Encinitas is located in San Diego County, California. Here are things to do in this beautiful beachside town, famous for surfing and yoga. A lot of surfers are coming for the wave, and you can find some cute shops, restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy healthy food! Let’s find what to do / where to go!
What is Encinitas Like?
It’s north part of San Diego County, between Oceanside and Del Mar on Coast Highway 101. It takes 20 – 30 mins from Downtown San Diego by a car, 40 – 50 mins by a train. The station name is “Encinitas”.
Coast Highway 101 is a main street here, and you can also get to the beach by walking for a couple of blocks.
In summer, it is always packed with people, and my favorite season is on Sep or Oct due to less people and nice weather.
You can also walk around on main street at daytime with less worries, that i am quite comfortable to do.
Surfers
There is never a chance not to see a surfer in Encinitas, in my opinion. A lot of surfers, even pro surfers come to catch the wave in Encinitas. 🏄♂️🏄♀️🌊💓
Yoga – Spiritual Place
The reason why it is called a spiritual place is Paramahansa Yogananda came to Encinitas and he decided to build a temple here. Now you can go enter “Self Realization Fellowship” where Yogananda wrote his book
Healthy Food
In my opinion, people around Encinitas like nature and healthy life style. You can find a lot of organic, vegan and gluten-free foods, also organic and sustainable products.
What to See in Encinitas?
Moonlight Beach
It’s very popular beach, as it gets so crowded in summer. 💓🌴 There are a play-area for kids and showers for people to wash sand off.
Better to have a picnic blanket to sit down since it’s a sand beach.
There is a big parking lot closeby, although it’s difficult to find a spot available.. You can drive around and probably find a spot for you on street.
D Street Viewpoint
I would recommend you to go D Street Viewpoint if you want to have a nice beach view without walking down to the beach.
No parking around, so park somewhere and walk to get here.
Swami’s Beach
Swami’s Beach is very popular for surfers both pro and amature. 🌊💓 You might get a nice wave if you surf. 😆
Boat House
It’s very known for influencers! Some people live there, so go and check without bothering residents.
Meditation Gardens
Encinitas is called a sacred place for Yoga in South California, there is Meditation Gardens where people meditate.
You can enjoy beautiful greens in the garden.🌿🕊🌼 Just relax and enjoy its quietness with ocean breeze.
Shops in Encinitas
Bliss 101
Bliss 101 is my favorite shop! You can find clothes, some organic products, post cards, stickers, and so on. Just love the atmosphere at store.
Salt Culture
Super cute outside, and nature-taste inside! 💓 Recommend this place if you like simple-taste. 😊
Lolo
They have a lot of Californian style clothes! I personally like their bags 💓
Info & Tips for Encinitas
Parking
As I mentioned, there are parkings. Although some of small shops on 101 don’t have their own parking. You can find a street parking off 101.
Noted that there are some zones prohibiting parking, limited time, etc. to avoid getting towed away.
Summer
If you visit Encinitas in summer, you need to know there should be a lot of people. Still you can enjoy with a good plan like eating early/later at restaurant, going shopping earlier, etc.
What to Eat in Encinitas?
Encinitas : Restaurants & Cafes – What to Eat in San Diego, CA
It’s not a huge city, however there are things that you can enjoy with beautiful beaches, ocean breezes and sunny weather in Encinitas, California!
