A rocky beach with palm trees and cliffs.

Hotels in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

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A swimming pool with a clear blue edge, a metal ladder, and a stone wall in the background.

A reception desk with a wooden panel design and a digital kiosk, located in a modern hotel lobby with a large window and a welcome sign.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a TV, and a window with blinds.

A modern lounge area with patterned sofas, round tables, and a large window offering a view of the outdoors.

1. Hampton Inn Cardiff Beach Encinitas, CA Near Del Mar

Cardiff-by-the-Sea

$147

$161 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

A spacious bedroom with a large bed, a wooden ceiling, a hanging light fixture, and a view of the outdoors.

A modern house with a curved wooden facade, a stone pathway, and lush greenery.

A rooftop terrace with wicker furniture, round tables, and striped umbrellas.

Two brown leather armchairs with blue cushions, a small white table with a plant, and a view of the ocean through large windows.

2. Cardiff by the Sea Lodge

Cardiff-by-the-Sea

$248

$273 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

A heated outdoor pool area with lounge chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by palm trees and a building with multiple balconies.

A modern hotel room with a wooden desk, a comfortable sofa, a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, and artwork on the walls.

A hotel with a swimming pool, outdoor seating, and a covered area.

A multi-story hotel with balconies, a parking lot, and palm trees.

3. The Encinitan Hotel & Suites

Downtown Encinitas

$136

$164 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 28 - Sep 29

Two wicker lounge chairs with striped cushions, a blue umbrella, and a small table with a decorative fountain between them.

A dining area with a table set for two, a television mounted on the wall, and a painting above the table.

A building with a hanging flower basket, outdoor seating, and potted plants.

4. Leucadia Beach Inn

Leucadia

$92

$101 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 26 - Oct 27

A bedroom with a bed, a chair, and a window with a view of a parking lot and buildings.

A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a dining table, and chairs. There is a window with a view of the outside.

A modern hotel lobby with a large window, a reception desk, a sofa, and a small table.

An aerial view of a parking lot with a swimming pool, surrounded by greenery and shaded by umbrellas.

5. Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas

Downtown Encinitas

$134

$147 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 26 - Oct 27

A two-story building with a brown tiled roof, a stone chimney, and a flag.

A spacious living area with a kitchen counter, a sofa, and a coffee table.

6. Best Western Premier Hotel Del Mar

Del Mar

$149

$169 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 28 - Sep 29

A swimming pool with lounge chairs and a building with multiple windows and balconies.

A hotel with a large entrance, a covered patio area, and a tower-like structure.

A spacious lobby with a wooden staircase, a reception desk, and a large rug.

A spacious living area with a sofa, dining tables, and a fireplace.

7. West Inn & Suites

City Center

$118

$155 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

A hotel courtyard with a central fountain, surrounded by a paved walkway and palm trees.

A modern building with a glass facade and a prominent entrance.

A golf course with a view of the ocean, trees, and a distant city skyline.

A modern hotel room with a flat-screen TV mounted on a wooden cabinet, a desk with a chair, a round mirror, and a window with blinds.

8. Hampton Inn San Diego Del Mar

Carmel Valley

$130

$148 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

An aerial view of a beach with numerous umbrellas and people.

A residential house with a covered patio, solar panels on the roof, and a brick pathway.

A modern bedroom with a bed, a desk, a chair, and a wardrobe.

A modern kitchen with white cabinetry, a large island with two barstools, and pendant lighting.

9. Del Mar Beach Hotel

Del Mar

$236

$302 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 8 - Oct 9

A pool area with a view of palm trees and a sunset.

A hotel with a prominent sign, palm trees, and a clear blue sky.

A breakfast bar with coffee machines, a waffle maker, and a fruit display.

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a television, a bathroom with a sink and mirror, and a patterned carpet.

10. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad - Legoland Area

South Beach

$105

$118 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 30 - Oct 1

A buffet setup with coffee dispensers, coffee mugs, and food containers.

A hotel room with a large bed, a wooden headboard, a bedside table with a lamp, and a window with curtains.

A lobby with blue sofas, two armchairs, a coffee table, a chandelier, and a wall-mounted air conditioner.

A gym with cardio machines, a weight machine, and a TV on the wall.

