Encinitas, California is a [sort-of] hidden gem of a surf-town in northern San Diego County (dubbed “North County” by locals). It’s well-known among surfers and southern Californians but outside of the area is less known and sometimes gets confused with Ensenada (that’s in Mexico!)
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Encinitas, California from a former local, you’re in the right place! I lived in Encinitas, California for six-years, visit frequently, and these are my top things to do in Encinitas, California.
TOP THREE THINGS TO DO IN ENCINITAS, CA
In my completely biased opinion, here are the top three things to do in Encinitas, California.
1. Go for a Surf
Encinitas is at its core a surf town so it HAS to top the list of things to do. If you’re a surfer, you probably already know the spots you want to check out. Enjoy!
If you’re new to surfing, be aware that surfers can be territorial and the surf in Southern California can get burly at times (in other words: it will kick you’re a**). Check the surf report and make sure you’re in a beginner friendly-ish spot. The best way to do that? Take a lesson, get a recommendation from a local friend, or ask for recommendations from your gear rental shop.
TIP – When the locals say the surf sucks, it’s often a great day for beginners! Fewer crowds and manageable sized waves.
2. Eat Tacos
Thanks to its proximity to Mexico, tacos and burritos are a delicious part of Southern California’s food culture, and Encinitas is no exception. For a small town, there are a disproportionate number of taco shops and they’re mostly great! You can find a mix of street tacos, baja style fish tacos, creative fusion tacos, and more.
City Tacos Encinitas is a personal favorite that has great tacos, friendly service, and a fun vibe on Taco Tuesdays. Fish 101 is a classic for high-quality, sustainable fish tacos with two locations in Encinitas. Encinitas Fish Shop is another spot for seafood focused tacos that you can tailor based on type of seafood (diver scallops!), marinade, and type of shell. El Pueblo in Cardiff is another local favorite with an unassuming location (attached to Valero gas station, which incidentally, has great beer options).
I guessss, you could also eat a burrito but if you do, make it a Cali Burrito and get it from Juanita’s (preferably after a night out)
3. Soak in a Sunset
Ain’t no sunset like a SoCal sunset. I have seen so many Encinitas, CA sunsets and I still get giddy at catching one. They are unparalleled, especially in winter when a bit of cloud coverage can lead to explosive reds and pinks. The best place to catch a sunset is on the beach or at a beach look-out
Alcohol is prohibited on Encinitas beaches, however, if you pay attention you’ll notice people stealthily [and sometimes not so stealthily] enjoying their boozy beverage of choice along with sunset views. Do what you want with that information. 😉
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links which means if use them, I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Win-win!
MORE SPLENDID THINGS TO DO IN ENCINITAS, CA
Get Outdoors
Enjoy Nature at San Elijo Lagoon + Annie’s Canyon
San Elijo Lagoon Nature Reserve is a great spot to do some nature walking and a popular birding location. Annie’s Canyon Trail is my favorite part of the lagoon with quite a few fond memories. Once upon a time, was a secret spot that you had to venture off trail to find. The secret is out and it’s not an official trail, but it’s still a great place for a mini (very short) canyon adventure in Encinitas.
Have a Beach Day
Take advantage of being in a beach town! Lounge, surf, walk, read a book, play with some ridiculous inflatables, or whatever else you desire. Moonlight Beach and San Elijo State Park are great beaches with bathrooms. Grandview Beach and Beacon’s Beach are fantastic beaches without facilities.
Safety Tip – Stay away from the bluffs. Don’t set up your beach blanket or walk close to the bluffs (the cliffside). Cliff collapses happen and sadly have caused deaths in recent history.
Quick Links for Visiting Encinitas, CA
Check Hotel Prices
Check Vrbo Prices
Check flight prices to San Diego (closest major airport)
Explore Tide Pools at Swami’s
At low tide (emphasis on at low tide) you can walk around and explore the tide-pools at Swami’s Beach. Keep an eye out for sea anemones, lobsters, and other cool ocean critters.
Hike or Trail Run Manchester Preserve
Small and short but fun little neighborhood hiking area. Used to be one of my favorite areas to get some trail running in with a little bit of hills without having to drive far. Click to view it on AllTrails.
Walk Between South Encinitas & Cardiff
Stroll the 101 or the parallel rail trail – or maybe both (one each way) from the south end of Encinitas to Cardiff. On any given day, you’ll be in good company. You’re bound to pass surfers, runners, and walkers on this strip with beautiful ocean views.
The route is a gem any time of day but sunset is particularly nice. As far as start/end landmarks: Swami’s Beach or Swami’s Restaurant (S. Encinitas) to the Cardiff Kook Statute or Seaside Market (Cardiff).
Bike Around
Road biking is BIG in North County San Diego and Encinitas is a great jumping-off point. Bring your bike or rent one from one of the local stops and enjoy an adventure down the 101 in either direction or go east into hillier areas.
If you’re not into road biking, you can bring or rent a bike (e- bike) to scoot around town is also popular. Just be sure to use something with gears, it can get hilly in parts of Encinitas!
Tip – Encinitas is not the best spot for a single-speed beach cruising on the beach. The beach can be narrow and cut-off at points during high tide – and a lot of beach access points have stairs (tough to carry a heavy bike down).
