Cardiff-by-the-Sea , often referred to as Cardiff , is a beach community located between Encinitas and Solana Beach in San Diego County , California . The Pacific Ocean is to the west of the city, Encinitas on its east and north, and a beach and lagoon on its south. With a population of under 12,000, Cardiff-by-the-Sea operates as part of the city of Encinitas, but has its own ZIP code (92007), unlike the other communities that comprise parts of Encinitas : Leucadia and Olivenhain . In 1911, this former farming community began to develop Cardiff when developer J. Frank Cullen broke ground to build new homes [1] . It is reported by the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce that it was Frank Cullen's wife, a native of Cardiff , Wales , who persuaded him to name the community Cardiff. Many streets in Cardiff bear names this English-born landowner grew up with in his native UK . Birmingham, Oxford, Chesterfield, and Manchester are major streets. While Cardiff has no official mayor, Martha "Magic" is considered to be acting mayor de facto [ citation needed ] . Cardiff is a popular surf destination.