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👉 Jump to: Things to Do | Beaches | Food & Drink | Museums & Culture | Sites & Attractions | Wellness Activities
Encinitas is home to some of the most consistent weather and beautiful beaches in Southern California.
I grew up in this lovely California town and I’m happy to share my Encinitas bucket list with you. I’ve included popular attractions like Moonlight Beach and the San Diego Botanic Garden, but I’ve sprinkled in a few hidden gems and some of my favorite haunts as well.
I’ll cover the best beaches, food & drink, wellness activities, and can’t-miss sites. So go ahead and make the drive north from downtown San Diego. Here’s what to do in Encinitas!
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35 Best Things to Do in Encinitas
Moonlight Beach
Enjoy a cheerful day at this beach that hosts everything from surf competitions to music festivals.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 633-2740 | Website | 🕐 Hours: dawn to sunset | Entrance: Free | Parking lot and street parking | No dogs allowed
The name Moonlight Beach was originally coined by people who came here to enjoy midnight picnics in the early 20th century. Today, this beach is most well-known for its annual surf competitions and outdoor music festivals typically held in early summer.
Moonlight Beach has something for everyone. There are plenty of public picnic tables, volleyball courts, a snack shack, and tennis courts a few blocks away.
I also recommend checking out the nearby Dave’s Rock Garden. The garden is an unofficial public art installation lined with succulents and filled with colorful painted rocks left by visitors from all over the world.
🏨 Need a Hotel: Moonlight Beach is just 5 minutes away from the Inn at Moonlight Beach! I highly recommend booking a room here if you want plenty of time to lounge on the beach during your stay. But there are plenty of other options, so bookmark my full guide to where to stay in Encinitas too.
Self Realization Fellowship, Meditation Gardens
Stroll through an oceanfront, cliffside garden with cacti and koi fish.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 753-1811 | Website | 🕐 Hours: 9 am – 5 pm, Tuesday – Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm, Sunday, Closed Monday & rainy days | Entrance: Free | Street parking
Go to the Self Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens for a truly meditative walk. The gardens sit elevated above the beach with gorgeous greenery, a koi pond, and a variety of benches to stop and enjoy the tranquility. It’s common to see people meditating here as students come here to take classes at the fellowship.
San Elijo Lagoon
Head to the trails for a beautiful hike where you’ll spot plenty of unique plants and wildlife.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 634-3026 | Website | 🕐 Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free | Street Parking
The San Elijo Lagoon is a spacious lagoon full of unique plant and animal species. I suggest visiting the Ecological Reserve and Nature Center to learn a bit about all the birds, reptiles, and other critters you might see here.
This is an area you don’t want to miss if you’re an outdoor enthusiast. The lagoon has a variety of hiking and walking trails including one of the coolest hikes in San Diego, Annie’s Canyon Trail.
San Diego Botanic Garden
Meander through lush groves and admire native plants.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 436-3036 | Website | 🕐 Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Wednesday – Monday, Closed Tuesday | Entrance: $18, adults, $10 youth, $12 seniors/military/student, free for children under 3
The San Diego Botanic Garden (formerly Quail Botanical Gardens) is one of the best things to do in San Diego! Find it in the heart of Encinitas across the street from the San Dieguito Heritage Museum at the Heritage Ranch.
Encinitas is Spanish for small oaks and it was named by early settlers who embraced the oak trees inhabiting the town. There’s so much to see inside the San Diego Botanic Gardens including these preserved oak trees and many other native plants.
Lou’s Records
Step back into the 80s at a local records shop.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 753-1382 | Website | 🕐 Hours: 12 pm – 6 pm daily | Entrance: free | parking lots
Lou’s Records is seen as a historical landmark by locals. So much old-school nostalgia runs through its walls. Musicians like Jack Johnson played here before rising to fame. You can find a mix of used and new vinyl records, cassette tapes, turntables, and CDs for sale, making it a great stop for music aficionados.
