Cardiff-by-the-Sea, founded about 1911, is a shoreline community within Encinitas, a city of over 60,000 people lying about 25 miles north of San Diego and 95 miles south of Los Angeles. The moderate climate, two miles of Pacific coastline, and world-class surf draw professional and amateur surfers from all over Southern California and beyond. Cardiff-by-the-Sea is a community of Encinitas California.

One hotspot is at Cardiff Reef, located alongside Historic Highway 101 at the mouth of the San Elijo Lagoon. Surf at the reef consistently breaks both right and left, making it ideal for all surfers year-round.