Five Fun Activities All Visitors Should Do While In Cardiff-By-The-Sea California

Cardiff-By-The-Sea California has a unique vibe compared to other SoCal beach communities on Pacific Ocean. It boasts unparalleled ocean views, an ecological reserve, a lagoon with great trails, incredible beaches and Cardiff bed and breakfasts. To make sure you don't miss the essence of Cardiff, here are Five Things Visitors Must Do When Visiting Cardiff California.

1. Go For A Magic Carpet Ride

Surfing is the essence of Cardiff By The Sea. You'll undoubtedly see our $120,000 surfing statue across Highway 101 from the Cardiff Lodge overlooking Cardiff Reef Surfing Beach - a young surfer boy with his arms stretched out, ostensibly riding a wave, entitled "Magic Carpet Ride." Surfers have been critical of the statue since it was unveiled in July, 2008 complaining that the pose of the bronze figure does not capture the essence of a true surfing move. Called dorky by some, too feminine by others, pranksters have since been dressing the statue in pink skirts, chains, bikini tops, biking bottoms, flowers, lingerie and fairy wands. What do you think?

2. Watch The Surfers At Cardiff Reef

Cardiff Reef is a popular stretch of sandy beach at the mouth of San Elijo Lagoon, just north of Restaurant Row. It's popular with long-boarders because it has a soft sand bottom and slow, mushy waves. Spectators line up to enjoy the views from the State Beach parking lots and picnic tables. The rocky reefs along Cardiff sport a great selection of surfer talent from beginners to seasoned pros. If you're staying at one of the nearby bed and breakfasts in Cardiff, have lunch on the outdoor patios of The Beach House or The Chart House restaurants, and you'll have the best view in the house.

3. Take A Hike

San Diego County's largest coastal wetland is San Elijo Lagoon, situated along the ocean between Cardiff and Solana Beach. This lush habitat supports 305 plus species of plants, 22 species of fish, 23 species of reptiles and amphibians, more than 20 species of mammals and upwards of 300 species of birds. The new San Elijo Lagoon visitor's center on Manchester Avenue is open daily to the public free of charge. More than seven miles of hiking and jogging trails branch out from the visitor's center, so bring your walking/jogging shoes.

4. Have Fun At The Beach

Cardiff's beaches are wonderful places to work on your tan, read a good mystery novel, have a picnic with your sweetie, enjoy the antics of the surfers, body surf or go boogie-boarding. The beaches are sandy, gently sloping, and the water is some of the warmest in San Diego county.

5. Relax In Your Own Private Hot Tub

Just 2 miles up Historic Highway 101 from Cardiff-By-The-Sea is a romantic inn located on a hillside above Moonlight Beach in the beach town of Encinitas: The Inn at Moonlight Beach. The Inn has four lovely guest suites overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Penthouse Suite is a favorite for honeymooners and those celebrating their anniversaries because it has its own private balcony and hot tub with phenomenal view of the Pacific Ocean sunsets.

Article Source: TravelFreeGuides.com

About the Author

Terry Hunefeld retired as a CEO several years ago to follow his bliss of sailing the ocean to observe seabirds and mammals. He and his wife Ann Dunham own and operate the lovely Inn at Moonlight Beach. Visit Bed Breakfast Cardiff California or Cardiff-By-The-Sea Beach Hotels for more info.

by: Terry Hunefeld

Total views: 1 Word Count: 523 Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2011 Time: 4:16 AM - 0 comments

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