Four Moons Spa
Celebrate life with a luxurious spa treatment that includes massages, facials, astrology, sound baths, and mystical and healing sessions.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 436-5140 | Website | 🕐 Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Sun-Mon, 9 am – 7 pm Tue-Sat | Entrance: Free | Parking Lot
You’ll find a lot of establishments in Encinitas have been converted from houses into new concept shops. One such place is the Four Moons Spa.
This spa is great for special occasions — the space is pure beach elegance at its finest. This new-age wellness retreat offers massages, facials, astrology, sound baths, and mystical and healing sessions.
Tide Beach Park
Visit a spacious beach for all sorts of recreational activities.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (858) 720-2400 | Website | 🕐 Hours: dawn – dusk daily | Entrance: Free | Street parking
Tide Beach inside Cardiff State Beach is right on the border of where the Cardiff area of Encinitas becomes Solana Beach. This lovely park is home to a large reef and tide pools on the north side. Fletcher Cove is also around the corner and provides beachgoers with plenty of room for surfing, snorkeling, body-boarding, and more.
Leucadia Farmers Market
Support local farmers and try new foods at this weekly market.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (858) 272-7054 | Website | 🕐 Hours: Sundays 10 am – 2 pm | Entrance: Free | Free parking lot
What better way to sample the local food and flavors than by visiting the farmer’s market? Leucadia Farmers Market is open every Sunday beside an elementary school. Vendors carry a range of fruits, vegetables, plants, and specialty items like kombucha and mineral sunscreen. There’s also hot food available for purchase so visitors can sit and stay a while.
Candles On Tap
Get crafty and creative at this DIY candle bar.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 395-7161 | Website | 🕐 Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday 12 pm – 5 pm, Thursday – Saturday 12 pm – 7 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm, Closed Monday | Creations: $36-50
One of my favorite businesses in town is Candles On Tap, San Diego’s first custom candle bar. This is a great place for crafty visitors and anyone looking to make something by hand.
Candles on Tap has a hundred scented oils to choose from to create and mix your scent, plus different containers to hold your custom candle.
Encinitas Community Park
Head to a top-rated park with space for sports and more.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 633-2740 | Website | 🕐 Hours: 5 am – 10 pm daily; Dog park closed Thursdays 1 – 3 pm for maintenance | Entrance: Free | Parking Lot
Encinitas Community Park includes 44 grassy acres with public multi-use open space. It has a dog park, skate park, children’s playground, picnic tables, restrooms, shaded areas, baseball fields, and soccer fields.
Whether you’re on a solo trip or a family vacation, this park is a great place for sports or to have a picnic, walk around, and simply enjoy nature.
My Favorite Beaches
Grandview
Step down to a surfer’s paradise on the north side of Leucadia State Beach.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🕐 Hours: 4 am – 2 am daily | Parking Lot | No Restrooms
Grandview Beach is another one of Encinitas’ many great beaches. It’s on the north side of Leucadia State Beach and a steep wooden staircase leads to a popular surf break.
I wouldn’t recommend Grandview if you’re just looking to lay out because it’s a lot more narrow than others and sits below high bluffs which can sometimes be unsafe terrain. However, this beach is a great surf spot and lookout point.
Beacon’s Beach
Sunbathe in a secluded neighborhood beach inside Leucadia State Beach.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 633-2740 | Website | 🕐 Hours: 4 am – 2 am daily | Parking lot | No restrooms
Beacon’s Beach is inside Leucadia State Beach on the south side. It’s another great spot that’s mainly for surfing. It is considered a hidden treasure amongst San Diego beaches. To access this beach, I recommend using the staircase trail that leads to the ocean but be careful of the steep bluffs.
Swami’s Beach
Don’t miss all the action at this famous surf spot.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🕐 Hours: 4 am – 2 am daily | Restrooms | Parking Lot | Picnic Facilities
Swami’s Beach and Seaside Park is another well-known surf spot right next to the Self-Realization Fellowship. Don’t miss the large tiki statue above the beach in the parking lot — it’s said to protect the beach.
Swami’s has its own charm with quirky art sculptures and a vantage point perfect for sunset viewing. Visiting with a group that wants to practice surfing? I recommend taking a private group surf lesson here.
