Top Rated Parks to Visit in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

We've collected top 10 mentioned parks in Cardiff-by-the-Sea from other articles such as Your North County, Tripadvisor's Top Things to Do, blog.frankiefoto.com.

Top Rated Parks to Visit in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Balboa Park
Balboa Park
4.8 (56270 ratings)4.5 (11675 ratings)
Sprawling outdoor destination is home to the city's renowned zoo, 17 museums, gardens & more.
San Diego, CA, USA
ParkFun & GamesHistory museumPlaygroundsGardens
Mentioned by Touropia
25 Top Tourist Attractions in San Diego
"It has plenty of green space, flora and fauna, naturally, but it also contain 15 museums, a carousel, miniature railroad, the renowned San Diego Zoo and the historic Old Globe Theatre, among other attractions. The list of museums include a couple of art museums while others are devoted to natural history, air and space, science and the famous Museum of Man. Numerous gardens are devoted to native plants, roses, cactus, a veterans memorial and a children’s garden."
Mentioned by sealtours.com
30+ Must See Attractions in San Diego | Top San Diego Attractions
"Like no place else in the country, Balboa Park offers a magnificent combination of art, architecture, history and agriculture in one expansive park. Spanning approximately 1,200 acres, Balboa Park was once known as City Park and was founded more than 125 years ago. Today, the park is home to 15 museums, theaters, marvelous gardens, restaurants, shopping and the world-famous San Diego Zoo."
Mentioned by Trip101
10 Best Romantic Places in San Diego, California - Updated 2021
"A post shared by Daniel Deming (@grubyoface619) on May 10, 2016 at 9:44pm PDT. Wander through the attractions in Balboa Park before you make your way to The Prado. This full-service restaurant is perfect for a relaxing dinner where you can spend quality time together."
Torrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines State Reserve
4.8 (11036 ratings)4.5 (3514 ratings)
Acres of oceanside trails for exploring or exercising while spotting occasional dolphins or bobcats.
12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Nature preserveNature & ParksParkState parkNature & Wildlife AreasHiking Trails
Belmont Park
Belmont Park
4.5 (11290 ratings)4 (768 ratings)
Vintage games, gift shops, rides & an iconic wooden roller coaster right next to the beach.
3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Amusement parkWater & Amusement ParksParkTheme Parks
Mentioned by Condé Nast Traveler
17 Best Things to Do in San Diego
"Amusement parks can be kitschy, indulgent, and a little cheesy—and at Belmont Park, we embrace it. The ocean-adjacent mini amusement park is hard to miss as you drive west on Mission Bay Drive, thanks to the towering Giant Dipper, a 2,600-foot-long roller coaster that soars above the park and offers ocean views. If you're ready for more, have a go on other classics like the Tilt-a-Whirl, zipline, or bumper cars."
Mentioned by San Diego 3 days itinerary
3 Days in San Diego Itinerary – What to See and Do
"San Diego’s answer to the east coast’s Coney Island, Belmont Park is one of the main attractions at Mission Beach, which sits north of Ocean Beach. Get your stomach rollercoaster-ready or if you’re still feeling the heat of your Ocean Beach tacos, just take a nice long stroll along the Boardwalk."
Mentioned by Sidecar Photo
Great Places to Take Pictures in San Diego
"Belmont Park is a fun little spot in Mission Beach with a cool old roller coaster. It’s great for night shots with the lighting and rides. Best part, you can visit without paying anything."
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
4.6 (19180 ratings)4.5 (5262 ratings)
Open-air museum about local life in the 1800s, with adobe buildings & interpretive performances.
4002 Wallace St, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
State parkSights & LandmarksParkHistoric Walking Areas
Mentioned by Tripster Travel Guide
15 Absolutely Free Things to Do in San Diego
"Trek through the history of California’s birthplace at Old Town, San Diego’s first downtown. There is a distinct feeling of Old Mexico within this 6-block, 12-acre park, with historical sites covering shops, restaurants, museums, preserved adobe buildings and more. It’s easily one of the most authentic free things to do in San Diego."
Mentioned by Attractions of America
Top 26 Tourist Attractions in San Diego
"There are numerous historic buildings located in this area, dating back to the early 1800s. It was the first European settlement in California. One notable building is Whaley House which Travel Channel named as the most haunted house in America."
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
4.8 (4784 ratings)4.5 (1916 ratings)
Natural cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean offer views of the coast & the occasional cliff diver.
Ladera St, San Diego, CA 92107, USA
