Cardiff-by-the-Sea Homes for Sale

Welcome to Cardiff-by-the-Sea, a picturesque coastal gem nestled in the heart of San Diego County, California. Known for its stunning ocean views, vibrant community, and relaxed beach lifestyle, Cardiff-by-the-Sea offers an idyllic retreat for those seeking a perfect blend of coastal charm and modern conveniences.

This enchanting seaside community is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, including the famous Cardiff State Beach, where residents and visitors alike can enjoy sun-soaked days filled with surfing, swimming, and beachcombing. The area boasts a mild climate year-round, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families who love to explore nature’s beauty.

Cardiff-by-the-Sea is not just about the ocean; it also features a quaint downtown area filled with boutique shops, delightful cafes, and gourmet restaurants. The local farmers’ market is a must-visit, offering fresh produce and artisanal goods that highlight the region’s commitment to sustainability and community spirit.

For those interested in making Cardiff-by-the-Sea their home, there are a variety of homes for sale that cater to diverse lifestyles and budgets. From charming beach cottages to modern ocean-view estates, each property reflects the unique character of this coastal paradise. With its friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and proximity to world-class amenities, Cardiff-by-the-Sea is a place where you can truly feel at home.

Whether you’re looking for a vacation retreat or a permanent residence, Cardiff-by-the-Sea offers a lifestyle that is both relaxing and invigorating. Discover your dream home in this enchanting coastal community today!

Newest Cardiff-by-the-Sea Homes for Sale

$2,399,000

4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 260018012 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

260017540 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 ⋅ 260015390 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 ⋅ 260011415 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 ⋅ 260008807 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

$2,988,000

5 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ NDP2602875 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status

Expansive Ocean Views in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. This unique property has it all. The entry level of the home is comprised of four bedrooms and three full baths. The primary suite is generous in size and volume with a large walk-in closet. Two of the secondary bedrooms share a chic hall bathroom. The fourth entry level bedroom serves as a versatile in-law quarters, teen room or secondary primary complete with its own private entrance, kitchen, bathroom suite, and living area. This is ideal for a multi generational family. The second floor boasts a gorgeous accessory unit offering a one bedroom one bath unit with complete kitchen. The secondary unit offers breathtaking views to the pacific and opportunities for a homeowner. All finishes are clean and well appointed. Experience the ultimate coastal lifestyle from this exceptional property in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Expansive Ocean Views in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. This unique property has it all. The entry level of the home is comprised of four bedrooms and three full baths. The primary suite is generous in size and volume with a large walk-in closet. Two of the secondary bedrooms share a chic hall bathroom. The fourth entry level bedroom serves as a versatile in-law quarters, teen room or secondary primary complete with its own private entrance, kitchen, bathroom suite, and living area. This is ideal for a multi generational family. The second floor boasts a gorgeous accessory unit offering a one bedroom one bath unit with complete kitchen. The secondary unit offers breathtaking views to the pacific and opportunities for a homeowner. All finishes are clean and well appointed. Experience the ultimate coastal lifestyle from this exceptional property in Cardiff-by-the-Sea.

1839 Freda Ln, Cardiff-by-the-Sea

$9,950,000

4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ NDP2602722 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE UNDER CONTRACT Status

Most homes are designed around square footage. 1506 Summit was designed around how you feel. Built new in 2025 by someone who understood that the best version of daily life includes a cold plunge at sunrise, a glass of wine pulled from a temperature-controlled cellar at sunset, and an ocean view from every room in between. Five decks. Serge Mouille lighting. A grass-edge pool that disappears into the Cardiff skyline. This is what it looks like when architecture and wellness meet without compromise.Step into a coastal masterpiece offering over 4,000 sq ft of refined living space, where every room is framed by sweeping, unobstructed ocean views. Five expansive ocean-view decks, over 1,800 sq ft, with vistas stretching to La Jolla and iconic surf breaks. Designer finishes throughout featuring Forms & Surfaces "Sunburst" entry doors, custom cabinetry and hardware, lighting by Serge Mouille, Isamu Noguchi, and Lightolier Temperature-controlled wine room for the discerning collector - Luxury wellness amenities including an infrared sauna, steam room, and cold plunge. Dual laundry for ultimate convenience. A show-stopping primary suite with a Hollywood-inspired open shower and freestanding soaking tub, all overlooking the Pacific. Dramatic cascading waterwall feature from a custom copper roof. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to create a seamless indoor-outdoor coastal lifestyle unlike any other. Most homes are designed around square footage. 1506 Summit was designed around how you feel. Built new in 2025 by someone who understood that the best version of daily life includes a cold plunge at sunrise, a glass of wine pulled from a temperature-controlled cellar at sunset, and an ocean view from every room in between. Five decks. Serge Mouille lighting. A grass-edge pool that disappears into the Cardiff skyline. This is what it looks like when architecture and wellness meet without compromise.Step into a coastal masterpiece offering over 4,000 sq ft of refined living space, where every room is framed by sweeping, unobstructed ocean views. Five expansive ocean-view decks, over 1,800 sq ft, with vistas stretching to La Jolla and iconic surf breaks. Designer finishes throughout featuring Forms & Surfaces "Sunburst" entry doors, custom cabinetry and hardware, lighting by Serge Mouille, Isamu Noguchi, and Lightolier Temperature-controlled wine room for the discerning collector - Luxury wellness amenities including an infrared sauna, steam room, and cold plunge. Dual laundry for ultimate convenience. A show-stopping primary suite with a Hollywood-inspired open shower and freestanding soaking tub, all overlooking the Pacific. Dramatic cascading waterwall feature from a custom copper roof. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to create a seamless indoor-outdoor coastal lifestyle unlike any other.

1506 Summit Ave, Cardiff-by-the-Sea

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