San Elijo State Beach
Bring a picnic and soak up the unbeatable weather at this spacious beach.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 753-5091 | Website | 🕐 Hours: dawn – sunset daily | Free street parking or paid parking lot
Grab your beach gear and head to San Elijo State Beach. Looking for food? Snacks are within walking distance from the highly coveted Seaside Market. This beach connects to San Elijo Campgrounds and is located right next to Cardiff State Beach.
At San Elijo State Beach, experience wide space to roam, walk dogs on leash, watch sand rake artists, and walk the overpass from one beach to another. This is a great spot for relaxing onshore and enjoying the weather.
Food & Drink
Prager Brothers Artisan Bread
Shop local and support small businesses by eating delicious fresh baked bread.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 704-8442 | Website | 🕐 Hours: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm daily | Street parking
Take home artisan baked bread from a bakery owned by two brothers who were born and raised in nearby Carlsbad. Praeger Brothers Artisan Bread specializes in natural loaf bread. It also has an assortment of pastries, muffins, sweet treats, and specialty sandwiches. This bread is beloved by the community and this particular location is the newest shop.
Encinitas Vegan Food Scene
Calling all vegans, Encinitas has something special for you.
📍 Google Maps
Depending on where you’re from, vegan food might be nonexistent. A lot of visitors are shocked by the number of vegan options we have in Encinitas and surrounding areas.
Start at Plant Power’s vegan drive-thru before trying Plumeria’s vegan Thai food. Or snag a delightful plant-based burger at Nectarine Grove. You’ll be amazed variety of of vegan food in Encinitas!
Coastal Coffee on the 101
Sip on cold brews, specialty lattes, pour-overs, and more.
📍 Google Maps | Street parking
If you’re a coffee-lover, you’ve come to the right city to get your daily dose of caffeine! Encinitas is packed with a diverse lineup of coffee shops on every corner.
Check out the Pannikin in the bright yellow house for a nice place to sit and sip. My personal favorite, Better Buzz Coffee, has a “best drink ever” menu item which is its version of a vanilla latte.
If you’re looking for a pour-over cup, head to Philz. For an old-school vibe, check out Surfdog’s Java Hut. The best part? You’re a nice stroll away from the beach.
Beer & Live Music
Taste a variety of small batched brews while enjoying local bands.
📍 Google Maps | Street parking | Great for groups | Popular nights: Thursday – Saturday
Encinitas is a hub for beer tasting. This beer lover hot spot has a bunch of breweries and bars with local beer on tap. It’s definitely one of the best places for beer near San Diego.
And if beer tasting wasn’t enough, many places offer live music while you drink and dine. Some great spots to check out are Culture Brewing Co, Modern Times, The Bier Garden, and The Roxy.
Encinitas-Style Mexican Food
Experience the best Mexican food on the west coast.
📍 Google Maps | Street parking
All around Encinitas, you’ll find Mexican food at huge restaurants, tiny shops, and food trucks. Being so close to Mexico, we are proud to have such the influence of delicious Baja cultural cuisine. Make sure to try fish tacos, chile relleno, surf & turf, and unique items like a taquito burrito and fried cheese shell tacos.
Try a Speciality Dessert
Cool off with sweet treats by the beach – like ice cream tacos, ice cream cookie sandwiches, pies, and cakes.
📍 Google Maps | Street parking
Dessert time is underrated in Encinitas. Encinitas is home to a variety of specialty desserts for travelers with a sweet tooth.
We have a school bus converted into a Hawaiian shaved ice truck, gelato, and boba at am outdoor living room-inspired plantscape, ice cream tacos, ice cream cookie sandwiches, pies, and cakes. Just walk down Hwy 101 and you’ll stumble upon all of these.
Museums and Culture
🎨 Read Next: 17 Worthwhile Museums in San Diego County
Encinitas Historical Society
Time travel to a historical classroom to learn about early life in the area.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 942-9066 | Website | 🕐 Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Saturdays | Entrance: Free, donations welcome | Street Parking
Visit the Encinitas Historical Society and 1883 Schoolhouse if you’re searching for a cultural activity. The preserved house gives you a glimpse into what school was like in Encinitas many years ago. The non-profit is passionate about keeping its properties up to date to share info on this city’s historical landmarks.
