Carlsbad vs. Encinitas: Which is Best to Visit?

Encinitas and Carlsbad are coastal towns in north San Diego County. Both are popular destinations for travelers looking to relax by the beach and enjoy the laid-back Southern California culture. However, despite their similarities, they also both have some distinct differences that distinguish themselves from one another. So how do you choose which to visit? I’m here to give you everything you need to know when comparing Carlsbad vs. Encinitas – all from the POV of a California native who was raised in San Diego!

Carlsbad State Beach (left) & and Moonlight Beach in Encinitas (right)

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What to Know About Carlsbad, California 

Carlsbad is a charming town located about 35 miles north of Downtown San Diego. It’s famous for its spacious beaches and lively downtown area, as well as its wide variety of activities and attractions for all ages. It’s one of (if not the) most popular tourist destinations in the north county area. 

There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Carlsbad. Of course, a visit isn’t complete without a stop by Carlsbad State Beach, a spacious beach that’s great for spending a relaxing day out by the water. 

This beach is conveniently located within walking distance of Carlsbad Village – the downtown area of Carlsbad that is characterized by its distinct Victorian-inspired architecture. This is where tourists tend to stay (or at least where they tend to spend most of their time while visiting), as it’s where some of the best restaurants, bars, and key sights are located. If you want to experience the San Diego brewery scene, you can also find great breweries in the downtown Carlsbad area, including Pure Project (my personal favorite!) and Pizza Port. 

Carlsbad is also a particularly great destination for families. One of the most popular Carlsbad attractions is Legoland, which includes the actual theme park, an aquarium, and a water park. The city also has plenty of fun, kid-friendly museums. 

Additionally, there are also some unique seasonal attractions worth highlighting. If you happen to be visiting in the spring, you’ll also want to stop by The Flower Fields to see the ranunculus flowers in bloom. Those visiting anytime from late January to the middle of July can also pick strawberries at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company.

How to Get From Downtown San Diego to Carlsbad

If you’re flying in, you’ll arrive at San Diego International Airport (SAN), which is just outside Downtown San Diego. For those planning on renting a car, you simply need to hop on Highway 5 and head up the coast until you hit Carlsbad. The drive will be about 40 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. 

If you don’t plan on renting a car, you can take a rideshare or take the train. The Coaster Commuter Rail conveniently runs from the Old Town Transit Center (just north of downtown) to the Carlsbad Village Station (located right in the heart of Carlsbad Village). This ride will take just over an hour. You will either need to take a rideshare to the Old Town Transit Center, or take the San Diego Flyer – a free shuttle that runs between the airport and the transit stop. 

What to Know About Encinitas, California 

Encinitas is an adorable, laid-back beach town that is located about 25 miles north of Downtown San Diego. It has a bit of a coastal hippie culture, with plenty of yoga studios, crystal stores, and surf shops to explore. While it’s a popular spot to visit, Encinitas is smaller compared to Carlsbad, and typically doesn’t get as busy. 

As expected, one of the best things to do in Encinitas is visit the beach. Moonlight Beach has picturesque coastal cliffs, and is a great place to lay out in the sand, jump in the water, or go for a walk. A bit further south, you can head to Swami’s Beach and watch talented surfers catch some waves. 

Most of the action in Encinitas happens along Highway 101, between B Street and K Street. This is the city’s central hub, and is within walking distance of the beach. As you stroll down the charming street, you’ll pass by plenty of excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes. Better Buzz is a super popular coffee shop that can’t be missed, while The Taco Stand is a must for lunch or a casual dinner. You also can’t go wrong grabbing a beer from Culture Brewing or Modern Times. Encinitas is also known for its fun and funky boutiques, including Flashbacks (a recycled fashion store) and Earth’s Elements (which sells crystals and other goods).  

One other Encinitas attraction worth highlighting is the Self-Realization Temple. This gorgeous property is situated on a cliff above the water, and has a beautifully landscaped meditation garden. 

How to Get From Downtown San Diego to Encinitas

If you plan on renting a car and driving to Encinitas from San Diego International Airport, just jump on Highway 5 and drive up the coast. The drive will be about 30 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic. 

Alternatively, you can take a rideshare to Encinitas, or take the train. Just like with Carlsbad, you can take the Coaster Commuter Rail from the Old Town Transit Center. The train stops at Encinitas Station, which is conveniently located in the heart of Encinitas. 

Encinitas vs. Carlsbad: Which is Best?

Both Encinitas and Carlsbad are worth visiting – it will ultimately come down to your preferences. Encinitas has more of a hippie vibe, whereas Carlsbad will seem more clean cut by comparison. Carlsbad is also much more of a tourist destination, and has far more options when it comes to hotels and other accommodations. While travelers definitely still make their way to Encinitas, it has a more local feel, and doesn’t have quite an abundance of accommodation options like Carlsbad. 

The other main difference between Carlsbad and Encinitas is the size. Carlsbad is larger, and generally has more attractions compared to Encinitas. It is also a busier area. On the other hand, Encinitas doesn’t have quite as much to do (although you won’t have a problem filling your time!), and is quieter than Carlsbad. 

Good news: if you’re planning a multi-day vacation to one of these destinations, you can easily spend a day exploring the other one. Decide which city best fits your needs and preferences for accommodations, and work a visit to the other city into your itinerary. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of each destination. 

Choosing Your Accommodations

Once you’ve decided which destination is best for you, it’s time to pick your accommodations! With both Carlsbad and Encinitas, it’s important to stay near the coast. Both cities are more suburban as you go inland, so you’ll want to be closer to the action. Here are some of my recommendations on places to stay in each destination.