As far as Southern California’s quintessential seaside communities go, Encinitas (meaning “Little Oaks” in Spanish) has it all: solid surf, beautiful beaches (and people), great food and really moving vibes. Away from the sand, there’s a walkable stretch of “coastal downtown” along Highway 101 that’s packed with local shops, yoga studios, restaurants, and cafes, all of which are surrounded by historic landmarks. like the clifftop spiritual retreat, self-realization meditation gardens and the 1920s La Paloma Theater. It’s also the stomping ground of surfing and skateboarding greats like Rob Machado and Tony Hawk , so you never know who you might run into in town. Itinerary Encinitas
Stellar Surf Spots
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Several San Diego beaches have inspired the Beach Boys’ lyrics, including Swami’s in Encinitas, which found some love in their 1963 song, “Surfin’ USA.” Lined with towering palms and bordered by tidal pools to the north, it’s the finest stretch of sand to stretch out on during the summer months, but come winter the fabled reef on the right is one of the North County’s hottest surf spots. Other notable local beaches include D St, which is one of Encinitas most popular for surfing and is accessed by a wooden staircase from the cliffs just south of Moonlight Beach. At the end of Neptune Ave in Leucadia, Grandview has left and right breaks suitable for surfers of all skill levels.
Encinitas Itinerary
Natural Spaces
Spread along six miles of the Pacific Ocean coast, Encinitas is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens are its lotus-crowned jewel. Originally built in 1937 for yogi Paramahansa Yogananda, the gardens overlook Swami’s Beach and are a peaceful space to clear your mind or soak up the spectacular views. For beautiful themed gardens, native plants, and exotic imports, including orchids and the rare “corpse flower,” head inland and explore the San Diego Botanical Garden. If a coastal walk or jog appeals to you, there are seven miles of hiking trails in the San Elijo Lagoon. It is also home to the LEED Platinum Certified Nature Center, where you can learn about the ecological reserve, its shorebirds and diverse wildlife.
Seafood Galore
Despite Encinitas’ holey Mexican joints and beloved dive bars, the neighborhood has some of the best seafood in San Diego. Head to the Fish Market along Highway 101 for customizable dishes (select everything from fish, seasoning and cooking style through their taco, sandwich and salad plates). For a date night, head to Herb & Resto de la mer. Start things off with half-shell oysters, hamachi crudo and a slew of cocktails before sharing a starter, like wood-grilled swordfish. Finally, meat lovers should head to Seaside Market in Cardiff for their legendary “Cardiff crack” three-tip sandwiches when the team fires up the grill in the car park at the weekend.
Encinitas Itinerary
Historic Shops and Restaurants
Perfect for an afternoon of shopping and people-watching, Encinitas Highway 101 is lined with boutiques and sidewalk cafes from Leucadia to Cardiff. The Potato Shack Cafe and Honey’s are local breakfast staples, while new spots include The Waverly, Piña and the Chick & Falcon. Family-owned and operated since the 1950s, Hansen is the place to be for surfboards and apparel. For women’s fashion and chic homewares, drop by Salt Culture, and for the most comfortable activewear you’ve ever owned, step into the flagship Vuori. A stone’s throw north, vinyl junkies will love Lou’s Records, then there’s vintage clothing and motorcycle store ‘Seaweed & Gravel, unique creations at Second Place Co., jewelry at Child of Wild and esoteric treats at the Four Moons Spa boutique.
Surf-Inspired and Eco-Chic Hotels
As an authentic SoCal surf town, Encinitas offers boutique hotels that, while small in size, are appropriately designed and cutting-edge. Just steps from Beacon’s Beach, guests of Surfhouse (where each room is named after a local break) are encouraged to borrow a board, schedule a surf lesson, or land on yoga mats. On Vulcan Ave, Inn at Moonlight Beach became the world’s first WELL Certified Platinum hotel when it opened in 2017. Five suite types offer partial ocean views, with the Full Moon Room being the most spacious. There’s a biodynamic urban farm and gardens to explore, plus hands-on and experiential Wellness Lab workshops to craft everything from sage sticks and candles to herb-infused teas.
Keri Bridgwater is a freelance writer specializing in travel, culture and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Beyond Ordinary Guides, DISfunkshion Magazine, Roam Magazine, Modern Luxury, and Eater San Diego, among other outlets and publications.
