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My 35 Favorite Things to Do in Encinitas
👉 Jump to: Things to Do | Food & Drink | Museums & Culture | Sites & Attractions | Beaches | Wellness Activities
I grew up in Encinitas, a charming coastal town home to some of the most consistent weather and beautiful beaches in Southern California. And in this guide, I’ll share the absolute best things to do in Encinitas with you.
This list includes popular attractions like Moonlight Beach and the San Diego Botanic Garden, plus a few hidden gems and local favorites sprinkled in. Make sure you bookmark my guide to where to stay in Encinitas so you can choose the best place to stay for your Encinitas trip.
Now, let’s dive into everything you want to miss!
35 Things to Do in Encinitas
Self-Realization Fellowship, Meditation Gardens
Stroll through an oceanfront, cliffside garden with cacti and koi fish.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 753-2888 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm, Tues-Sat; 11 am – 5 pm Sun; Closed Monday & rainy days | Entrance: Free
Go to the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens for a truly meditative walk. This is one of San Diego’s must-visit historical landmarks, and it’s right here in Encinitas.
The gardens sit elevated above the beach with gorgeous greenery, a koi pond, and a variety of benches to stop and enjoy the tranquility. It’s common to see people meditating here, as students come here to take classes at the fellowship.
San Elijo Lagoon
On these trails, you’ll spot plenty of unique wetland plants and wildlife. You can even hike through a narrow slot canyon!
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 634-3026 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free, street parking
The San Elijo Lagoon is a spacious lagoon full of unique plant and animal species. I suggest visiting the Ecological Reserve and Nature Center to learn a bit about all the birds, reptiles, and other critters you might see here.
This is an area you don’t want to miss if you’re an outdoor enthusiast. The lagoon has a variety of hiking and walking trails, including one of the coolest hikes in San Diego, Annie’s Canyon Trail. The slot canyons here make for a truly unique adventure!
San Diego Botanic Garden
Meander through lush groves and admire native plants.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 436-3036 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily, closed Tuesdays | Entrance: $18 adults, $10 youth, $15 military, free for children under 3
The San Diego Botanic Garden (formerly Quail Botanical Gardens) is one of the best things to do in San Diego! Find it in the heart of Encinitas across the street from the San Dieguito Heritage Museum at the Heritage Ranch.
Encinitas is Spanish for small oaks and it was named by early settlers who embraced the oak trees inhabiting the town. There’s so much to see inside the San Diego Botanic Gardens, including these preserved oak trees and many other native plants.
Lou’s Records
Step back into the ’80s at a local records shop.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 753-1382 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 6 pm daily | Entrance: free
Lou’s Records is seen as a historical landmark by locals. So much old-school nostalgia runs through its walls! Musicians like Jack Johnson played here before rising to fame. You can find a mix of used and new vinyl records, cassette tapes, turntables, and CDs for sale, making it a great stop for music aficionados.
Four Moons Spa
Celebrate life with a luxurious spa treatment that includes massages, facials, astrology, sound baths, and mystical and healing sessions.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 436-5140 | Website | Hours: Vary, depending on class or appointment
A lot of establishments in Encinitas have been converted from houses into new concept shops. One such place is the Four Moons Spa.
This spa is great for special occasions — the space is pure beach elegance at its finest. This new-age wellness retreat offers massages, facials, astrology, sound baths, and mystical and healing sessions.
Tide Beach Park
Visit a spacious beach for all sorts of recreational activities.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (858) 720-2400 | Website | Hours: dawn – dusk daily | Entrance: Free, street parking
Tide Beach inside Cardiff State Beach is right on the border of Encinitas’ Cardiff neighborhood and Solana Beach.
This lovely park is home to a large reef and tide pools on the north side. Fletcher Cove is also around the corner and provides beachgoers with plenty of room for surfing, snorkeling, body-boarding, and more.
Leucadia Farmers Market
Support local farmers and try new foods at this weekly market.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (858) 272-7054 | Hours: Sundays 10 am – 2 pm | Entrance: Free
What better way to sample the local food and flavors than by visiting the farmer’s market? Leucadia Farmers Market is open every Sunday. There’s free parking in the lot, but get here early for the best spot!
Vendors carry a range of fruits, vegetables, plants, and specialty items like kombucha and mineral sunscreen. There’s also hot food available for purchase so visitors can sit and stay a while.
