15 Best Things to do in Encinitas, CA: The Complete Guide

The 15 Top Things to Do in Encinitas, California

Here are the activities and attractions you won’t want to miss as you explore beautiful Encinitas. 

1. Visit Moonlight State Beach

Obviously, we can’t talk about Encinitas without mentioning the beach. Moonlight Beach is (in my opinion) one of the best beaches in San Diego, mainly because of the gorgeous cliffs along the coast. There’s also a good stretch of unobstructed coastline both north and south, so there’s lots of space to walk – and it’s easy to get away from the bulk of the crowds. Just be sure to keep your eyes on the tides, as the waves can reach the cliffs during high tide! 

The main entrance areas are at the Moonlight Beach Parking Lot and at the end of B Street, but you can also access the beach from the stairs at D Street Viewpoint (more on that below). The parking lot gets crowded (especially during the busy season and weekends), so you may need to park on the street. Some streets in the area do have parking restrictions, so make sure you’re keeping an eye out for street signs. If you’re coming from a bit further north, you can also access the beach at Stonesteps (another public beach that is just north of Moonlight).

After visiting Moonlight Beach, I recommend doing a quick stop by Dave’s Rock Garden. This local garden features more than 7000 rocks painted by visitors and members of the community. It’s just a couple blocks in from the beach!

2. Watch the Surf at Swami’s Beach

I’d say join the surf, but if you’re a surfer, you’re probably already well aware of this spot! Swami’s is a famous surf spot that is just south of the main downtown Encinitas area and Moonlight Beach. It’s a picturesque beach, and a fun place to watch talented surfers do their thing. There’s a park right above the beach on the cliff, and during low tide you can take the stairs down to the beach. There’s a small parking lot, but you can also just park on the street. 

3. Take in the Beach Views from a Viewpoint

If you’re not looking to actually go down to the beach, there are a few different viewpoints where you can get pretty views from above: D Street, H Street, I Street, and J Street. They offer beautiful views of the beach from atop the cliffs, and they’re easy to access if you are spending a day walking around the 101. The D Street Viewpoint has stairs down to the beach, so you can head down if you change your mind!

5. Explore the Shops on the 101

There’s plenty of fun shops and galleries to explore along the 101. Flashbacks – a recycled fashion resale store that specializes in fun and funky clothing – is one of my favorites. I think of the 70s when I think of Flashbacks, but they have clothing from (or inspired by) every decade in the past century. If you need a Halloween costume, fun gear for a themed party, or just a unique statement piece, this is the place to hit up. 

If you’re building up your crystal collection, you’ll definitely want to stop by Earths Elements. Need some new activewear? The flagship Vuori store is also located on Highway 101.

There are also tons of amazing restaurants, coffee shops, and bars on the 101. I’ll touch on some of my favorites later in this guide. 

6. Check Out the Boathouses

This is one of the quirkier Encinitas spots. The Encinitas Boathouses are two homes that are – you guessed it – shaped like boats! These houses are just a few blocks off of the 101, so it’s easy to stop by when you’re in the area. They are private residences, so you can’t go in, but it’s fun to walk or drive by. 

7. Explore the San Elijo Lagoon

The San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center is located in Cardiff, just south of Encinitas. There are seven miles of trails throughout the reserve, with plenty of opportunities to explore the wetlands and see birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. 

There are lots of different trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels, so you can easily find one that fits your needs. For a quick and easy trail, I suggest doing the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center Loop, which is just over half a mile.

For a more challenging hike with a bit more of a varied landscape, I recommend the La Orilla Trail Trail through Annie’s Canyon, which is 4.6-miles long and moderately rated. This out-and-back hike takes you through a narrow slot canyon, and by the marshy area of the reserve. You can find even more trails in and around the reserve on AllTrails.