11. Continental Inn San Diego Hotel Escondido

Escondido

$144

$158 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

An outdoor seating area with chairs and a fire feature, overlooking a body of water and a distant mountain range.

A wedding aisle with white chairs and floral decorations leading to a decorated arch.

A pool area with a view of a mountain and a town in the background.

A spacious living area with a wooden table, a sofa, and a chair, overlooking a scenic view of a body of water and hills.

12. Lakehouse Resort

Lake San Marcos

$125

$168 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 28 - Sep 29

An outdoor patio area with turquoise chairs, a fire pit, and palm trees.

A modern hotel with a covered entrance, stone pillars, and a sign reading "Home2".

A modern lounge area with a sofa, colorful chairs, a coffee bar, and a large window providing a view of the outdoors.

A modern hotel lobby with a reception desk, a fireplace, and a large chandelier.

13. Home2 Suites by Hilton Carlsbad

City Center

$139

$155 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

A multi-story hotel with a modern design, featuring a covered entrance area and multiple balconies.

A covered outdoor seating area with wicker furniture, a view of a pool, and a building in the background.

A modern lounge area with a sectional sofa, armchairs, a glass coffee table, and a fireplace.

An outdoor seating area with a fire pit, lounge chairs, and umbrellas, overlooking a swimming pool and a building with multiple balconies.

14. Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Carlsbad

City Center

$127

$143 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 4 - Oct 5

A spacious lobby with a central reception desk, multiple seating areas, and hanging pendant lights.

A covered outdoor seating area with wicker furniture, stone pillars, and large windows overlooking greenery.

A spacious lobby with a central round table, multiple seating areas, and a reception desk.

A hotel with a covered entrance, palm trees, and a clear sky.

15. Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Del Mar

Carmel Valley

$148

$170 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 12 - Oct 13

A hotel room with a large bed, a fireplace, a TV, and a balcony with a golf course view.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a television, and a view of the outdoors.

A modern hotel lobby with a glass partition, a reception desk, a hanging light fixture, and a wall-mounted shower.

A modern hotel room with a large window, a sofa, a coffee table, a TV, and a cabinet.

16. Guesthouse Hotel at La Valle

Rancho Santa Fe

$225

$276 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

An outdoor seating area with fire pits, bar, and lounge chairs.

A coastal landscape with a paved path, green vegetation, and a beach.

A multi-story hotel with a modern architectural design, featuring a covered entrance area and palm trees.

A dining area with a long wooden table set for a meal, surrounded by black cushioned booths, and a decorative lantern centerpiece.

17. DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego - Del Mar

Carmel Valley

$152

$173 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

A swimming pool area with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and safety signs.

A hotel room with a large bed, two bedside tables, a chair, and a small table.

A modern hotel lobby with a large seating area, a central table, and large windows with curtains.

18. Hampton Inn Carlsbad-North San Diego County

Aviara

$122

$138 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

An outdoor seating area with modern furniture, a fire feature, and a building with large windows in the background.

A spacious conference room with a large table, multiple chairs, and a sofa. There are ceiling lights, a television, and a kitchen area visible.

A modern hotel lobby with a bar area, seating arrangements, and a large potted plant.

A Holiday Inn hotel with a modern design, featuring a covered entrance and a flagpole.

19. Holiday Inn Carlsbad by IHG

Bressi Ranch

$135

$151 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

An outdoor seating area with sofas, chairs, and tables, surrounded by a stone wall and string lights.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a computer, a chair, and a large window with a view of a landscape.

A spacious lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a kitchen in the background.

A spacious lobby with a central seating area, a reception desk, and a large window providing natural light.

20. Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad

Vista

$145

$160 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

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Go beyond your typical stay in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Our prices for hotels in Cardiff-by-the-Sea are cheapest in November

Top landmarks in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, rocky cliffs, and palm trees.

San Elijo State Beach

9.2/10 (76 reviews)

If you can't wait to get to the beach, you might enjoy a trip to San Elijo State Beach located 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from central Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Catch the sunset by the shore at Swamis Beach, just a short walk away.

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A beach with footprints leading to the water, a person standing in the distance, and a sunset over the ocean.

Cardiff State Beach

9.4/10 (113 reviews)

If want to top up your tan, you might want to head out to Cardiff State Beach, located 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from central Cardiff-by-the-Sea. If you want to continue walking by the waves, head to San Elijo State Beach located nearby.

