Formerly a farming community in the hills north of the San Elijo Lagoon, Cardiff is the coastal community envisioned by developer J. Frank Cullen over eighty years ago. Like many coastal communities, Cardiff offers a range of water-related activities. There is a residential and business district among the slopes of Cardiff with a range of housing options.
Avocado orchards, vegetable gardens and flower markets are found here. Nearby communities include Del Mar, Encinitas, and Oceanside.