinnon purchased and farmed some 600 acres in the town that we know today as Cardiff-by-the-Sea. A beautiful Southern California coastal town nestled between the San Elijo Lagoon to the south and rolling hills to the east. Known simply by locals as Cardiff, it was named by Esther M. Cullen, a native of Cardiff, Wales. In 1911-12, Esther's husband Boston painter-turned-developer J. Frank Cullen visualized a coastal community on the land which was settled by Mackinnon.  This quaint beach town has come far since 1920. I can only imagine how proud The Cullen's would be to see what this incredible beach community now.

Frank Cullen purchased the land, plotted the townsite, prepared a map, and began selling lots. Inside lots sold for $30 each and corner lots were $45. Esther persuaded Mackinnon to name it Cardiff and give the streets English names.  By the 1920s, the town evolved quickly into a bustling community with a school district, post office, train station and the formation of the San Dieguito Irrigation District. Cardiff Elementary School District was formed in 1913. The San Diego County Library system opened the first Cardiff Library in 1914.The independent character of today’s residents can be gleaned throughout the history of the area, from Cullen’s determination to build a town in a region thought to be unsuitable for inhabitation, to the citizens’ battle in the 1980s to retain autonomy as the town was incorporated into a larger city.

Cardiff by the Sea Today

This two mile historic quaint beach town (within the city of Encinitas) is special to it's residents and a place that should not be missed for San Diego visitors. There is an endless list of recreational opportunities here. You can enjoy shopping, swimming, hiking, jogging, boating, tennis, fishing, hang gliding, bicycling, or nearby golfing.

The romantic ocean front Bed and Breakfast at the "Cardiff by the Sea Lodge" opened it's doors in May of 1991. This quaint village lodge offers 17 luxuriously decorated rooms. With it's lush flower gardens, firepit, and hot tub under the stars, this is perfect for newlyweds or a nice relaxing weekend getaway. On the corner of San Elijo and Chesterfield. 142 Chesterfield Avenue Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California 92007. Check Availability or call: (760) 944-6474.
 

Cardiff-by-the-Sea Town Centre  - A three block quaint village with boutiques, an art gallery, and quick dining.