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Encinitas Community Park

9.0/10 (48 reviews)

Encinitas Community Park is 0.8 mi (1.2 km) from central Cardiff-by-the-Sea, why not stop by during your stay. Why not take a stroll along the beaches and watch the sunset while you're here? Want to stretch your legs some more? Head to San Elijo State Beach and Stagecoach Park, both nearby.

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Eli Howard Surf School

8.6/10 (17 reviews)

Eli Howard Surf School is 0.3 mi (0.6 km) from central Cardiff-by-the-Sea, why not stop by during your stay. Hotels.com travelers also say the area is family-friendly and has lots of nice beaches.

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Elks Lodge

If you're looking for things to do when staying in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, go to Elks Lodge.

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Learn more about Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Beneath the laid-back surfer vibe, this coastal enclave hides world-class waves at Cardiff Reef where locals paddle out at dawn with religious devotion. San Elijo State Beach offers tide pools teeming with starfish and anemones between sessions. After catching the perfect wave, join the sandy-footed crowd at beachside taco shops where fish tacos come with ocean views. The coastal trail provides front-row seats to spectacular sunsets that explain why residents seem perpetually relaxed. While technically part of Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea maintains its distinct personality, where surf culture isn't a tourist attraction but a way of life. Nearby, Swami's Beach draws more experienced surfers to its legendary break.

See all hotels in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Check out reviews of Cardiff-by-the-Sea hotels guests love

Hampton Inn Carlsbad-North San Diego County

Aviara

10/10 Exceptional

Diana

Home2 Suites by Hilton Carlsbad

City Center

10/10 Exceptional

Michael

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Carlsbad

City Center

10/10 Exceptional

We had a wonderful stay at this hotel — the rooms and amenities were great, and the staff was incredibly kind and helpful. A special thank you to Sydney and the team for going above and beyond when we accidentally left behind a personal item. They responded quickly and helped return it to us, which meant so much to our family. It’s rare to find such thoughtful service these days, and this really made our weekend even more memorable. Highly recommend this hotel, and we look forward to coming...

Jihye

Hampton Inn Cardiff Beach Encinitas, CA Near Del Mar

Cardiff-by-the-Sea

10/10 Exceptional

- The hot breakfast (which I didn't know it was included in mine) was awesome. They had egg-based meal, cereals, oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, bread, orange juice, and more (and yes, everything was hot and delicious) - Parking (self-covered) will be just $10, which I think is a really reasonable price. - The place is quiet and safe. In front of the place there are two gas stations; both walkable. I arrived at the hotel late and went there like 10PM but never felt unsafe. - The staffs were extremely...

Changhyeon

Cardiff by the Sea Lodge

Cardiff-by-the-Sea

10/10 Exceptional

Adele

A modern lobby with leather seating, a fireplace, and a large plant.

A hotel lobby with a curved reception desk, seating area, and a large plant.

A hotel room with a sofa, two beds, a TV, and a framed picture on the wall.

A modern Hyatt Place hotel with a glass entrance and palm trees in the foreground.

Hyatt Place San Diego/Vista-Carlsbad

Vista

10/10 Exceptional

Andres

A hotel lobby with a large seating area, a kitchen counter with coffee machines, and a stone fireplace.

A spacious lobby with a fireplace, seating area, and a television mounted on the wall.

A multi-story hotel with a stone facade, a covered entrance, and landscaped gardens.

A spacious lobby with a fireplace, seating area, and a reception desk.

Sonesta ES Suites San Diego - Rancho Bernardo

Carmel Mountain Ranch

10/10 Exceptional

JAILENE

A multi-story hotel with a prominent entrance, a stone facade, and a clear sky.

A modern living room with a wooden dining table, grey sofas, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall.

A hotel room with two beds, a window with blinds, a heater, a bedside table with a lamp, and a wooden wardrobe.

A compact kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, sink, and wooden cabinets.

WoodSpring Suites Santee - San Diego Northeast

Santee

10/10 Exceptional

Alejandra

A wooden deck with outdoor seating, string lights, and a view of the ocean.

A stone fireplace with framed artwork above, a dining area with chairs and a table, and large windows with a view.

