Encinitas

Encinitas isn’t just a city; it’s a vibe. Visit the coastal community 25 miles north of downtown San Diego and you’ll instantly get a sense of surfer-cool.

What to Expect in Encinitas

Encinitas is known as one of the best surfing cities in the world. Home to wave-riding pros like Rob Machado and Tia Blanco, just grabbing coffee in the morning in this town is to witness legions of customers with hair still sandy from the surf.

Highway 101, the main coastal road, is perpetually dotted with wetsuits and boards. Some of the best spots to test your skills include Cardiff Reef, marked by the famous Kook statue, and Moonlight Beach, which features beach fire pits, volleyball nets, and a playground for kids. Rent a board from Progression Surf or Concept Surf Shop, which offer lessons for newbies, too.

Where to Eat in Encinitas

All that time in the water makes for a hungry community. Burritos (of the breakfast, lunch, or dinner variety) make up some of the area’s most popular fare—and every resident has her own opinion on who makes the best. Top contenders include Pipes Cafe for eggs and sausage, The Taco Stand for hefty carne asada, and La Especial Norte for sit-down style. Encinitas is also home to exceptional health-conscious options. Lotus Cafe and GoodOnYa specialize in vegetarian-friendly meals, while Fish 101 and The Fish Shop serve freshly-caught poke and seared seafood.

More Things to Do in Encinitas

Thanks to three distinct coastal neighborhoods (Encinitas, Leucadia, and Cardiff-by-the-Sea), the city is easy to explore by foot or cruiser bike. Head north to Downtown Encinitas to browse eclectic boutiques like Grounded and Salt Culture or to catch a movie at the historic La Paloma Theatre, one of the first to show “talkies.” Then wander the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens for bluff-top views, pop into indie surf shops and galleries along Highway 101, sip craft coffee or a local pint on a patio, and stroll to Moonlight Beach for sunset.

Fox Point Farms, a regenerative farm less than a mile up the road from the San Diego Botanic Garden, is Encinitas’s new agrihood, pairing its farm operations with tasty reasons to linger: Haven Farm + Table’s seasonal menus, a farm-to-tap brewery, daily animal encounters, and wellness offerings such as yoga, Pilates, and qigong. Come for coffee or tacos, stay for live events and sunset lawn hangs—all minutes from the beach, too.  

Leucadia and Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Farther north, Leucadia has an authentically hippie style. Stop by Fully Loaded for cold-pressed juice and The Garden for a massage in a tropical landscape. But to live the beach life 24/7, head to Cardiff-by-the-Sea and nab a campsite next to the waves at San Elijo State Beach Campground, perched on the edge of a towering bluff. The family-friendly spot is home to the Eli Howard Surf School, which offers day lessons and multi-day camps, and is a short walk from Cardiff’s town center, filled with yoga studios, coffee shops, and the famous VG Donut & Bakery.

Nab an espresso at local roaster Zumbar Coffee & Tea and browse Patagonia’s puffy vests before strolling through the free gardens at the Self-Realization Fellowship. At Seaside Market, head straight to the meat counter and order a piece of burgundy pepper tri-tip to throw on your campsite grill.