DAY TRIP Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Cardiff-by-the-Sea came about when settlers came to the area in 1875. A farming family took its chances with the area and was successful. They established a small community, a school and other facilities.

More than three decades later a painter-turned-developer named J. Frank Cullen had visions of a coastal community playground for San Diego residents to venture to. After purchasing much of the land, he named it Cardiff, under insistence by his wife.

Cardiff-by-the-Sea now survives as a popularized surf spot, a park and campground, and a place to get away. The environment exists as its main allure, its natural elements working as its call to tourism.

GETTING THERE

Take the I-405 south toward San Diego. Merge onto the I-5 south for more than 50 miles. Take the Santa Fe Drive exit and turn right. Turn right again at Santa Fe Drive.

Turn left on Summit Avenue to enter the heart of the city.

Alternative routes would include taking the CA-73 south to the I-5, but that would include a toll on the CA-73.

For those looking to take a longer trip with more aesthetically pleasing views, you can take Pacific Coast Highway to the I-5 and then exit the I-5 in Oceanside onto North Coast Highway which becomes Carlsbad Boulevard. Turn left at Encinitas Boulevard, right at South Vulcan Avenue, left at Sante Fe Drive and right on Summit Avenue.

RECREATION

Cardiff features the normal beach amenities, a restaurant row, lodging and 2.6 miles of sandy beaches.

There are 171 campsites at Cardiff, which features something of a European theme due to its high amount of tourists from the continent.

According to Cardiff’s website, many Europeans ages 18 to 25 visit the campgrounds in the area. Day use parking is $8. To make reservations, call (800) 444-7275.

THE LAGOON

San Elijo Lagoon was a hunting ground for American Indians, who used the ocean’s natural bounty as a place to find scallops, clams, shark and other food. Later expeditions and the Gold Rush brought settlers to the area. Levees were built which allowed for more industry and inhabitants, along with a railroad, Pacific Coast Highway, and the I-5 flowing through.

Population increases have hurt some of the natural habitat in the area, slowing environmental growth, but San Elijo is still able to flourish. It remains as one of the best bird watching areas in the state and plays host to various blossoming plant life.

More than 319 species of birds have been recorded at Cardiff State Beach and at San Elijo, according to the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy, with 106 of those being rare to uncommon migrants.

Six plant communities exist at San Elijo, including coastal strand, salt and freshwater marshes, riparian scrub, coastal sage scruband and chaparral.

— Daniel Tedford