A reception area with a counter, baskets, and shelves with various items.

A modern hotel with a covered patio, landscaped garden, and a clear view of the surrounding area.

Best Western Plus Beach View Lodge Carlsbad

Carlsbad Village

10/10 Exceptional

Linda

A poolside area with a circular fire pit surrounded by a curved seating area with striped cushions.

A multi-story hotel with a central entrance, palm trees, and a landscaped garden.

A modern restaurant with booth seating, pendant lighting, and a herringbone wood floor.

A spacious lobby with a central seating area, a staircase, and a second-floor balcony.

MarBrisa Carlsbad Resort

Carlsbad Ranch

10/10 Exceptional

My husband, 4-1/2 year old son, and I stayed at MarBrisa, as we had planned a trip to Legoland. The hotel and room were really nice, clean and updated. The room was very comfortable...it seemed to be a little larger than most hotel rooms. We really enjoyed relaxing around the pool area. We were there during the week, in the summer, and it was not crowded at all. I think everyone must have been at Legoland...which leads to the next huge benefit. If you are going to Legoland, there is a back...

Sherry

A modern lobby with a stone wall, blue sofas, a reception desk, and a staircase.

A lobby with a stone wall, blue sofa, purple chairs, and a patterned rug.

A hotel pool area with a circular pool, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and palm trees.

A restaurant with booths and tables, a counter, and a mural on the wall.

Kings Inn San Diego

Mission Valley

10/10 Exceptional

Jessica

A modern hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, a desk, and a wardrobe.

A modern hotel room with a blue sofa, a wooden coffee table, two patterned armchairs, a TV mounted on a wooden cabinet, and a small kitchenette area.

A breakfast station with a flat-top griddle, a coffee machine, and a sign indicating fresh pancakes are available.

A coffee station with two coffee machines and a variety of coffee pods and cups.

Holiday Inn Express San Diego Airport - Old Town by IHG

Mission Hills

10/10 Exceptional

Angela

A hotel room with two beds, a window with curtains, and a wall-mounted picture.

A gated entrance to a building with a sign reading "RAMADA BY WYNDHAM".

A self-service checkout area with a digital payment terminal, snack vending machine, and a beverage dispenser.

A hotel room with a sofa, a TV, a desk, and a chair.

Ramada by Wyndham San Diego Poway Miramar

Poway

10/10 Exceptional

lorena

An aerial view of a resort with a central swimming pool, palm trees, and a view of the ocean and beach.

A modern building with a curved roof, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.

A waterfront hotel with a dock, palm trees, and a view of the water.

An outdoor dining area with tables and chairs, umbrellas, and string lights against a sunset backdrop.

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Mission Bay

10/10 Exceptional

Pavithra

A beachside lounge with wooden furniture and a large umbrella, overlooking the ocean.

A modern living room with a sofa, coffee table, and a TV mounted on the wall.

A hotel with a pool, outdoor seating, and a view of the sea.

A bedroom with a four-poster bed, a ceiling fan, a wooden dresser, and a large window with a view of the sky.

The Inn at Sunset Cliffs

Ocean Beach

10/10 Exceptional

James

A seaside restaurant with outdoor seating overlooking the ocean, a pier in the background, and a clear sky.

The exterior of the Ocean Beach Hotel with a clear view of the entrance and large arched windows.

A compact room with a kitchenette, a dining area, and a view of the outdoors.

A beach view with a pier extending into the ocean, a staircase leading down to the beach, and a railing with potted plants.

Ocean Beach Hotel

Ocean Beach

10/10 Exceptional

Elizabeth

A resort with a large swimming pool surrounded by lounge chairs and palm trees.

A lobby with seating areas, a piano, and a reception desk.

A spacious lobby with a central round table, a reception desk, and a bar area.

A bar area with wooden chairs and tables, a bar counter with various bottles, and a sign reading "BEACH BUMS CATER HERE".

Handlery Hotel

Mission Valley

10/10 Exceptional

Carlos

A beach with waves, a sandy shore, and buildings in the background.

A glass table with a bottle of wine, two glasses, cheese, crackers, and a red apple.

A swimming pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by palm trees and a fence.

