Things to do & places to visit in Encinitas, California, United States

Encinitas municipality in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 21:49.

Top things to do (18)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens (534 reviews)
- Wow what a garden and views.
Gardens

Saw some pictures on trip advisor and added it to our agenda. May have been the most beautiful gardens and ocean views I have ever seen. See more..
5.0 Encinitas Library (40 reviews)
- Amazing views, wonderful staff
Spent 1-2 hours Libraries

The Encinitas Library is a branch of the San Diego county library system. Their lending pool extends throughout the collections of all the San Diego county branches. This particular library is an amazing structure with a hillside view out to the blue Pacific Ocean from the reading terraces. There is a large class/meeting room available, Extensive children's collection, and many computers for use. This is one of my favorite places to visit. You will enjoy it also. See more..
5.0 Encinitas 101 (5 reviews)
- The heart of Encinitas
Shopping Malls

This is where everyone goes on weekends to dine in the cafes, shop, browse, and relax. We are quite certain that "everyone" goes here because we literally saw "everyone" here today. On our long walk from Cardiff to Encinitas, we were impressed with the level of activity and vitality of this stretch of Highway 101. See more..
5.0 Culture Brewin Co (5 reviews)
- Love this gathering place
Breweries
There’s at least one more in Solana Beach too. It brings back the feeling of visiting an authentic Irish pub in a small village in Ireland. Even though the aesthetics are different, the purpose is similar. People can gather here for a good beer and conversation with old or new friends. Wonderful meeting spot with good intentions. If you’re hungry, you can bring in your own food or pizza from Napizza 2 doors down. We most recently met a friend there during our annual beach trip to San Diego. We brought our two young daughters and they enjoyed root beers and pretzels and other people’s pet doggies while we caught up! Mellow, friendly vibe. When I finally move there, I’ll be back for a pint! Cheers! See more..
5.0 J Street Viewpoint (3 reviews)
- Majestic views to take your breath away
Parks

J Street Viewpoint is a hidden gem that may be a little hard to find. It is located right a the end of J Street as it intersects 3rd Street in Encinitas. We used Google Map to help us get there. It may be a little hard to see from the road so park along 3rd Street and walk to the end of the junction of J and 3rd towards the ocean and look for a stairway with a small sign ‘J Street Viewpoint’ (pls see uploaded photo of the sign). Walk up the stairway and it will lead you to a small, well maintained park. The park/viewpoint is perched about a hundred feet on top of the sea cliff next to beach below. Overlooking the park are some of the most magnificent views of the mighty, boundless Pacific Ocean and you can also hear its mighty waves roar creating a therapeutic experience that will take your breath away. You can also see the coastlines of nearby LaJolla and Carlsbad. It would be a great place to enjoy sunsets. See more..
5.0 Sprouts (2 reviews)
- Delicious
Farmers Markets
Having a holiday in Encinitas we were recommended Sprouts and it did not disappoint. They are all into high-quality, organic and local products and the selection was very good. You can find fresh products as well as pre-made and prepared dishes. Very delicious. We visited several times. However, you will probably not find you typical products from the regular supermarkets but high-end alternatives. See more..
5.0 The Lumberyard (2 reviews)
- The "King Kong" in Encinitas
Shopping Malls

It's a massive presentation on the downtown part of this highway; this is one massive complex of super shops! Don't just stop with the shops that front the road, walk in and see the second-layer of shops in this very attractive shopping center/mall. To say it is mega-popular with the locals is to say "water is wet". The eating establishments and shops all did a fantastic business while we were there. It is very attractive with the red brick, white wood trim, 2-floor design, and fountains. So glad we detoured on our long walk from Cardiff and spent some time here. See more..
5.0 Encinitas Veterans Memorial (1 review)
- Monument with a message
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Located on the end of Cottonwood Creek Park, stop here and contemplate and gather (as the veterans would hope we all do). The main wall crumbles on both ends to reflect upon the unfinished lives given in service and the waving line of the wall design pays tribute to our flag waving in the breeze. The center point of this monument is a stone monolith water feature that the designer hopes will remind us of the singular war-dead individual and his tears. The wall's stones are meant to represent each individual who would stand in harm's way to protect us all. Powerful piece, sit and ponder a bit about those who made the ultimate sacrifice. See more..
4.5 Moonlight State Beach (652 reviews)
- Majestic Sunset Views at Moon Light State Beach
Beaches

When visiting San Diego, take the short drive down Highway 101 to Encinitas, where you will find Moon Light Star Beach. Unique art work lines the walkway down to the beach and the sunsets are majestic and unbelievable. You will not want to miss this beach on the California coast in San Diego. See more..
4.5 San Diego Botanic Garden (557 reviews)
- Beautiful, Well Maintained Garden
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