The San Diego Botanic Garden is about an eight-minute drive northwest of the main hub of shops along the 101. There are 29 beautiful themed gardens, and four miles of trails to explore. Make your reservation online in advance to ensure you are able to get a ticket! If you happen to be visiting around the holidays, I highly recommend grabbing a ticket for Lightscape. During this evening event, you get to explore a one-mile walking trail and see the colorful light and art installations throughout the gardens.

10. Have a Spa Day at Four Moons Spa

Those looking for some R&R should spend some time at Four Moons Spa, located in Leucadia (a neighborhood on the northern border of Encinitas). This tranquil, earthy spa has a gorgeous space, complete with lush landscaping in the relaxing outdoor areas. Services include massages, facials, acupuncture, sauna sessions, tarot readings, and so much more. They also offer regular yoga, breathwork, and reiki classes. 

11. Shop at the Farmers Market

If you’re like me and love a good farmers market, you’ll enjoy strolling through the Leucadia Farmers Market. On Sundays from 10am to 2pm, local vendors line up to sell fruits, veggies, mushrooms, desserts, plants, handmade goods, and so much more. 

12. Indulge in the San Diego Beer Culture at a Local Brewery

Encinitas is home to two of my favorite breweries in San Diego County. The first is the Modern Times Far West Lounge, a restaurant and taproom that has a fun and quirky 1970s-inspired design, as pictured below. They have an extensive draft menu, so there’s options for everyone. I especially love their IPAs and sours (if you’re a gose fan, get Fruitlands!). The full-service restaurant has a 100% plant-based menu – the buffalo chicken sandwich is the perfect meal to enjoy alongside a crisp beer. 

Right down the street is Culture Brewing Co., which has a bit more of a traditional industrial brewery feel. The small craft brewery has a great selection of beers on tap, and has a chill space that looks out to the 101. 

San Diego is known for its great Mexican food. In Encinitas, you can get some amazing tacos at this casual eatery, which is located right on the 101. The Taco Stand offers everything you’d want from a taqueria, including amazing guacamole and options for vegans and vegetarians. It’s very popular, so be ready to wait for a bit (especially on weekends!). 

What to Bring to Encinitas

Even if you aren’t visiting in the summer, you’re likely going to be spending plenty of time in the sun. With this in mind, bringing proper sun protection should be your top priority. 

I’d be remiss not to mention Sun Bum, which is based in Encinitas. In fact, you’ll probably see the headquarters as you’re walking down the 101! For swimming, I’m a big fan of the Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion and the Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion (both of which are water resistant for up to 80 minutes).

Not planning on swimming? Two sunscreens that I wear on a daily basis are the EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 (on my face) and the Supergoop Play SPF 50 (on my body). Beyond that, bring layers if you plan on exploring all day, as the early mornings and evenings can get a bit chilly by the coast. Also be sure to bring your favorite pair of sunglasses (these are my personal favorite).

My San Diego packing list will give you a more in-depth look into what you should bring on your Southern California vacation.

When is the Best Time to Visit Encinitas?

It’s coastal Southern California, so there’s really no bad time to visit. That said, there are some key characteristics to know about the different seasons. 

As you can probably already guess, summer (particularly mid to late summer) is the best for getting that great weather – but of course, this is when you can expect the biggest crowds. If you want to spend some time in the water and have some flexibility in your schedule, I recommend going in the late summer or early fall, when school is back in session. You’ll still get to experience warm temperatures, but it won’t be quite as crowded. 

Keep in mind that the greater San Diego area is prone to “June gloom” (which usually happens in May, as well), where there are more cloudy days than usual. However, the weather is still typically pleasant during the late spring and early summer, with average temperatures during the day being around the high 60s and low 70s. Throughout the summer, you may also notice some coastal fog in the mornings, but this typically clears up by the late morning or early afternoon. 

If jumping in the ocean isn’t a top priority, you really can’t go wrong visiting any other time of the year. Even in the winter, Encinitas weather is pleasant. During the day, average temperatures tend to be around the mid-60s, and you won’t typically see daytime temps drop below the mid-50s.