PB Surf Beachside Inn

Pacific Beach

10/10 Exceptional

Robyn

The Encinitan Hotel & Suites

Downtown Encinitas

10/10 Exceptional

Deidre

A pool area with lounge chairs and palm trees.

A patio with a fountain, outdoor seating, and potted plants.

A round window with a view of a cityscape, palm trees, and a clear sky.

A buffet with various food options, wooden cabinets, and a ceiling fan.

Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town

Old Town San Diego

10/10 Exceptional

Roberto

Frequently Asked Questions

What accommodations do travelers like in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?

Guests like Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Diego North, CA.

Can I book refundable hotels in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?

If you want the flexibility to change your plans to Cardiff-by-the-Sea, most accommodations provide refundable* rates you can book. You can see these properties by searching our site and using the "fully refundable" filter to narrow the results down.

Where can I stay in Cardiff-by-the-Sea if I want a vacation rental instead of a hotel?

If you want to find a good alternative to a hotel, browse our selection of 37 vacation homes. You also might want to book one of 5 condos for your trip.

What will the weather in Cardiff-by-the-Sea be like during my vacation?

September and August are typically the warmest months in Cardiff-by-the-Sea when the average temp is 70°F. February and January are the coldest months when the average temperature is 57°F. December and January are the months with the most rain.

Why should I book my Cardiff-by-the-Sea accommodation with Hotels.com?

There are lots of reasons to book your Cardiff-by-the-Sea trip with us: our free cancellations on selected hotels* gives you flexibility, and with One Key™, our rewards program, you will be able to earn and use OneKeyCash™** on all eligible bookings such as hotels, car rentals, flights, vacation rentals and more on Hotels.com, Expedia and Vrbo.

Hotels in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Free cancellation options if plans change

Earn rewards on every night you stay

Save more with Member Prices

Check prices for these dates

Where to stay in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?

1. Hampton Inn Cardiff Beach Encinitas, CA Near Del Mar

2. Cardiff by the Sea Lodge

3. The Encinitan Hotel & Suites

4. Leucadia Beach Inn

5. Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas

6. Best Western Premier Hotel Del Mar

7. West Inn & Suites

8. Hampton Inn San Diego Del Mar

9. Del Mar Beach Hotel

10. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad - Legoland Area

11. Continental Inn San Diego Hotel Escondido

12. Lakehouse Resort

13. Home2 Suites by Hilton Carlsbad

14. Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Carlsbad

15. Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Del Mar

16. Guesthouse Hotel at La Valle

17. DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego - Del Mar

18. Hampton Inn Carlsbad-North San Diego County

19. Holiday Inn Carlsbad by IHG

20. Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad

Go beyond your typical stay in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Price trends for hotels in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

September

Top landmarks in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

San Elijo State Beach

Cardiff State Beach

Encinitas Community Park

Eli Howard Surf School

Elks Lodge

Learn more about Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Check out reviews of Cardiff-by-the-Sea hotels guests love

Hampton Inn Carlsbad-North San Diego County

10/10 Exceptional

Home2 Suites by Hilton Carlsbad

10/10 Exceptional

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Carlsbad

10/10 Exceptional

Hampton Inn Cardiff Beach Encinitas, CA Near Del Mar

10/10 Exceptional

Cardiff by the Sea Lodge

10/10 Exceptional

Hyatt Place San Diego/Vista-Carlsbad

10/10 Exceptional

Sonesta ES Suites San Diego - Rancho Bernardo

10/10 Exceptional

WoodSpring Suites Santee - San Diego Northeast

10/10 Exceptional

Best Western Plus Beach View Lodge Carlsbad

10/10 Exceptional

MarBrisa Carlsbad Resort

10/10 Exceptional

Kings Inn San Diego

10/10 Exceptional

Holiday Inn Express San Diego Airport - Old Town by IHG

10/10 Exceptional

Ramada by Wyndham San Diego Poway Miramar

10/10 Exceptional

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

10/10 Exceptional

The Inn at Sunset Cliffs

10/10 Exceptional

Ocean Beach Hotel

10/10 Exceptional

Handlery Hotel

10/10 Exceptional

PB Surf Beachside Inn

10/10 Exceptional

The Encinitan Hotel & Suites

10/10 Exceptional

Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town

10/10 Exceptional

Frequently Asked Questions

What accommodations do travelers like in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?

Can I book refundable hotels in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?