Explore four miles of garden trails, enjoy restful vistas, flowering trees, majestic palms, and the nation’s largest bamboo collection. Thanks to our mild climate, plants from all over the world thrive here. Our diverse topography provides a variety of microclimates giving the visitor a sensation of going from a desert environment to a tropical rainforest, all within 37 acres.Located 30 minutes north of San Diego in Encinitas, California, San Diego Botanic Garden features numerous exhibits, including rare bamboo groves, desert gardens, a tropical rainforest, California native plants, Mediterranean climate landscapes, succulent gardens, an herb garden, firesafe landscaping, a subtropical fruit garden, and native coastal sage natural areas. In June of 2009, we opened the Hamilton Children's Garden, the largest interactive children's garden on the West Coast. See more..
4.5 Swami's Beach (239 reviews)
- Amazing sunset and soft sand
Beaches

This is a must-see in Encinitas. Don't miss it. It takes about 160 some odd steps to get down to the ocean, but you will never regret it. The air, the soft sand, the incredible view from above and at sea level, as well as the sunset, make this both a memorable and almost spiritual experience. People walked peacefully along the water, children ran from the waves and a few people meditated peacefully, facing out to sea and making me want to join them in their reverie. See more..
4.5 Cardiff State Beach (86 reviews)
- Classic SoCal Beach
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

This beautiful beach is a standard bearer for what a Southern Californian beach should be. Its also one place where we will take out-of-towners to make them jealous. It’s always priceless to watch their jaw dropping expressions just driving them on Highway 101 along the beach. Whether it’s beach coming, surfing, swimming or just having a good time with the family, Cardiff State Beach pretty much caters to all these activities anytime of the day. Not to mention the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and magnificent Southern Californian coastline. Also a great place to view beautiful sun sets. Restrooms are located at the north end of the beach. Best place to park is free side street parking along Highway 101 next to the beach. Can get crowded during summer. There is also a parking lot managed by the state of CA on the north side of the beach which charges $15 per day as of this writing. See more..
4.5 San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve (83 reviews)
- Ecological haven
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Serene, quiet and well maintained, San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is a pleasure to visit whether you just want to enjoy a nice nature walk or just want to have some quiet time. There are quite a few interesting birds when we were there and we also saw a sting ray in the lagoon. Plenty of picturesque spots. There is also a visitor center where you can get good information on the types of birds and animals that are found in this reserve. The staff that operate this reserve are very friendly and they will not hesitate to answer any question. Note: The park opens at 9 am and closes at 5 pm. There is a small parking lot so if it gets filled, you may have to park in the nearby neighborhood. See more..
4.5 Moonlight Beach State Park (51 reviews)
- Sunset on Moonlight
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

A great California beach. Easy access from Hwy. 101 or I-5. Parking in the lot above the beach or nearby residential streets. Grassy playground for the kids. New restrooms and food service. New Lifeguard station under construction. This is a family beach. Long walking playing, castle building, swimming, surfing, fishing beach. You can walk south to Swami beach where there are wonderful tide pools when it's low tide. I can't ever have enough of Moonlight. All seasons I love. Summer is my favourite. Stay away you won't like it. See more..
4.5 San Elijo State Beach (36 reviews)
- Awesome surf spot
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

This place is so remarkable. I grew up here and still love it. The camp ground is family friendly yet very accommodating for all. Super hard to get in. But the surf is worth it. See more..
4.5 Magic Carpet Ride sculpture (29 reviews)
- Surfer dude still hangin' 10
Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

We watch for this goofy statue every time we travel through Encinitas JUST to see how he's been outfitted in a current iteration. It's a tradition to dress him up to mark holidays, events, and (seemingly) just to vent. This time around, he was wreathed in the biggest lei ever and flowers sprung up under his surf board. He finally got some respect! It's about time (or not). He's an icon, something we all look for! See more..
4.5 Leucadia Farmers Market (29 reviews)
- Delightful Date with my Husband
Flea & Street Markets

My husband and I come here every Sunday for our outing and to have a date and relax and pick up some great food from this market. It's the best farmer's market in North County San Diego. It's great for families and some people even bring their pets. There is free face painting for the kids and great food everywhere. You can just about sample anything before purchasing and we usually leave out with our stomach's full and her hands overloaded with all the organic veggies/fruits we can find. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is so relaxed. There isn't great parking but it doesn't take away from the fun. Enjoy it every week. See more..
4.5 Solterra Winery (27 reviews)
- Good place
Friday: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM Wineries & Vineyards