ParkNature & Parks
Mentioned by Jasmine Alley
49 Most Instagrammable Places in San Diego in 2021
"The Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a beautiful 68-acre local treasure on the western side of Point Loma. The park has numerous dramatic scenic spots that include coastal bluffs, arches, and sea caves. Don’t forget to snap some golden hour pics and watch the incredible sunset."
Mentioned by Attractions of America
Top 26 Tourist Attractions in San Diego
"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is another excellent addition to your list of things to do in San Diego. This aptly named park is the best place to watch the sunset around. Plus, there are arches, caves, and incredible coastal bluffs to hike around and view."
Mentioned by California Beaches
10 Gorgeous Beaches In San Diego You Must See
"Although the beach below this steep hillside waterfront park is nicknamed Garbage Beach, it is anything but. However, a visit to this beautiful spot has to be earned. The descent is so steep that a fixed rope has been installed for safety."
Mt. Helix Park
Mt. Helix Park
4.8 (1211 ratings)4.5 (128 ratings)
High point offering views of San Diego, with a large amphitheater hosting plays, lectures & events.
4905 Mt Helix Dr, La Mesa, CA 91941, USA
ParkNature & ParksNature & Wildlife Areas
Chicano Park
Chicano Park
4.6 (2905 ratings)4.5 (27 ratings)
Colorful murals can be seen at this public park located beneath the San Diego-Coronado Bridge.
San Diego, CA 92113, USA
Memorial parkNature & ParksPark
Mentioned by blog.frankiefoto.com
Frankie Foto » 15 Best Spots to Photograph San Diego
"Chicano Park is not your typical tourist destination but it is home to some rich Latino history in San Diego. The park is located underneath the Coronado Bay Bridge and it has some of the most beautiful murals and art that are painted on the pillars and sides of the freeway. The murals are constantly being changed by local artist and they tell some amazing stories."
Mentioned by Sidecar Photo
Great Places to Take Pictures in San Diego
"Chicano park is a small park with incredible murals from renowned Latin-American artists. It’s a national historic landmark that few know about in San Diego and worth visiting. You can read more about the stories behind the murals here."
Agua Hedionda Lagoon
Agua Hedionda Lagoon
4.4 (52 ratings)
Expansive lagoon & wetlands known for recreational activities & varied marine life & waterfowl.
Lagoon Pl, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
Park
Mentioned by 10Best
Beachy Carlsbad Offers Up Much More than Awesome Theme Parks
"Carlsbad Lagoon is a more relaxed hub of watersports activities ranging from paddleboarding on peaceful waters to wakeboarding to jet skiing. It's technically called Agua Hedionda Lagoon, located just east of the freeway and utilized by residents who have homes on the water there. However, Wakesports Unlimited offers gear like kayaks and WaveRunners and aqua cycles in addition to the above."
Mentioned by Carlsbad Food Tours
15 Best Things to Do in Carlsbad with Kids – Carlsbad California is a Great Place for Kids
"The Carlsbad Lagoon is a water sports center that offers a variety of activities and equipment rentals, including canoes, kayaks, paddle-boats, stand up paddle-boards, and wave runners. There are also speedboats available for rent. The center has trained instructors who can teach visitors how to do a variety of fun water activities including water skiing and wake boarding."
Mentioned by California Beaches
Sea Life Aquarium, Carlsbad, CA
"Agua Hedionda, a.k.a. Carlsbad Lagoon, is a saltwater lagoon near the ocean in Carlsbad. It’s made up of three areas that are divided by two bridges (Interstate 5 and a […]"
Centennial Park
Centennial Park
4.8 (1503 ratings)4.5 (40 ratings)
Sweeping panoramas from an expansive lawn with benches, a rose garden & a small beach.
1101 1st St, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
ParkNature & Parks
Horton Plaza Park
Horton Plaza Park
3.9 (764 ratings)3.5 (356 ratings)
Park with a historic fountain & amphitheater, also an event venue for concerts, movies & festivals.
900 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
ParkShoppingShopping Malls
Mentioned by 10Best
San Diego's 10 best shopping malls and shopping centers
"The colorful and whimsical architecture of Horton Plaza sets it apart from any shopping mall in the region. The complex has become somewhat of a San Diego icon since its construction in the 1980s. It is credited with jumpstarting the revival of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter and continues to appeal to visitors alike to this day."
Mentioned by sandiego.org
Outlet Malls and Shopping Centers
"324 Horton Plaza San Diego, CA 92101 619-239-8180 Monday - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM  Sunday: Closed 2 stores Major Retailers: Macy’s, specialty shops, Regal theaters, Lyceum Theatre"

