Sandwiched between Encinitas and the San Elijo Lagoon, Cardiff by the Sea (a.k.a. simply as Cardiff) is the quintessential Southern California beach town.
With surf shops, casual eateries (including some directly on the ocean), an easily walkable downtown (in the Walking District of Cardiff), a mix of new and old (its shops as well as its housing) and of course fabulous beaches and sunset views, Cardiff exudes a charm that rarely fails to appeal to first time visitors, and keeps folks coming back.
Certainly residents who live here, many of them for years, enjoy the charm, ocean views, and small-town feel and comradery of a community with long surfing roots, one that is comfortable with the past and being a bit different, but with a eye to the future as well.
Cardiff is a place to discover - an eclectic blend of housing and unique shops. One place absolutely worth a visit is Good Morning, in a small colorful strip mall (neighbors include the Chamber of Commerce, VG Donuts, and a Tatoo place), just a block from the coast road and beach.
Good Morning, a shop of many Treasures, as owner Darrell Kitaen calls it, is an amazing collection of souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, crafts, art, and a myriad of other items that remind you of the 1960s. Words fail to adequately describe this unique shop with views of the ocean, so enjoy the photos in the virtual tour below.
Darreld was a pleasure to meet and talk with. He has been in this location for about 30 years, with his first indoor business location in the building that is now Las Olas along Restaurant Row on the Coast Highway. I had a great time hearing about his early life in Hollywood, then in Idyllwild (a hiker's paradise, by the way), and his start in the business in San Diego, first with outdoor venues on street corners and later moving indoors. Darreld has seen a lot, knows a lot, has many friends, and is someone I would consider to be pretty wise about the ways of the world. I'm not the only one - he was recently featured in an article in the star News publication, San Diego Seniors: Prime, A Lifestyle guide for the 50+ Generation.
Walking into Good Morning, and meeting Darreld, made me smile. You will too. When you stop by, please let him how you found out about his shop. He found my video about Cardiff on YouTube, so I am returning a favor here.
By the way here's a YouTube video about Darreld made by Leah (StellaBelle).
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Hi Jeff, I recall reading in one of your posts about this and that he invited you over to write about his business. Is this the one you were referring to?. Well even if it isn't, this is a cool way to introduce the local businesses and shopkeepers. Nicely done.
Jeff, from that picture it looks like he has every souvenir under the sun in that shop:)
Hi Jeff,
Good Morning sounds and looks like such a fun place. As a kid of the 60's Cardiff reminds me of so many little beach communites that used to dot our CA coastline back then. But you know what they say, if you remember the 60's you weren't really there.
William - yes it is the same guy. I still think the whole thing was so interesting. He got to me on YouTube as the result of someone who walked in who had seen his video as well as mine. The power of the Internet. And he was gracious enough to take a pile of business cards.
George - well as I said it is impossible to truly describe everything
Lynda - ha ha. So what DO you remember?
Jeff
I bet it would take more than an afternoon to investigate the collection. Looks like fun.
Hi Jeff - It's posts like this that make me think I'm living on the wrong coast. What a fun shop - and just across from the ocean - in a strip mall that actually looks appealing - mighty nice.
Liz
Loved the video, Jeff! This is just the kind of place I need to stay away from! But I'll certainly check out the tatoo parlor.
Terry - well I was there for an hour and I know I was only able to take in a small amount of the inventory. That's why the photos are so good.
Liz - well as far as strip malls go, this one is pretty unusual.
Pat - and what would you have tatooed?
Jeff
I love Cardiff by the Sea! We have taken our three boys to Surf Camp USA with the Carlsbad HS surf coach, Denny, and they had a great time...even with the jellyfish... You live in a fantastic place with really good shopping...