The Ideal Encinitas Day Trip Itinerary: A Local’s Guide

Get Coffee and Breakfast on the 101

Highway 101 runs right through Encinitas, and is the hub for the town’s best eateries and shops. There are a ton of great restaurants to check out for breakfast, with some of my favorites being:

• Honey’s Bistro and Bakery – an Encinitas staple serving smoothies, pancakes, omelets, acai bowls, and more.
• Potato Shack Cafe – another well-loved and long-lasting Encinitas breakfast spot that is famous for its giant “manhole cover” pancakes. 
• Lotus Cafe and Juice Bar – a predominantly vegetarian and vegan health-conscious restaurant with an extensive breakfast menu that includes items like omelets, tofu scrambles, egg sandwiches, and more.  
• Swami’s Cafe – a popular restaurant serving classic breakfast dishes, including breakfast burritos, omelets, huevos rancheros, and more (it’s also conveniently located right across the street from the next stop in the itinerary!).
• Better Buzz – if you’re looking for coffee and light bites (like pastries, avocado toast, and acai bowls), this photo-worthy cafe is the place to go. 

Visit the Stunning Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens

One of the best things to do in Encinitas is visit the gardens at the Self-Realization Fellowship. This is truly one of my favorite pockets of Encinitas, and is a must-visit – even if you just have a day in the area! 

This property (which is free to visit!) is situated on a cliff, so you get the most breathtaking views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. As for the garden itself, it is incredibly beautiful and well-landscaped – you feel like you are walking through a jungle! 

Keep in mind that this is a meditation garden, so you’ll need to be mindful and keep your voice down. Enjoy the peace and quiet as you walk around the property!

Swing By the Swami’s Beach Viewpoint and the Encinitas Boathouses

After exploring the gardens, you can do a quick stop by two iconic Encinitas attractions nearby.

The first stop is the viewpoint overlooking Swami’s Beach – one of San Diego’s best surf spots. There are benches on the west side of the parking lot where you can rest your feet as you take in the views of the (highly skilled!) surfers down below. If you’d like, you can also take the staircase down to the sand. 

The second stop is at the famous Encinitas Boathouses (address: 726-32 3rd St, Encinitas, CA). These ship-like houses are just a few blocks north of the meditation gardens, and are a fun spot to swing by and take a photo. Just note that these are private residences, so you can’t actually go inside or on the property. 

Stroll the 101 and Grab Lunch

Next, make your way to the center of town to check out the fun local shops and galleries. A couple that I recommend stopping by include Flashbacks (a recycled fashion resale store with a ton of colorful, funky options) and Earths Elements (a crystal shop). 

If you’re in need of some new activewear, the flagship Vuori store is also located in the heart of Encinitas.  

For lunch, you have plenty of great options to choose from. Here are a few restaurants I recommend: 

• Modern Times – a fully vegan brewpub (and one of my favorite breweries in San Diego!) with amazing burgers, sandwiches, salads, and shareable plates. 
• The Taco Stand – a very popular (read: often busy!) casual taco stand. Be sure to get a side of guacamole with your taco order! 
• Bier Garden Encinitas – a great restaurant and beer garden serving sandwiches, burgers, salads, tacos, and so much more. 

Honey’s and Lotus Cafe (mentioned above in my breakfast recommendations) are both also open for lunch and have excellent options!

The Taco Stand (left and center) | Modern Times (right)

Hang Out at Moonlight Beach

Of course, any Encinitas itinerary isn’t complete without some time at the beach! Moonlight Beach features picturesque coastal cliffs, and has a ton of space to spread out and soak up the sun.  

This is my go-to beach when I want to go on an oceanside walk. Just be sure to check the tides first, as the waves can go up to the cliffs during high tide! 

You can enter the beach by walking down the path by the Moonlight Beach Parking Lot. There are also stairs that go down to the beach at the D Street Viewpoint.  

After your beach visit, I recommend making a quick stop at Dave’s Rock Garden. This fun local spot features more than 7000 rocks painted by visitors and members of the community over the course of many years. It’s just a couple blocks in from the beach!

Get Dinner & Drinks in Town

End your quick Encinitas getaway with dinner and drinks in town. Modern Times, The Taco Stand, and Bier Garden are all open for dinner if you want something more casual. Otherwise, a few other dinner restaurants I recommend include:

• Sago – a vibey, jungle-inspired Asian fusion restaurant serving unique dishes and amazing cocktails.
• Q’ero – a cozy Peruvian restaurant with a small but incredible menu (I love their sangria and their vegetarian empanadas!).
• Herb and Sea – a popular seafood-centric restaurant serving a variety of dishes. 
• Plumeria – a casual vegetarian and vegan Thai restaurant with delicious classic dishes (I love their green curry and their tom kha soup). 

Additional Things to do In and Around Encinitas

If you’re looking for more ideas on what to do in Encinitas (and the surrounding area), here are a few additional recommendations: 

• Visit the San Diego Botanic Garden: Located in Encinitas (and less than 10 minutes from the heart of town), this serene property has 29 themed gardens and four miles of trails to explore. 
• Take Surf Lessons: If you really want to live like a local, test out your skills with a beginner-friendly surf lesson!  
• Go on a Local Food Tour: Foodies can consider booking an Encinitas food tour. You’ll visit some of the city’s best eateries and bars to sample incredible food and drinks. 
• Enjoy an Electric Bike Tour: If you want to be a bit more active, consider booking an electric bike tour from Solana Beach to Encinitas. It goes through Cardiff and Del Mar, so you’ll truly see some of the best of what North County San Diego has to offer!
• Go on a Hike: There are so many amazing outdoor activities to enjoy in San Diego, including great hikes. Some of my favorite hiking spots right around Encinitas include San Elijo Lagoon, Annie’s Canyon Trail, and Torrey Pines State Reserve. 
• Walk the Cardiff Rail Trail: If you’d prefer more of an urban walk, consider walking the 1.3-mile Cardiff Rail Trail, which offers sweeping views of the ocean.  

There are, of course, so many other fun beach towns to explore in San Diego – each of which has its own unique vibe. If you have more time, consider spending a day in Carlsbad (which, compared to Encinitas, is much bigger), the upscale village of La Jolla, or the chill towns of Del Mar and Solana Beach. 

How to Get to Encinitas from San Diego

Encinitas is only about 25 miles north of Downtown San Diego, making it a popular day trip destination for locals and tourists alike. If you’ll be visiting from the downtown area, you have two options: driving or taking the train. 

If you want to drive, you’ll simply hop on Highway 5 North and drive for about 26 miles, getting off at Encinitas Boulevard. You can find parking in town, either on the 101 or the surrounding side streets. 

If you want to take a day trip from San Diego via train, you’ll take the Coaster Commuter Rail. Start at the Santa Fe Depot Station, and take the train up to the Encinitas Station (which is super conveniently located right in town). You can refer to the San Diego Coaster Schedule to plan your trip.