Encinitas Boathouses
Envision your life on a boat while visiting this historical landmark.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 943-1950 | Website | 🕐 Hours: Tours start 10 am – 4 pm, Saturdays – September – July, self-guided anytime | Entrance: Free tours and self-guided
Have you ever wanted to live on a boat? Envision your life aboard one with a visit to the Encinitas Boathouses. The Boathouses are a historical landmark and part of guided downtown Encinitas walking tours hosted by the Historical Society. Tours start at 10 am every 3rd Saturday.
You can also drive by, view the outside of the houses, and take photos on your own.
👉 Read Next: 31 Must Visit San Diego Landmarks
Sites & Attractions
Coastal Roots
Be a part of the community at this local farm.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 479-6505 | Website | 🕐 Farm Hours: 10 am – 3 pm Sunday, 12 pm – 3 pm Thursday | 🌳 Nature Play: 9 am – 12 pm, Thursdays & Sundays, $8/child | Entrance: Free, $20 suggested donations | Farmstand: Pay-what-you-can | 🌿 Public Farm tours: 9:30 am – 11 am, second Sunday of every month
Coastal Roots Farm focuses on regenerative and sustainable farming practices to help strengthen the land and community for years to come.
It prides itself on the power of teamwork and you can experience it for yourself. Try out gardening volunteer days, or visit the farm stand for local produce. You can also attend a public farm tour, head to the nature play area, and stop by the butterfly farms vivarium next door to the farm.
Coastal Rail Trail
Admire stunning panoramic views on this trail that will eventually stretch from Carlsbad to Solana Beach.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🕐 Open 24 hours | Entrance: Free
Walk, run, or bike the Coastal Rail Trail of Encinitas. The trail currently runs in Cardiff before making a loopback, but it is being developed to stretch and connect farther on both sides. Eventually, it will run from Carlsbad to Solana Beach.
This trail is fairly new with a wide pathway for multiple people to use at once. It sits elevated above the train tracks with a great view of the ocean.
Encinitas Seaside Bazaar
Go shopping for unique souvenirs at this weekend market.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 753-1611 | 🕐 Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Saturdays, 9 am – 5 pm Sundays | Entrance: Free | Street parking
Looking for rare souvenirs? Check out the Encinitas Seaside Bazaar with its weekend outdoor flea and street market. Roam the booths for local artist-made trinkets, hippie clothing, jewelry, and other knick-knacks to take home. The market is constantly changing so you never know what you might find.
La Paloma Theatre
Watch an old film inside a historical theater.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 436-7469 | Website | 🕐 Hours: subject to showtimes | Admission: $12 plus fees, cash box office | Street parking
Head to La Paloma Theatre to discover San Diego’s oldest theater. La Paloma shows foreign and indie films. It also occasionally hosts festivals and concerts.
You can expect the basics like standard popcorn and candy for sale. But if you’re looking to get a drink or food before or after your show, the theater is in the heart of downtown’s major attractions.
Shop the 101
Shop the unique coastal boutiques of Encinitas.
Website | 🕐 Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Monday – Friday, stores vary | Street parking
Downtown Encinitas has a ton of coastal stores all within walking distance of one another. Most of the shops sell beach-inspired home goods, apparel, art, jewelry, incense, and accessories. Side tip: if you happen to be visiting during April, don’t miss the annual two-day Street Fair where all the streets are blocked off with live music and vendors galore.
Wellness Activities
Center For Creative Renewal
Nourish your inner creativity with art therapy-based events.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 436-3310 | Website | 🕐 Hours: By workshop or event signup | Entrance: $105, adults
The Center For Creative Renewal is a hidden gem for art lovers. This property has a private view of the Canyon, a labyrinth, and an organic veggie and chicken farm. It’s all wrapped around an exquisite art shed for creative workshops. If you like immersing yourself in local culture and off-the-beaten-path adventures, this is your activity.
