Cardiff-by-the-Sea Homes for Sale

Welcome to Cardiff-by-the-Sea, a hidden gem nestled along the stunning coastline of San Diego County, California. This charming beach town is renowned for its laid-back vibe, breathtaking ocean views, and vibrant community spirit. With its picturesque beaches, lush parks, and an array of delightful shops and eateries, Cardiff-by-the-Sea offers an idyllic coastal lifestyle that is hard to resist.

As you stroll through the quaint streets, you’ll discover a unique blend of surf culture and artistic flair, making it a haven for both outdoor enthusiasts and creative minds. The area is perfect for those who appreciate nature, with the scenic Cardiff State Beach and the nearby San Elijo Lagoon providing ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and, of course, surfing. The annual Cardiff Beach Days and local farmers' markets further enhance the sense of community, inviting residents to connect and celebrate their coastal paradise.

For those looking to call Cardiff-by-the-Sea home, you’ll be pleased to find a variety of homes for sale that cater to diverse tastes and lifestyles. From charming beach cottages to modern ocean-view estates, the real estate options here are as diverse as the community itself. Many properties boast stunning views, spacious layouts, and proximity to the beach, making them perfect for families, retirees, or anyone seeking a serene coastal retreat.

With its exceptional quality of life, vibrant culture, and beautiful surroundings, Cardiff-by-the-Sea is not just a place to live; it’s a lifestyle waiting to be embraced. Explore the homes for sale today and start your journey to coastal living in this enchanting seaside town!

Newest Cardiff-by-the-Sea Homes for Sale

$2,399,000

4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 260018012SD MLS ⋅ Active Status

The perfect Cardiff coastal home does exist! Picture coming home every night to an incredible home to relax in a backyard oasis that is second to none! This incredible 3 bed 2 bath home with ocean views and 1 bed, 1 bath ADU is a testament to coastal living at its finest. The updated open concept kitchen features high-end stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, wine fridge, and breakfast bar ideal for casual dining or entertaining. The living room, anchored by a modern stacked-stone fireplace, seamlessly flows out to the covered patio and tiered backyard to enjoy indoor-outdoor SoCal living. The main level also includes a dining room, one bedroom, and full bath, offering convenience and flexibility. Upstairs, two well-appointed bedrooms await, including the expansive primary suite. Vaulted ceilings, a western-facing picture window with panoramic ocean views, office nook, and large walk-in closet create a true serene retreat. The stunning primary bathroom was completely remodeled in 2025! A covered patio provides the perfect setting for outdoor dining and entertaining, while the 25 owner-owned solar panels ensure energy efficiency. Situated on a desirable 9,000 sq. ft. corner lot, there's room for RV parking or another future ADU. BONUS! A separate studio/guest house with its own private entrance and yard presents an ideal space for in-laws or rental income. Complete with a kitchenette, stacked washer/dryer, walk-in closet, full bathroom, and private deck. Enjoy an excellent location close to shopping, charming restaurants, award-winning schools, and Swami's Beach. The perfect Cardiff coastal home does exist! Picture coming home every night to an incredible home to relax in a backyard oasis that is second to none! This incredible 3 bed 2 bath home with ocean views and 1 bed, 1 bath ADU is a testament to coastal living at its finest. The updated open concept kitchen features high-end stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, wine fridge, and breakfast bar ideal for casual dining or entertaining. The living room, anchored by a modern stacked-stone fireplace, seamlessly flows out to the covered patio and tiered backyard to enjoy indoor-outdoor SoCal living. The main level also includes a dining room, one bedroom, and full bath, offering convenience and flexibility. Upstairs, two well-appointed bedrooms await, including the expansive primary suite. Vaulted ceilings, a western-facing picture window with panoramic ocean views, office nook, and large walk-in closet create a true serene retreat. The stunning primary bathroom was completely remodeled in 2025! A covered patio provides the perfect setting for outdoor dining and entertaining, while the 25 owner-owned solar panels ensure energy efficiency. Situated on a desirable 9,000 sq. ft. corner lot, there's room for RV parking or another future ADU. BONUS! A separate studio/guest house with its own private entrance and yard presents an ideal space for in-laws or rental income. Complete with a kitchenette, stacked washer/dryer, walk-in closet, full bathroom, and private deck. Enjoy an excellent location close to shopping, charming restaurants, award-winning schools, and Swami's Beach.