Camp at San Elijo State Beach
San Elijo State Beach offers family-friendly coast-side camping right particularly well-suited for surfers and campers that like a mix of beach and town access.
It is important to note that: San Elijo camping is NOT wilderness or remote camping. The campsites are tight and the grounds are frequently filled to capacity. It’s also on the expensive end of campgrounds. BUT for a fun social camp where you can wake up and walk down to the beach and to restaurants, it’s fantastic!
Tip – Reserve early! It’s a popular campground.
Play at Encinitas Community Park
If you skateboard, have a dog, or have kids, you should check out Encinitas Community Park. There’s a large skateboard that on occasion is visited by famous adventure athletes. Then there’s a big playground and ample space for kids to run around throughout the park. AND THEN there’s a dog park with a pretty social atmosphere (helllooo, single dog owners :)).
If you don’t skateboard, have a dog or have kids, you can still stroll around the 44-acre Encinitas Community Park, but your time in Encinitas is probably better allocated elsewhere.
Golf at Encinitas Ranch
I don’t golf but I hear some people like it and you can golf at Encinitas Ranch. If you can swing it and get a tee time, see if you can also hop down to Del Mar, which is only 15 – 20 minutes away from Encinitas, and play at the iconic Torrey Pines.
Gorgeous Gardens
Zen Out at the SRF Meditation Gardens
The Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF)’s oceanfront meditation gardens are a cannot miss if you are in or near Encinitas. The gardens are free to visit, immaculately maintained, and almost guaranteed to calm you down. When I was studying for the California Bar Exam, I frequented the gardens at lunch to chill out. (I passed for what it’s worth!)
Enjoy the Encinitas Botanical Gardens
The Encinitas Botanical Gardens (fee for entry) offer another opportunity to enjoy well-tended vibrant gardens in Encinitas and to learn a bit more about plants. The gardens also offer educational and seasonal events so it’s worth checking if there is anything of interest before you go.
Shopping & Strolling
Stroll & Shop “Downtown” Encinitas
You won’t find any skyscrapers but you will find plenty of shopping options in downtown Encinitas, most with a casual west-coast vibe (think: beachwear, athleisure, crystals, etc). Shop and stroll Coast Highway 101 (aka “The 101” and “Coast Highway”) and stop for a bite or bevvy as needed. The core downtown area runs from around the intersection of Sante Fe Dr and S. Coast Highway 101 to the intersection of B Street and S. Coast Highway 101.
Don’t Miss: BlackBook Bikini is a hip, chic beach and casual wear that will have you feeling comfy and confident at the same time. Tell Pamela I sent you 😉
Encinitas Street Fairs (Seasonal)
Encinitas hosts a few street fairs each year. The holiday and spring street fairs are the main ones. There are typically hundreds of vendors as well as music, food, and drink offerings. If you’re around during an Encinitas street fair, check it out!
Keep Leucadia Funky
Leucadia is a sub-neighborhood of Encinitas, just a smidge north of the downtown Encinitas area. It’s a gem of an area that boasts the unofficial but beloved motto “Keep Leucadia Funky.” Walk around, pop in a few shops (surf/water sport shop focused but with a few cool boutiques), and enjoy.
Leucadia Farmer’s Market
Sunday is a particularly good time to enjoy Leucadia because the Leucadia Farmer’s Market is on Sundays! It’s a great market full of all things food (+ flowers!). On any given week you can find produce, local prepared foods, breads, sweet treats, meat, and dairy options. You can also find vendors serving food to be eaten at the market because well, food shopping makes you hungry!
Other “Enci” Things
Catch a Flick at La Paloma Theater
La Paloma theater is a historic theater that has been a fixture in Encinitas, California since 1928. It has everything you (or maybe I?) want in a historic theater, cool architecture and a decidedly unrefined vibe, in the best way.
La Paloma usually offers at least one blockbuster coupled with a few independent film options. In my opinion, to get the full experience, go for a surf or adventure film screening. These types of periodic screenings are sell-out, line around the corner events when you’re in a surf town.
Get Some “Cardiff Crack” at Seaside Market
When you ask someone for “crack,” in Encinitas*, they will direct you to Seaside Market where you can purchase the grocery store’s famous burgundy pepper tri-tip, affectionately dubbed “Cardiff Crack,” because well, it’s that good. It’s such a hot commodity that the market now sells and ships it to buyers across the country.
*I don’t actually recommend asking someone for crack in Encinitas or anywhere.
Get Artsy at ICA
The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) San Diego North, formerly Lux Art Institute, seeks to make art accessible and valuable to everyone through art classes, pay-what-you can exhibits, and community engagement. ICA’s north location is right in Encinitas! So take a break from surfing and get artsy with it.
GEAR CHECK: ENCINITAS ESSENTIALS
Beach bag – Like the adorable, functional, (and Enci local!) Aloha Collection bags (click here to view).
Sunscreen – I love LaRoche Posay (click here to view)
Quality Flip-flops – It’s the beach after all! Sanuk has quite a few budget friendly options (click to view).
Light jacket/sweater – With low humidity, evenings can get cool