Indigo Dragon
Finetune your health and wellness with some acupuncture or reiki.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 652-1116 | Website | 🕐 Office Hours: 7:00 am – 7 pm Sun – Mon & Wed – Fri; 8 am – 6 pm Sat; 7 am – 9 pm Tue | Treatments: $120 on average | Street parking
Want to relax? Try a specialty service at Indigo Dragon. Indigo Dragon is in a casual beach setting with an outdoor lounge. It’s a comfortable and inviting space for all your health and wellness needs.
Some of its specialties include acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, craniosacral, functional medicine, rolfing, reiki, physical therapy, and naturopathic remedies.
GOLD Meditation & Wellness Center
Nourish your mind, body, and soul with meditation, yoga, and unique classes in Encinitas
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 209-5129 | Website | Hours: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Mondays, 10 am – 5 pm, daily | Classes: $49 unlimited first week, $199 unlimited monthly, and workshops around $40
I’m so glad I took a Tarot Mastery Workshop at GOLD Meditation and Wellness Center. I fell in love with the beauty of the space, and the wisdom in both the owner and teacher.
GOLD offers a variety of workshops including kundalini breathwork, shamanic journey meditation, sound baths, cacao ceremonies, and women’s circles. It also has a lifestyle boutique with unique gifts.
I highly recommend you check out a class here if you’re into healing, wellness, community, and self-discovery.
The Garden Spa
Encounter the Aloha spirit of Hawaii in Encinitas.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 920-6772 | Website | 🕐 Hours: 9 am – 6 pm, Monday – Saturday; 10 am – 6 pm, Sunday | Treatments: $130 on average
The Garden Spa has been in business for many years. The blissful garden environment is nestled in bamboo and surrounded by greenery with a tiny one-room massage studio shed. Come here for a massage, skincare, and waxing. This charming spot is a Hawaiian oasis in the heart of Encinitas.
Sacred Sound of the Soul
Learn how to play crystal singing bowls.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 818-5318 | Website | 🕐 Hours: By appointment or workshop signup | Parking lot
Sacred Sound of the Soul is a 15-minute drive inland from downtown Encinitas. From the outside, it looks like a musical instrument store, which is partly true — it sells beautiful drums and crystal alchemy singing bowls. But it’s also an event space and gallery. Check the calendar of events to sign up for various sound healing events.
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Desha Yoga & Ayurveda
Seek ancient wisdom and reset the mind, body, and spirit.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 237-8690 | Website | 🕐 Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Mon – Fri; 10 am – 5 pm Sat; closed Sunday | Services: $35 – $300
Take a yoga class or learn all about ancient Indian spiritual science at Desha Yoga & Ayurveda. It offers unique Indian astrological readings, Ayurveda, specialty massages, and more.
Travelers looking to indulge in the Encinitas’ spiritual scene should move this to the top of their list. This place has some of the more unique offerings in town that you might not get anywhere else in San Diego.
Encinitas House of Art
Choose from 4 different art projects and BYOB at an open studio in Encinitas.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Varies, generally 6:15 pm – 8:15 pm for adult open studios, 3:30 pm – 5 pm for youth workshops | Entrance: $20, adults, $25, kids (7-16 recommended age)
Encinitas House of Art is an adult art lover’s dream. The hybrid indoor/outdoor space feels like a coastal bungalow. It offers a self-guided open studio with all materials provided as well as kids workshops, private sessions, and private parties.
Come here for date night, a family outing, or a solo self-care night, and plan to bring some food and drinks with you!
Soul of Yoga
Breathe, stretch, and rest at a yoga class.
📍 Google Maps | 📞 Phone: (760) 943-7685 | Website | 🕐 Hours: 8:30 am – 8 pm, daily | Classes: $35 on average | Parking lot
The Soul of Yoga is a few minutes drive from downtown and is a great place for yoga practices, and attention to all things wellness. The studio offers top-notch yoga classes, teacher training, sound healing, writing, and cacao ceremonies. I recommend its yoga Nidra for those who could use deep relaxation.
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That’s it for my list of the best things to do in Encinitas! Want to explore other beach towns in San Diego County? Check out my guide to things to do in Carlsbad next!