Best Beach in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

"Extremely popular with locals, though strangely not crazy crowded, Carlsbad State Beach gives beach goers free parking in several areas, easy access to the beach, clean restrooms and showers, and beautiful views from the cliffs. Nearly five miles long, the beach’s south end welcomes campers and is also a favorite with surfers. If you’re visiting just for a run, there are paved jogging paths along the beach and just above the water."

"Parking is available in a lot at the foot of Tamarack or along Carlsbad Boulevard. Several trails lead down to the beach. Restrooms and outdoor showers are available."

"It has wide sandy beaches for typical beach recreation and is also a favorite surfing spot. Lifeguards are on duty only during the summer months. Find public showers above the beach access, but there are no public restrooms."

"Why go: You’re at the Children’s Pool and would like to step out on the sand to explore a different beach. South Casa Beach is located directly south of the Children’s Pool (which is also referred to as Casa Beach). In fact, it’s just on the other side of the Children’s Pool lifeguard station, which also services South Casa Beach."

"South Casa Beach is a small triangle-shaped cove just south of Children’s Pool Beach in La Jolla. Children’s Pool is also known as Casa Beach so this beach got the […]"

"If you want a beach that’s bit more lively, you can head down to Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. Both beaches are great for people-watching on the boardwalk. Make sure to grab drinks at a beachy bar, and even perfect your surfing skills at The Wave House. Yep, at The Wave House, you can surf an artificial wave (or watch others do it)!"

"Head even further north from Mission Beach and you’ll arrive at Pacific Beach. Known among the locals as P.B., if you’re looking for the stereotype of Californian beach life, you’re going to find it here. If you’re looking for a place to have a go at surfing, many newbies start out in the white water around P.B."

"Set in Carlsbad, 100 metres from Tamarack State Beach, Ultimate Beach Bungalow - 1 block from beach - huge backyard offers accommodation with a garden, free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk. Boasting free private parking, the holiday home is in an area where guests can engage in activities such as hiking, snorkelling and cycling. Guests at Ultimate Beach Bungalow - 1 block from beach - huge backyard can enjoy tennis on site, or fishing in the surroundings."

"An extension of Tamarack Beach, Robert Frazee State Beach is a wide and sandy stretch of beach that stays relatively uncrowded. It begins at the northern end of Tamarack Beach and continues in front of the condos and homes that run along the coastline to the north. Robert Frazee State Beach and Tamarack Beach are connected by the Carlsbad Seawall Walk below and the promenade at street level."

"South of Oceanside and north of Encinitas, the city of Carlsbad is home to a series of warm, sandy beaches that attract locals and visitors alike. At the northern end, Carlsbad City Beach (including Frazee Beach) spreads from Ocean Street to Elm. Then Carlsbad State Beach (better known as Tamarack Beach) extends from Tamarack to the breakwaters at the mouth of Agua Hedionda Lagoon."

"Wipeout Beach is located on the 700 block of Coast Blvd., and is a sandy stretch of beach just south of South Casa Beach and the Children’s Pool. It’s a great spot for sunbathing, but again isn’t recommended for inexperienced swimmers because of the rip current. Low tide is probably the best time to visit this spot, as there’s more sand to walk along and you’ll be able to see a few shallower exposed tide pools."

"Wipeout Beach can be found just south of Children’s Pool Beach. It also runs along Coast Boulevard. It’s definitely among the best beach spots in La Jolla, just for its views alone."

"Wipeout Beach is a sandy beach south of Children’s Pool Beach along Coast Boulevard in La Jolla. In the winter the sand gets ripped away by storms leaving a rugged […]"

"This cozy Tuscanesque cafe is as popular a hangout for surfers as it is with the more senior members of La Jolla society. Terra-cotta tiled floors, bottles of chianti, and a Roman fountain all contribute to the setting for an authentic Italian menu. Highlights include gourmet wood oven-fired pizzas, Saffron Pappardelle and House-Made Ricotta-Spinach Basil Ravioli."

"Might I suggest saving some money and time by purchasing a frozen pizza. The crust will give you a similar cardboard experience."

"Took my kids there during our trip to San Diego and it was nothing but disappointment!. The selection were very limited and food tasted gross."

"I use to like this buffet but it has gone downhill recently. There is another choice in Pacific Beach that is way better."

"A five-minute drive from North Ponto Beach will get you to Ruby’s Diner, a perfect go-to place to after a day’s fun at the beach. This retro-style dining chain along Paseo Del Norte street has an exciting interior and serves a variety of kids’ menu items. Interesting dishes include “pigs in a blanket”, chicken fingers and Baro’s root beer float!"

"A post shared by Steph Mernagh (@stephmernagh) on Apr 26, 2016 at 10:03pm PDT. Chocolat Cremerie arguably ranks at the top when it comes to mouthwatering gelato displays. This photo alone gives each of us an intense desire to try out all flavors behind the glass!"

"Famous for gelato, exquisite chocolate and tasty crepes, this bistro is a local favorite. It's even open late-night for those who need to satisfy a sweet tooth. Try cream-stuffed croissants and eggs for breakfast."