Top Best Japanese Restaurants in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Wonderful Sushi Hillcrest
Wonderful Sushi Hillcrest
4.3 (504 ratings)
Sushi & Japanese dishes are on offer at this simple eatery with TVs & a patio, plus beer & sake.
1288 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
Sushi restaurantJapanese restaurant
Ogawashi
Ogawashi
4 (395 ratings)
Japanese eatery known for specialty rolls & cocktails in a modern interior with artistic lighting.
1100 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Japanese restaurantBarRestaurantSushi restaurant
Mentioned by OpenTable
Los 37 mejores restaurantes Asian en Coronado
"Ogawashi Sushi, which is found in San Diego, California, has made its mark in the area as a sushi bar and purveyor of excellent Japanese fare. The name of the restaurant can be translated to the English word �handmade,� and that should give diners an idea of the emphasis of the cooking."
BESHOCK Ramen East Village
BESHOCK Ramen East Village
4.4 (1183 ratings)
High-style Japanese-Californian restaurant with an extensive menu & full bar highlighting sake.
1288 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Japanese restaurantAsian restaurantBarRamen restaurantSushi restaurant

Best Cake Places in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Sprinkles La Jolla
Sprinkles La Jolla
4.2 (232 ratings)
8855 Villa La Jolla Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
BakeryCake shopCookie shopDessert shop
Carlsbad Danish Bakery
Carlsbad Danish Bakery
4.7 (140 ratings)
2805 Roosevelt St, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
BakeryCake shopCoffee shop
Mentioned by S&A Getaway
10 Popular Carlsbad Coffee Shops That Are Fantastic
"The Carlsbad Danish Bakery isn’t technically one of the best Carlsbad coffee shops, but is an amazing bakery!. And since coffee and pastries go together- I figured I would add it in. You must stop by and try one of the danish custard cinnamon rolls and grab a basic cup of coffee while you are at it."
Menchie's Frozen Yogurt
Menchie's Frozen Yogurt
4.6 (70 ratings)
Cheerful self-serve chain with dozens of frozen yogurt flavors & toppings, sold by weight.
2525C Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92054, USA
Frozen yogurt shopBakeryCake shopCatererDessert restaurantDessert shopIce cream shopKosher restaurant

Best Breakfast and Brunch Places in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Corner Bakery Cafe
Corner Bakery Cafe
4.4 (608 ratings)
Casual, counter-serve cafe chain offering a standard menu of sandwiches, pasta & pastries.
5617 Paseo Del Norte Ste 110, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
Sandwich shopAmerican restaurantBakeryBistroBreakfast restaurantBrunch restaurantCoffee shopDessert restaurantSalad shop
Lucky's Breakfast
Lucky's Breakfast
4.7 (243 ratings)
Classic breakfast chow & fortune cookies, served in kitschy diner environs with a Chinese accent.
3804 Grim Ave, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Breakfast restaurant
Donut Panic
Donut Panic
4.1 (227 ratings)
Indie donut & bagel shop, with a regular weekly schedule of vegan & non-vegan days.
6171 Mission Gorge Rd #113, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
Donut shopBagel shopBakeryBreakfast restaurantCoffee shopTakeout RestaurantSandwich shopTea storeVegan restaurantVegetarian restaurant
Mentioned by There San Diego
11 of San Diego's Best Damn Donut Shops by Neighborhood
"A photo posted by Donut Panic (@donutpanicsd) on Jan 11, 2017 at 6:16am PST. “Donut Panic”about eating amazing donuts from this little shop on Mission Gorge Road because they are organic and in San Diego, we love the organic, healthy options – even when it comes to eating donuts!. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and weekends, Donut Panic offers 100% vegan donuts and bagels, and during the rest of the week they have traditional desserts and old fashioned donuts."
Mentioned by Spoon University
5 San Diego Donut Shops To Try Right Now
"Besides a clever name, Donut Panic is also great at glazed donuts. Along with traditional donuts, they offer vegan creations such as chocolate espresso almond, Earl Grey, maple bacon glaze, and even rosewater cardamom. Baker Linda Dami combines potato flakes mixed with flour, soy milk, sugar, salt, oil, and yeast."

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Beachfront Del Mar Beach Club
House
$354 /night
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Hilton San Diego Del Mar
Hotel
$355 /night
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4.3 (142 reviews)
Residence Inn San Diego Del Mar
Hotel
$125.1 /night
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* The displayed nightly rate may be estimated based on a future travel date. Narrow down your search with checkin and checkout dates to see the exact price.