Encinitas Community Park
Head to a top-rated park with space for sports and more.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 633-2740 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 10 pm daily; Dog park closed Thursdays 1 – 3 pm for maintenance; Skatepark 8 am – sunset | Entrance: Free
Encinitas Community Park includes 44 grassy acres of public multi-use open space.
There’s something for everyone here. It has a dog park, skate park, children’s playground, picnic tables, restrooms, shaded areas, baseball fields, and soccer fields!
Whether you’re on a solo trip or a family vacation, this park is a great place for sports or to have a picnic, walk around, and simply enjoy nature.
Candles On Tap
Get crafty and creative at this DIY candle bar.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 395-7161 | Hours: 12 pm – 5 pm Tues-Wed; 12 pm – 7 pm Thurs-Sat; 12 pm – 5 pm Sun; Closed Mon | Entrance: Creations cost $36-50
⚠️ Closure Note: Candles On Tap is temporarily closed until further notice.
One of my favorite small businesses in town is Candles On Tap, San Diego’s first custom candle bar. This is a great place for crafty visitors and anyone looking to make something by hand.
Candles on Tap has a hundred scented oils to choose from to create and mix your scent, plus different containers to hold your custom candle.
Food & Drink
Atelier Manna
Indulge your taste buds in a one-of-a-kind local dining experience.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 230-1237 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 2 pm Wednesday – Sunday, Closed Monday – Tuesday
For an unforgettable dining experience, book a table at the intimate Atelier Manna. Every dish is a masterpiece. Foodies will love the creative flavor combinations. The handcrafted mocktails are just as impressive. The cozy setting allows for a personal connection with the chef, making this hidden gem a must-visit for a truly special brunch.
Make sure to add yourself to their digital waitlist, which opens around 8:15 am, so you get a table and won’t have to wait as long. A party of 2 is best for this place. Atelier Manna is honestly my favorite restaurant in San Diego because of its quality, consistency, beauty, value, taste, ambiance, and the chef’s skill.
🥪 Want More?: The owner of Atelier Manna collaborated with Tony Hawk on a restaurant in Encinitas called Chick and Hawk. It opened in 2025, and their chicken sandwiches are amazing, so put this spot on your radar, too!
Prager Brothers Artisan Bread
Shop local and support small businesses by eating delicious, freshly baked bread.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 704-8442 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily
Take home artisan-baked bread from a bakery owned by two brothers who were born and raised in nearby Carlsbad. This bread is beloved by the community and this particular location is the newest shop.
Prager Brothers Artisan Bread specializes in natural loaf bread, but it also has an assortment of pastries, muffins, sweet treats, and specialty sandwiches.
Encinitas Vegan Food
Calling all vegans: Encinitas has something special for you.
📍 Plant Power | Plumeria | Nectarine Grove
Depending on where you’re from, vegan food might be nonexistent. A lot of visitors are shocked by the number of vegan options we have in Encinitas and the surrounding areas.
Start at Plant Power’s vegan drive-thru before trying Plumeria’s vegan Thai food. Or snag a delightful plant-based burger at Nectarine Grove. You’ll be amazed at the variety of vegan food in Encinitas!
Coastal Coffee on the 101
Take a coffee tour and sip on cold brews, specialty lattes, pour-overs, and more.
📍 Pannikin | Better Buzz | Philz | Surfdog’s Java Hut
If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve come to the right city to get your daily dose of caffeine! Encinitas is packed with a diverse lineup of coffee shops on every corner. But the best spot to hunt for the coffee shops is along the 101 Coast Highway.
Check out the Pannikin in the bright yellow house for a nice place to sit and sip. My personal favorite, Better Buzz Coffee, has a “best drink ever” menu item, which is its version of a vanilla latte.
If you’re looking for a pour-over cup, head to Philz. For an old-school vibe, check out Surfdog’s Java Hut. The best part? You’re a nice stroll away from the beach. Also, along with most of Encinitas, many of these coffee shops and restaurants are dog-friendly.
Beer & Live Music
Taste a variety of small batch brews while enjoying local bands.
📍 Culture Brewing Co | Modern Times | Biergarden | The Roxy
Encinitas is a hub for beer tasting. Encinitas’s best bars have lots of local beers on tap. And if beer tasting wasn’t enough, many places offer live music while you drink and dine.