Stopped in for Sunday night dinner. Seated quickly service was good. Had a few tapas with the Brussel sprouts being the best. Enjoyable other than train going by every so often. See more..
4.5 Lazy Acres Encinitas (25 reviews)
- Amazing One-stop
Friday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Farmers Markets

I've enjoyed breakfast, lunch and dinner at random times from the awesome fresh-prepared food section....even the poke is off the hook! Plus, there's a Pannikin Coffee counter, Encinitas Surfboards products, juice bar, BEE Dept.!!!! I could live here. Lol. But, literally.... I could. Oh the sustenance at one spot! See more..
4.5 Cal Pacific Orchid Farm (14 reviews)
- Very unique and worthy of a visit!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Farms

The Orchid nursery was lovely and the orchids were in a beautiful and a very happy place. It's a family run operation since the 70's and we met a couple of the family members. They even babysit your orchids for a small fee :) if your a traveler. Would definitely visit again, they do not ship (as become cost prohibitive)but I purchase several striking arrangements. See more..
4.5 Cardiff-by-the-sea branch library (9 reviews)
- Wasting The day s away ( daydreamer )
Libraries

One of my favorite coastal libraries. I made up my mind when I was a young girl.. to visit and use as many libraries as possible. I thought the library makes it so easy to dream up ideas that were long forgotten or smothered by the change of time. - old fashioned See more..
4.5 Beacon's Beach (9 reviews)
- Great surfing beach
Spent 1-2 hours Lookouts • Scenic Walking Areas

Beacon's beach is a very popular beach for surfing. You park at top and have to walk down a path to the beach below the cliff. It is not difficult but definitely not handicapped friendly. See more..
4.5 Encinitas Station Certified Farmer's Market (6 reviews)
- Rad Farmer's Market
Flea & Street Markets
We just went tonight after seeing it advertised. Great selection of typical farm products including some specialty items. We ended up with cukes, strawberries, lasagna, and best of all....ribs. The ribs were great! Wish I had more. Want to go back and try their chicken and sausage too. See more..
4.5 Cottonwood Creek Park (5 reviews)
- Great place for families
Parks

Very busy here today, there were many large groups out enjoying themselves after the recent reprieve from the Covid lockdown! I was only there for a quick walk on the path but saw the tennis and basketball courts, a couple of playgrounds for kids and the stream running through the park. The park itself was kept clean as were the restrooms. I only saw one transient while I was there and he was sleeping. Plenty of parking and it looks like a great place to bring kids to play. See more..
4.5 Coral Tree Farm (2 reviews)
- A Gem for Fruits, Vegis & Eggs
Spent < 1 hour Farmers Markets

Who know there is a real working farm (over 50 yrs) nestled in a subdivision of million $$ homes? This family farm is open to the public on 10-2 on Tues. & Sat. to sell fresh-picked, heirloom produce, organic fruits, herbs and fresh eggs from resident chickens. It's a great place to visit with kids to see the goats, bunnies, chickens and small working farm. They also have a program where you get boxes during the season with an assortment of fresh produce, fruits & herbs. Call or visit the web site for details. Park on the street. See more..
4.0 San Dieguito Heritage Museum (9 reviews)
- Learn about Local Heritage
Friday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums

This museum preserves the local history of Encinitas. See more..
4.0 Lux Art Institute (8 reviews)
- Wonderful Art Institute
Friday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Art Museums

Traveling artists stay in residence for a month or more including working and exhibiting their art. The property is calming and beautiful. There is a most wonderful store on the property with items from artisans. See more..
4.0 Meritage Wine Market (3 reviews)
- Amazing selection of fine wines from all over the world!
Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Meritage Wine Market carries an astounding collection of wines from all over the world. Weekly tastings held in the market’s posh tasting room are an ideal way for both novice and expert customers alike to improve upon their knowledge of wines. There’s even a luxurious private room available to rent for corporate services and parties complete with an in house chef. Best of all, Meritage Wine Market is launching a comprehensive online store this month so that consumers nationwide will have access to their incredible selection of wares. See more..
3.5 Seaside Bazaar (9 reviews)
- Interestin
Friday: Flea & Street Markets
Vendors had some interesting stuff. Lots to chose from too. Would not go back in the future mostly due to it not really being what I enjoy. See more..
3.0 George Berkich Park (1 review)
- Great fields for a variety of activities
Parks • Playgrounds

This park has so much to offer: a ball field, soccer field, playground, and all the green grass to enjoy nature but ... no restrooms or parking. Nonetheless, this is a delightful piece of park space in Encinitas/Cardiff. The coastal community is enriched by having added this to their parks acquisition. See more..