Cardiff By The Sea Homes for Sale

Welcome to Cardiff By The Sea, a picturesque coastal community nestled in the heart of San Diego County, California. Known for its stunning ocean views, charming beach cottages, and vibrant local culture, Cardiff By The Sea offers a unique blend of laid-back coastal living and modern conveniences. This idyllic enclave boasts a rich history, with its roots dating back to the late 1800s, and today it stands as a beloved destination for both residents and visitors alike.

The real estate market in Cardiff By The Sea is diverse and enticing, featuring a range of homes for sale that cater to various lifestyles and preferences. From cozy beach bungalows to sprawling oceanfront estates, there’s something for everyone in this charming community. Many homes showcase breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, allowing residents to enjoy mesmerizing sunsets and the soothing sounds of the waves right from their own backyards.

Living in Cardiff By The Sea means embracing an active, outdoor lifestyle. Residents can explore the scenic coastline, indulge in water sports, or take leisurely strolls through the picturesque streets lined with boutique shops and delicious eateries. The community also hosts various events throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among neighbors.

Whether you’re looking to invest in a vacation home or seeking a permanent residence, Cardiff By The Sea is a hidden gem that promises a vibrant lifestyle and a close-knit community. Explore the homes for sale today and discover the perfect place to call your own in this enchanting coastal paradise!

Newest Cardiff By The Sea Homes for Sale

$2,399,000

4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 260018012 MLS

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

Listing courtesy of Listing Agent: Kristina D Quesada (619-840-4550) from Listing Office: Douglas Elliman of California, Inc..

$1,285,000

260017540 MLS

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

Listing courtesy of Listing Agent: Michael E Taylor (619-813-5950) from Listing Office: Coldwell Banker Realty.

$1,599,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 260015390 MLS

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

Listing courtesy of Listing Agent: Mark J Schwartz (858-414-4602) from Listing Office: Compass.

$4,495,000

6 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 260011415 MLS

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

Listing courtesy of Listing Agent: Jeff Grant (858-336-9836) from Listing Office: Sand & Sea Investments.

$8,500,000

3 Beds ⋅ 6 Baths ⋅ 260008807 MLS

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

Listing courtesy of Listing Agent: Eric Iantorno (858-334-3577) from Listing Office: Compass.

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