I’d recommend Culture Brewing Co, Modern Times, Biergarden, and The Roxy. Culture Brewing is one of the best breweries in San Diego.
Encinitas-Style Mexican Food
Experience delectable Mexican food with a California twist.
All around Encinitas, you’ll find Mexican food at huge restaurants, tiny shops, and food trucks. Being so close to Mexico, we are proud to have delicious Baja cultural cuisine. Make sure to try fish tacos, chile relleno, surf & turf, and unique items like a taquito burrito and fried cheese shell tacos.
Overwhelmed by the options? You can always hop on a local food tour, an easy (and tasty) way to sample the best of this city.
Try a Speciality Dessert
Cool off with sweet treats by the beach – like ice cream cookie sandwiches, shaved ice, pies, cakes, and cones.
Dessert time is underrated in Encinitas. Encinitas is home to a variety of specialty desserts for travelers with a sweet tooth.
We have a school bus converted into a Hawaiian shaved ice truck, gelato, and boba at an outdoor living room-inspired plantscape, ice cream sandwiches, pies, and cakes.
Museums and Culture
Encinitas Historical Society
Time travel to a historical classroom to learn about early life in the area.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 942-9066 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Saturdays, except public holidays | Entrance: Free, donations welcome
Visit the Encinitas Historical Society and 1883 Schoolhouse if you’re searching for a unique historic activity. The preserved house gives you a glimpse into what school was like in Encinitas many years ago!
Encinitas Boathouses
Envision your life on a boat while visiting this historical landmark.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 943-1950 | Website | Hours: Tours start 10 am – 3 pm on Saturdays in September – July, self-guided anytime | Entrance: Free
Have you ever wanted to live on a boat? Envision your life aboard one with a visit to the Encinitas Boathouses. The Boathouses are a historical landmark and part of guided downtown Encinitas walking tours hosted by the Historical Society. Tours start at 10 am every 3rd Saturday.
You can also drive by, view the outside of the houses, and take photos on your own.
Sites & Attractions
Coastal Roots
Be a part of the community at this local farm.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 479-6505 | Website | Farm Hours: 9 am – 3 pm Sun & Thurs, 9 am – 12 pm Fri; Nature Play: 9 am – 12 pm, Thurs, Fri, & Sun | Entrance: Free, $20 suggested donation
Coastal Roots Farm focuses on regenerative and sustainable farming practices to help strengthen the land and community for years to come.
It prides itself on the power of teamwork, and you can experience it for yourself! Try out gardening volunteer days or visit the farm stand for local produce. Their farm stand is on a pay-what-you-can pricing scale as part of their mission to make healthy food accessible to all.
Take the kiddos to the nature play area and stop by the butterfly vivarium next door to the farm. You can also attend a public farm tour, which takes place from 9:30-11 am on the second Sunday of each month.
Coastal Rail Trail
Admire stunning panoramic views on this trail that will eventually stretch from Carlsbad to Solana Beach.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours | Entrance: Free
Walk, run, or bike the Coastal Rail Trail of Encinitas. The trail currently runs in Cardiff before making a loop back, but it is being developed to stretch and connect farther on both sides. Eventually, it will run from Carlsbad to Solana Beach.
This trail is fairly new, with a wide pathway for multiple people to use at once. It sits elevated above the train tracks with a great view of the ocean.
Want someone to take care of the logistics and planning so you can just enjoy the ride? Try this e-bike tour from Solana Beach to Encinitas so you can breeze through the Coastal Rail Trail with a local guide who’ll introduce you to the best sights.
Encinitas Seaside Bazaar
Go shopping for unique souvenirs at this weekend market.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 753-1611 | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Sat & Sun | Entrance: Free
Looking for rare souvenirs? Check out the Encinitas Seaside Bazaar with its weekend outdoor flea and street market. Roam the booths for local artist-made trinkets, hippie clothing, jewelry, and other knick-knacks to take home. The market is constantly changing, so you never know what you might find.
La Paloma Theatre
Watch an old film inside a 100-year-old independent theater.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 436-7469 | Website | Hours: subject to showtimes | Entrance: $12 plus fees, cash box office
Head to La Paloma Theatre to discover San Diego’s oldest theater! La Paloma shows mainly foreign and indie films. It also occasionally hosts festivals and concerts.
