//
City in California, United States
Photo: Torrey Trust, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Encinitas is a small beach town in the north end of San Diego County in Southern California. The town has a main street that looks to be right out of a George Lucas 1950s movie scene, including a city name sign spanning the Coast Highway that welcomes visitors arriving into the north end of town from Carlsbad. Population of Encinitas is around 50,000.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Main 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.
formerly Quail Botanical Garden
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.
Coastal wetlands.
These are open to the public even if you have no relationship to the fellowship. Do not worry about being proselytized to.
A 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.
Oceanfront 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.
For those who want to try out surfing for the first time with year around 2 hour surf lessons and summer surf camps.
Beautiful white sand beach at the north end of town. West end of 'B' Street. Lifeguards on duty in season.
One of the first and still one of the best skate parks in the world. Not uncommon to see greats such as Tony Hawk here.
A local favorite, built inside the 1888 Santa Fe Railroad Station. Lots of places to hangout both inside and out. Very casual atmosphere.
Popular breakfast and lunch cafe with plenty of California and Mexican favorites.
Popular breakfast and lunch cafe.
Thai food. A good place to go if you're looking for vegan/vegetarian spring rolls or tom kha soup with tofu.
Traditional Japanese flavors with contemporary Western fusion.
Some of the best burritos in town. Local hangout.
Best donuts in town.
Great local cafe.
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.
A popular inexpensive Mexican food shop. Big burritos.
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.
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.
Across the street from the La Paloma Theater. Flavors may be switched occasionally.
Small, inexpensive Mexican restaurant famous for their chicken soup.
An oldschool bar with a red neon sign and well done murals of Encinitas' past.
Large highway-side coffeehouse with brunch.
Longstanding bar with live music, good drinks, and serving food right by the beach. Lots of locals and regulars here.
Three complete suites with private balconies, fireplaces, views of the ocean, and a gourmet breakfast.
Clothes, swim suits, surfboards, and almost all beach needs can be purchased here located at the south end of the 101
Buy a 'Keep Leucadia Funky' T-shirt at this family owned shop.
Amazing local used music store. Plenty of new/used vinyl to choose from.
Lots of great cameras and film.
By train
The regional Coaster rail line between San Diego and Oceanside calls in Encinitas.
By plane
The closest commercial airport is in San Diego (SAN), and the closest general aviation airport is the McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad (CLD).
Almost everything can be reached by foot, including the beach and most restaurants and shopping. Bikes can be rented as well. NCTD also offers buses and trains for transportation purposes.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Carlsbad · Regional · CLD
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Encinitas and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.