Welcome to Encinitas
A hip and bustling beach city with a youthful vibe
The city of Encinitas is located in the northern county of San Diego. This relaxing beach city offers local residents the perfect mix of big-city nightlife and quiet suburban comfort. Encinitas has a population of about 58,000 and runs along the Pacific Coastline. It's less than a two-hour drive from Los Angeles and is bordered by the cities of Carlsbad to the north and Delmar to the south. Encinitas is divided into five communities: New Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Olivenhain, Historic Old Encinitas, and Leucadia. Each community has a unique contribution to the city, making it one of the most interesting places in Southern California to work, live, and enjoy the outdoors.
The city is full of beautiful oceanfront homes if you prefer to stay by the seaside. It also has an interesting mix of modern, colonial, and ranch-style homes for residents looking for a rural setting. Encinitas offers both residents and travelers a fun beach-town vibe with its beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants, and a fun lineup of local boutiques.
What to Love
- Home of the popular surf-loving Beacon’s Beach
- A quiet suburban setting with exciting beach-town vibes
- Breathtaking mountain views and miles of hiking trails
- Conveniently located next to Interstate Highway 5
- Homes with stunning contemporary and colonial architecture
Local Lifestyle
The city of Encinitas has a unique and distinctive personality, attracting tourists and residents to its luscious landscape and numerous outdoor amenities. Its charming ocean-moderated climate is one-of-a-kind and allows locals to enjoy a host of annual and regular events. If you're looking for year-round entertainment and attractions, this quirky town has it all. The city's strong economy is well-endowed with a host of recreational activities, locally-sponsored events, food markets, and cultural hot spots.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
When it comes to entertainment and great food, Encinitas does not disappoint. If you're looking for daytime fun, you can check out the popular Highway 101 strip. Take a scenic cruise along its miles of picturesque beaches or stop to enjoy its popular restaurants, cafes, and shops. Whether you're looking for a local cafe, a popular restaurant, outdoor gear, or vintage boutiques, the Highway 101 strip is guaranteed to have just what you need. Stop by the Kotija Taco Shop to try their renowned fish tacos and enchiladas.
In the mood for seafood? Head to Lobster West, one of the city's best seafood spots. Enjoy fresh lobster, shrimp, and crab imported daily from Maine, and top it off with one of the restaurant's succulent desserts. Sample their popular clam chowder and lobster bisque dishes while you relax in a cozy and super-friendly nautical decor. For breakfast, check out Pannikin, a converted train station serving some of the tastiest pastries and coffee the area has to offer.
Kick off your daytime activities by paddleboarding at the Oceanside Harbor or Agua Hedionda Lagoon, both of which are less than 20 minutes away. Both spots are perfect for beginners and are open all throughout the week. Out-of-town visitors can enjoy relaxing lodging options by renting beachside bungalows or a Baja-style bread and breakfast at the Kate Stanton Inn.
Things To Do
The Encinitas local scene has something for everybody. During the day you can enjoy a host of outdoor activities at Beacon's Beach including surfing, kayaking, and jet-skiing. In the evening, you can wind things down by strolling into one of the local bars such as Roxy, a local favorite that's been around since 1978 and has live music all year round.
The San Diego Botanical Garden, which is less than 10 minutes away, is home to 5,000 plant varieties and is a great way to spend a rainy day.
Schools