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What you will find. Encinitas, about 25 miles up the coast from San Diego, is sandwiched between two lagoons: San Elijo Lagoon to the south and Batiquitos Lagoon to the north. U.S. Highway 101, which runs along its western border, is its cornerstone, dotted with restaurants, cafes and surfboard shops.
What is the wealthiest city in San Diego?
Torrey Pines, in the northern part of San Diego, is one of the wealthiest communities in the country. The median household income in this coastal neighborhood is $408,266, while the typical property value sits at $611,256.
Is La Jolla a wealthy neighborhood? 44th richest neighborhood in the United States. Downtown La Jolla is known for its jewelry stores, boutiques, upscale restaurants, and hotels.
What rich people live in San Diego?
San Diego’s Richest
- GWENDOLYN SONTHEIM MEYER.
- OSMAN KIBAR.
- GARY L. AND MARY WEST.
- IRWIN M. JACOBS.
- CHARLES H. BRANDES.
- FREDERIC B. LUDDY.
- DOUGLAS F. MANCHESTER.
- ERNEST S. RADY.
Are there rich people in San Diego?
The area is home to more than 102,000 millionaire households, the third highest of any city in the Golden State. Surprisingly, San Diego County has more millionaires than Santa Clara County, in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Where do wealthy live in San Diego?
Carmel Valley is San Diego’s wealthiest neighborhood with a median household income of $145,000 – but it’s made up of several smaller communities or subdivisions, some of which have much higher median incomes. In the Carmel Canyon area of the neighborhood, the median household income is $179,000!
How many billionaires live in San Diego County?
San Diego County, California: The 5th county in the United States and 3rd in the state with the most millionaire households, San Diego has 102,138 millionaire households which represents 9% of those households in California. It also represents 1% of the total millionaire households in the country. 6.
What is the most expensive place to live in San Diego?
1. Del Mar. With a median home price of $3,502,559 and a median rent of $2,320, Del Mar is the most expensive city on our list.
Is Del Mar more expensive than La Jolla?
Del Mar saw a median price change of 11.8%, according to data acquired by Altos Research. The city of La Jolla ranked near the Del Mar landing at No. 76 on Forbes’ list of the most expensive ZIP codes for real estate. La Jolla had a median home price of $1,829,954 with a median price change of 24.3%.
Where do the rich live in San Diego?
Carmel Valley is San Diego’s wealthiest neighborhood with a median household income of $145,000 – but it’s made up of several smaller communities or subdivisions, some of which have much higher median incomes. In the Carmel Canyon area of the neighborhood, the median household income is $179,000!
Is San Diego one of the most expensive place to live?
SAN DIEGO — America’s Finest City tops the list for having the most unaffordable housing market in the nation, according to a new report. This does not mean, however, that we have the most expensive houses. San Diego beat San Francisco as the least affordable city to buy a home.
Is Encinitas a good neighborhood?
Encinitas is in San Diego County and is one of the best places to live in California. Living in Encinitas provides residents with a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Encinitas, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, cafes, and parks.
Is Encinitas CA rich? The city of Encinitas is definitely an affluent area, so the cost of living in Encinitas is relatively high. There are over 23,000 households in Encinitas, with a median home value of $820,400.
Is it expensive to live in Encinitas?
Encinitas housing expenses are 225% higher than the national average and utility prices are 15% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses such as bus tickets and gas prices are 29% higher than the national average.
Is Encinitas more expensive than San Diego?
Encinitas is 38.4% more expensive than San Diego. Housing costs in Encinitas are 71.3% more expensive than housing costs in San Diego. Health-related spending is 0.0% lower than Encinitas.
Is it expensive to live in Encinitas CA?
The cost of living in Encinitas, California is 69% higher than the national average. The cost of living in any region can vary depending on factors such as your career, average salary, and the real estate market in that region.
How expensive is Encinitas?
Encinitas’ cost of living index is around 221. This makes Encinitas more than twice as expensive as the national average and well above the average California cost of living. Groceries and transportation are about 15-20% more expensive than the US average, while health care and utilities are below average.
Is Encinitas more expensive than Carlsbad?
Encinitas is 15.5% more expensive than Carlsbad. Housing costs in Encinitas are 26.3% more expensive than housing costs in Carlsbad.
Is Encinitas in San Diego safe?
Encinitas is in the 49th percentile for safety, meaning 51% of cities are safer and 49% of cities are more dangerous. This analysis applies only to Encinitas’ own boundaries. See the Nearby Places table below for nearby cities. The crime rate in Encinitas is 26.86 per 1,000 population in a standard year.