1927 Playa Riviera, Cardiff-by-the-Sea

$1,285,000

260017540SD MLS ⋅ Active Status

Imagine the possibilities. Ideal beach community, West of I 5, take advantage of this opportunity to build your own private retreat. The existing home must be torn down and the soil prepared, as concluded from settlement documents to be provided to the buyer for review. The lot's corner location is ideal for the building process. Water and sewer are already at the property.

2287 Manchester Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea

$1,599,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 260015390SD MLS ⋅ Active Status

Nestled in one of Cardiff-by-the-Sea’s most desirable neighborhoods, this charming coastal home sits on a spacious lot brimming with opportunity. Peek ocean views, large two-car garage, generous eat-in kitchen, and surrounded by larger, higher-value homes. Whether you envision expanding the existing footprint, adding a second story to capture even more ocean views, or building an ADU, the possibilities are endless. Check comparable recent sales! New roof Spring 2025. Major plumbing updates by Bill Howe this year. Move right in, renovate over time, or create your dream coastal retreat. Rarely does a property with this combination of location, lot size, and upside potential become available in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Located within walking distance of superior schools (Ada Harris Elementary and San Dieguito Academy) and just minutes from Cardiff’s pristine beaches, local parks, Seaside Market, and a vibrant dining and shopping scene.

926 Nolbey St, Cardiff-by-the-Sea

$4,495,000

6 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 260011415SD MLS ⋅ Active Status

Welcome to 518 Sheffield Avenue, where everyday living feels like a coastal retreat in the heart of Cardiff, in the Composer District. Tucked behind an automatic privacy gate on a low-traffic street west of I-5, this 6-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, function, & lifestyle. Spanning approx. 3,826 square feet across two levels, the home is thoughtfully designed for modern family living. A highly desirable main-level en-suite bedroom, ideal as a guest suite or “Nana’s room,” adds flexibility for multigenerational living. Upstairs, all additional bedrooms provide a cohesive layout perfect for families, while the spacious primary suite features dual walk-in closets and an expansive bathroom retreat. Natural light pours through abundant windows, highlighting the home’s architectural character and seamless flow. Multiple fireplaces in the living room, family room, and primary bedroom create warm, inviting spaces throughout. The upgraded kitchen, complete with a Sub-Zero refrigerator, opens effortlessly to indoor and outdoor gathering areas, making day-to-day living and entertaining feel effortless. Butler's pantry included. Outside, a private courtyard and beautifully curated backyard designed for connection and relaxation come complete with a fire pit, fountain, pergola, and outdoor BBQ. Trail access to Encinitas Community Park, Seaside Market, Cardiff Elementary, local dining, shopping, and some of North County’s best beaches, this home offers exceptional walkability and a vibrant coastal lifestyle.

518 Sheffield, Cardiff-by-the-Sea

$8,500,000

3 Beds ⋅ 6 Baths ⋅ 260008807SD MLS ⋅ Active Status

Breathtaking ocean views and a newly completed multi-million dollar renovation highlight this one-of-a-kind residence. The lagoon/ocean facing exterior has been fully reimagined to incorporate two outdoor kitchens and two covered dining areas within 2,000+ square feet of outdoor living space. Designed to blur the lines between indoors and out, the home embraces seamless indoor-outdoor living at every turn. Expansive floor-to-ceiling glass walls disappear into the scenery, flooding the interiors with natural light, ocean breezes, and uninterrupted views of the lagoon, sunsets, and coastline beyond. With the luxurious primary retreat positioned at the pinnacle of the home on the top-floor entry level, nearly every space captures jaw-dropping vistas of nature in its purest form. Every inch of the residence reflects thoughtful design and bespoke craftsmanship, from the sculptural statement staircase to the integration of the latest smart home technology throughout. Located just moments from Cardiff’s sandy beaches, renowned restaurants, boutique shops, and scenic lagoon trails, this is a rare opportunity to own one of North County’s most iconic and refined coastal retreats.

2516 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff-by-the-Sea

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Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of . This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.