Encinitas

By car

By train

By plane

• The beachMain entrance to the seemingly endless stretch of the sandy beach is at C street. A scenic outlook and stair access can also be found at the end of D street. Swimming is allowed only in designated areas.

• San Diego Botanic Garden

  address: 230 Quail Gardens Drive
  Specializing in tropical rainforest plants with the largest display of bamboo in the world. A great way to spend the day gazing at magnificent and exotic plants, it's also a popular wedding destination.

• San Elijo Lagoon ReserveCoastal wetlands.

• Meditation Gardens at the Self Realization Fellowship

• SurfingA favorite activity in Encinitas. Swami's is one of the most famous surf spots in Southern California, which is accessed via steep stairs down the bluff from the small city park by the same name at the south end of town. Several surf shops along Coast Highway can provide gear for the visitor.

• Cardiff State BeachOceanfront camping with beautiful views. Surfing and swimming beaches within short walking distance. Reservations can be made in advance, but the park books up for the peak summer season very early in the year.

• Leucadia Surf SchoolFor those who want to try out surfing for the first time with year around 2 hour surf lessons and summer surf camps.

• Moonlight BeachBeautiful white sand beach at the north end of town. West end of 'B' Street. Lifeguards on duty in season.

• YMCA Skate ParkOne of the first and still one of the best skate parks in the world. Not uncommon to see greats such as Tony Hawk here.

• Hansens Surf ShopClothes, swim suits, surfboards, and almost all beach needs can be purchased here located at the south end of the 101

• Shatto and Sons T-Shirts.Buy a 'Keep Leucadia Funky' T-shirt at this family owned shop.

• Lou's RecordsAmazing local used music store. Plenty of new/used vinyl to choose from.

• Rhino Art

  phone: +1 760-943-7440
  address: 97 N. Coast Hwy. 101
  Great art supply shop.

• Encinitas Photo CenterLots of great cameras and film.

• Pannikin's Coffee and Tea

  address: 510 North Coast Highway 101
  A local favorite, built inside the 1888 Santa Fe Railroad Station. Lots of places to hangout both inside and out. Very casual atmosphere.

• E Street Cafe

  address: 130 W. E St
  Baked goods and lunch specials. Live music, internet and wireless (with purchase).

• Honey's Bistro & Bakery

  address: 632 S. Coast Highway 101
  Popular breakfast and lunch cafe with plenty of California and Mexican favorites.

• Oggi's Pizza & Brewing Co.

  address: 305 Encinitas Blvd

• Potato Shack Cafe

  address: 120 West I St
  Popular breakfast and lunch cafe.

• Siamese Basil

  phone: +1 760 753-3940
  address: 527 S. Coast Highway 101
  Meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes in a casual atmosphere. Don't miss the specials listed on the table.

• Sushi Bar Blue Fin

  phone: +1 760 479-1555
  address: 257 N. El Camino Real
  Traditional Japanese flavors with contemporary Western fusion.

• Rico's Taco Shop

  phone: +1 760 944-7689
  address: 165 S El Camino Real
  Some of the best burritos in town. Local hangout.

• VG's Donuts

  phone: +1 760 753-2400
  address: 106 Aberdeen Dr
  Best donuts in town.

• Pipes CafeGreat local cafe.

• Firenze trattoria

  phone: +1 760 944-9000
  address: 162 S. Rancho Sante Fe Rd
  An Italian restaurant with a Tuscan style menu, and food prepared using fresh ingredients. There is a beautiful outdoor dining area with a water fountain. The food is quite excellent and if you are planning do be sure to make reservations.

• Bubby's Gelato

  address: 937 South Coast Highway 101
  In the Lumberyard. Gelato and sandwiches.

• Juanitas Taco Shop

  address: 290 North Coast Highway 101
  A popular inexpensive Mexican food shop. Big burritos.

• Union Kitchen and Tap

  address: 1108 South Coast Highway 101
  Just across the street from the Self-Realization Fellowship. Get there early, because it can be nearly full at noon on weekends. Try their awesome beer.

• Raul's Mexican Food

  address: 490 South Coast Highway 101
  Another popular inexpensive Mexican food shop located across the street from La Paloma Theatre. Especially good when the old lady is cooking inside. Try their tacos.

• Açai CafeA cafe selling Açai Smoothies, Açai Bowls, etc. (Açai is a palm that grows in the Amazon, producing Açai berries that are used in many recipes).

• Berry Happy Frozen Yogurt

  address: 480 S Coast Highway 101
  Across the street from the La Paloma Theater. Flavors may be switched occasionally.

• Bull Taco

  phone: +1 760-635-3595
  address: Cardiff State Beach Campground, 2050 S Coast Highway 101, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
  Mexican snack bar with fabulous views.

• D Street Bar & Grill

  address: 485 S Coast Highway
  Upscale pub lined with televisions tuned into sports and news.

• Best Western Encinitas Inn & Suites at Moonlight Beach

  phone: +1 760 942-7455
  address: 85 Encinitas Blvd

• Days Inn Encinitas-Lego Land/Moonlight

  phone: +1 760 944-0260
  address: 133 Encinitas Blvd

• The Black Orchid Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +1 760 753-0584
  address: 653 Requeza St
  Three complete suites with private balconies, fireplaces, views of the ocean, and a gourmet breakfast.

• Quality Inn & Suites North Coast

  phone: +1 760 944-0301
  address: 186 N. Hwy 101
  Free continental breakfast, free wifi, spa, etc. Walking distance to beach.