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Encinitas is a laid-back beach city in North County San Diego, made up of the communities of Leucadia, Old Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, New Encinitas and Olivenhain along six miles of coastline. The name comes from the Spanish word for little oaks, given by Spanish explorers in 1769. The area grew as a farming and flower-growing town after the railroad arrived in the 1880s, and the city was incorporated in 1986.
Encinitas is known for its surf culture and spiritual side. The gold lotus domes of the Self-Realization Fellowship hermitage overlook Swami's, a famous reef break, and the Meditation Gardens above the cliffs are open to visitors. Downtown along Coast Highway 101 is marked by the Encinitas sign arch, the 1928 La Paloma Theatre and the quirky Boathouses.
The San Diego Botanic Garden has one of the largest bamboo collections in the country, and beaches such as Moonlight Beach, Beacon's and Cardiff State Beach offer surfing, tide pools and sunsets.
Moonlight Beach is Encinitas' main family beach at the foot of B Street downtown, with lifeguards, volleyball courts, fire rings, a playground, restrooms and a snack bar. The sand is wide and the waves are gentle on most days. The small lot fills early in summer, so park on nearby streets and walk down.
Swami's is a famous reef surf break below the bluff of the Self-Realization Fellowship, reached by a long wooden stairway from Swami's Seaside Park. Experienced surfers ride the point while others walk the tide pools at low tide. The stairs are steep, and the free lot is small, so come early.
Cardiff State Beach stretches along Highway 101 in the Cardiff-by-the-Sea area of Encinitas, with reef breaks good for longboarding and tide pools at its south end near San Elijo Lagoon. There is a paid state lot plus free roadside parking. Low tide is the best time for exploring the rocky reefs.
Beacon's Beach, part of Leucadia State Beach, is a quiet stretch of sand below steep bluffs in the Leucadia neighborhood. A zigzag trail leads down from a small parking area off Neptune Avenue. It is popular with local surfers and walkers. The trail can be slippery, and the beach is narrow at high tide.
The Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens sit on the clifftop above Swami's Beach, with koi ponds, flowering paths, benches and wide ocean views. They belong to the retreat founded by Paramahansa Yogananda and are free to enter. Keep voices low, and check opening days and hours on the website before you go.
The San Diego Botanic Garden covers about 37 acres in Encinitas with themed gardens from around the world, a large bamboo collection, a desert garden and Hamilton Children's Garden with a treehouse. Trails wind over the hillside. Allow two to three hours, wear walking shoes and bring water on warm days.
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is a coastal wetland between Cardiff and Solana Beach with about 7 miles of trails through marsh, scrub and mudflats, rich in birds. The Nature Center on Manchester Avenue has exhibits and a rooftop deck. Morning visits are best for birds, and trails can be muddy after rain.
Downtown Encinitas runs along Coast Highway 101 under the classic Encinitas sign, with surf shops, yoga studios, cafes, taco spots, bars and boutiques in a few walkable blocks. It is the heart of local life near Moonlight Beach. Weekend evenings are lively, and free parking is limited, so expect to circle.
Leucadia is the laid-back northern part of Encinitas, where Highway 101 is lined with eucalyptus trees, vintage shops, art galleries, small restaurants and surf culture. It has a quieter, more bohemian feel than downtown. Walk or bike between stops, and visit on a weekend for the most open shops.
La Paloma Theatre is a historic movie house on Coast Highway 101 that opened in 1928. It shows independent films, surf movies and cult classics, and hosts live music and comedy. The single screen keeps its old-time charm. Check the schedule online, and arrive a little early to get good seats.
The Encinitas Boathouses are two quirky houses built in 1929 to look like boats, named the S.S. Moonlight and the S.S. Encinitas, on Third Street a block from the beach. They are private homes and a local historic landmark. View them from the sidewalk, and please do not enter the yards or disturb residents.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea Restaurant Row is a short strip of oceanfront restaurants along Highway 101 at Cardiff State Beach, with seafood, Mexican and California dishes and patio views over the surf. It is a classic spot for a sunset meal. Reserve for weekend dinners and use the beach parking lots nearby.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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