What kind of town is Encinitas?
Twenty-five miles up the coast from San Diego, the small town lures shoppers with its ocean views and solid schools.
Can you walk on Moonlight Beach?
Unlike most beaches in Encinitas, which are fortified by (pretty) cliffs, you can walk to Moonlight Beach almost directly from street level.
Why is it called Moonlight Beach? The “moonlight” in the name of this beach comes from the fact that local residents came to the area for midnight picnics in the early 1900s. The beach is located west of I-5 on the Encinitas Boulevard in Encinitas.
Are Moonlight Beach fire pits open?
Family-friendly Moonlight State Beach with lifeguards and great swimming spots, it’s a fun and welcoming spot for a warm, sunny day. There is paid parking, but if you arrive early enough you can find free street parking. Fire pits are available until the beach closes at 10 p.m.
Can you have bonfires on the beach in San Diego?
Open beach fires outside of containers are prohibited on all San Diego beaches. Fires are not permitted between midnight and 5 a.m. The burning of garbage is prohibited. Only wood, charcoal or paper products can be used as fuel.
Can you bring your own fire pit to the beach San Diego?
San Diego fire pit regulations prohibit the use of portable fire pits on beaches. Beach fires outside designated containers are also strictly prohibited. Debris from these illegal fires can seriously injure swimmers, especially children digging in the sand. Homes are first come, first served.
Do you have to pay for parking at Moonlight Beach?
There is a paid parking lot with an entrance on C Street, but first look for free street parking in the neighborhood. You may have to walk to the beach on sunny days, but there is a drop-off area next to the sand on B Street.
Can you have fires on Pacific Beach?
Beach fires Only wood, charcoal or paper products may be used as fuel. The burning of waste is prohibited.
Do you have to pay for parking at Moonlight Beach?
There is a paid parking lot with an entrance on C Street, but first look for free street parking in the neighborhood. You may have to walk to the beach on sunny days, but there is a drop-off area next to the sand on B Street.
Does Moonlight Beach have showers?
Restrooms and showers are available at Moonlight Beach and Swami’s.
Can you walk the beach in Encinitas?
About the ride. The Encinitas Coastal Reflection Scenic Walk along the beach is a 2.4 mile loop that offers coastal scenery, reflection lookouts, and access to a meditation garden filled with beautiful plants.
Is Encinitas a beach town?
Twenty-five miles up the coast from San Diego, the small town lures shoppers with its ocean views and solid schools.
Can you walk the beach in San Diego?
San Diego County has 70 miles of beaches to explore, most of which are accessible except during extremely high tides. Whether you want to run barefoot on the beach, take a brisk walk, or take a romantic stroll on the beach with your sweetheart, try one of these best beaches in San Diego.
How far is Encinitas from the beach?
Just 25 miles north of San Diego, Encinitas couldn’t be easier to get to. Take the Encinitas Boulevard exit off I-5 and head west to the central waterfront (Moonlight Beach).
How do you spell Encinitas California?
Encinitas (Spanish for “Small Oaks”) is a beach town in the North County region of San Diego County, California. Located in Southern California, it is about 25 miles (40 km) north of San Diego, between Solana Beach and Carlsbad, and about 95 miles (153 km) south of Los Angeles.
What is Encinitas CA known for? Encinitas is alternately known as the “Flower Capital of the World”, due to its extensive collection of unique nurseries and gardens, the largest of which is the San Diego Botanical Garden, and the world’s leading producer of the Christmas flower. , the poinsettia.
What percentage of Encinitas is black?
Encinitas Demographics Asian: 4.16% Other Race: 2.94% Black or African American: 0.82%
Is Encinitas a beach town?
Twenty-five miles up the coast from San Diego, the small town lures shoppers with its ocean views and solid schools.
Are Encinitas beaches good?
Alongside the historic 101 freeway, Encinitas’ beaches are some of the best hidden gems in San Diego’s northern county coastal region. The terrain ranges from white sand beaches to rocky cliffs, and legendary surf spots line the coast.
What’s it like living in Encinitas?
Living in Encinitas provides residents with a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Encinitas, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, cafes, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Encinitas, and residents tend to be conservative. Public schools in Encinitas are highly rated.
Does Encinitas have a downtown?
A city center rich in history and character. A unique combination of old seaside town atmosphere, healthy outdoor lifestyle and beautiful, wide beaches.
