Encinitas

Welcome to Encinitas

A family-oriented coastal town with amazing surf spots

This hip, eclectic town is a smorgasbord of delight that truly has something for everyone. It begins on the coast with dramatic bluffs that overlook the waves, and as the town continues inland, it fills with botanical gardens, golf courses, and incredible schools.

The early days of Encinitas saw a rural community with a thriving floral industry. But during Prohibition, it became a hotspot for Los Angeles revelers on their way to Tijuana. The town saw many high-profile celebrities come to stay, including the likes of Betty Grable and Sammy Davis Jr. The glamour, mixed with the quintessential nature of Encinitas, resulted in an explosive climb in population.

Encinitas is full of incredible estates. The view from homes atop the bluffs is unparalleled, and sunset will cast your whole house in a warm glow. Further inland, the estates sit on more land, and many of them have private amenities like equestrian facilities or tennis courts.

What to Love

• San Diego Botanical Gardens
• Some of the best surf spots in Southern California
• Delicious local restaurants

People & Lifestyle

Though it has grown into an affluent community over time, it is far from pretentious. Encinitas is a surf town at heart, and the residents here are perpetually sun-kissed, friendly, and ready for fun. It’s an active community with a great school system, making it one of the best places to raise a family in the area.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

The dining and shopping here are as unassuming yet incredible as the town itself. Full of casual ambiance and family-owned shops, you’ll find yourself right at home among friends.

Leucadia Farmers Market takes place every Sunday, bringing fresh produce and local goods to shoppers. Lazy Acres Natural Market makes it their mission to deeply integrate into the communities they serve. They do this in part by stocking local vendors and having some of the most welcoming staff of any store in the San Diego area.

Union Kitchen & Tap is all about the community, with menu items packed with local ingredients, a tap full of local beers, and locals who love to come back again and again. If it’s too early for a brew, visit Swami’s Cafe. This family-owned café has a breakfast menu you won’t want to miss. Encinitas Fish Shop has a casual ambiance and some of the freshest fish around. Step back into the Roaring 20s at The Roxy Encinitas. This vintage-chic restaurant has classic cocktails, a delicious menu, and live music seven nights a week.

Things to Do

Getting outdoors is great for the whole family in Encinitas. With lots of family-friendly outdoor space and events that offer fun for all ages, you’re sure to make memories that last a lifetime.

The Encinitas Fall Festival is a day full of vendors, children’s rides, and enough fall activities that you could almost believe that the leaves are changing colors in Southern California. Cardiff Dog Days of Summer might be all about your pets, but it doesn’t forget about the ones who love them. This dog-centric event is full of live music, food, and drinks, as well as a dog contest and lots of pup-themed vendors.

​​​​​​​San Diego Botanical Gardens is a 37-acre urban oasis. There are four miles of walking trails through the lush growth, as well as the West Coast’s largest children’s garden. Cardiff State Beach has some of the best spots for swimming and beachcombing, as well as excellent surfing conditions.