You can expect the basics, like standard popcorn and candy for sale. But if you’re looking to get more substantial food and drink before or after your show, the theater is perfectly located in the heart of downtown’s major attractions.
Shop the 101
Shop the unique coastal boutiques of Encinitas.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Monday – Friday, stores vary
Downtown Encinitas has a ton of coastal stores all within walking distance of one another. Most of the shops sell beach-inspired home goods, apparel, art, jewelry, incense, and accessories.
👉 Pro Tip: If you happen to be visiting during April, don’t miss the annual two-day Street Fair, where all the streets are blocked off with live music and vendors galore.
My Favorite Beaches
Moonlight Beach
Enjoy a cheerful day at this incredible beach which hosts everything from surfing competitions to music festivals.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 633-2740 | Website | Hours: dawn to sunset | Entrance: free
The name Moonlight Beach was originally coined by people who came here to enjoy midnight picnics in the early 20th century. Today, this beach is most well-known for its annual surf competitions and outdoor music festivals that make it one of the best beaches in Southern California.
Moonlight Beach has something for everyone. There are plenty of public picnic tables, volleyball courts, a snack shack, and tennis courts a few blocks away. Just leave the furry friends at home – no dogs are allowed here.
Secret gem alert! I also recommend checking out the nearby Dave’s Rock Garden. The garden is an unofficial public art installation lined with succulents and filled with colorful painted rocks left by visitors from all over the world – something I like to call reverse souvenirs.
🏨 Need a Hotel?: Moonlight Beach is just 5 minutes away from the Inn at Moonlight Beach! I highly recommend booking a room here if you want plenty of time to lounge on the beach during your stay.
San Elijo State Beach
Bring a picnic and soak up the unbeatable weather at this spacious beach.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 753-5091 | Website | Hours: dawn – sunset daily
Grab your beach gear and head to San Elijo State Beach! Looking for food? Snacks are within walking distance from the highly coveted Seaside Market. This beach connects to the San Elijo Campgrounds and is located right next to Cardiff State Beach.
At San Elijo State Beach, experience wide space to roam, walk dogs on leashes, watch sand rake artists, and walk the overpass from one beach to another. This is a great spot for relaxing onshore and enjoying the weather.
Park in either the paid lot or take your chances with finding free street parking.
Grandview
Step down to a surfer’s paradise on the north side of Leucadia State Beach.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Dawn to dusk
Grandview Beach is another one of Encinitas’ many great beaches. It’s on the north side of Leucadia State Beach, and a steep wooden staircase leads to a popular surf break.
I wouldn’t recommend Grandview if you’re just looking to lay out because it’s a lot more narrow than others and sits below high bluffs, which can sometimes be unsafe terrain. However, this beach is a great surf spot and lookout point.
👉 Local Tip: While there is a free parking lot here, there are no public restrooms.
Beacon’s Beach
Sunbathe in a secluded neighborhood beach inside Leucadia State Beach.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 633-2740 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Mon-Sat
Beacon’s Beach is inside Leucadia State Beach on the south side. It’s another great spot that’s mainly for surfing.
Beacon’s Beach is considered a hidden treasure amongst San Diego’s beaches. To access this beach, I recommend using the staircase trail that leads to the ocean, but be careful of the steep bluffs.
There is a parking lot here, but no restrooms.
🛥️ Pro Tip: If you’re more into boats than beach days, you can charter a sailboat just a short drive away in the neighboring town of Oceanside to take in SoCal culture from a whole new perspective.
Swami’s Beach
Don’t miss all the action at this famous surf spot.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 daily
Swami’s Beach and Seaside Park is another well-known surf spot right next to the Self-Realization Fellowship. Don’t miss the large tiki statue above the beach in the parking lot — it’s said to protect the beach.
Swami’s has its own charm with quirky art sculptures and a vantage point perfect for sunset viewing. Visiting with a group that wants to practice surfing? I recommend booking a private group surf lesson here.
Wellness Activities
Center for Creative Renewal
Nourish your inner creativity with art therapy-based events.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 436-3310 | Website | Hours: By workshop or event signup | Entrance: $115+
The Center for Creative Renewal is a hidden gem for art lovers. This property has a private view of the Canyon, a labyrinth, and an organic veggie and chicken farm.
The Center primarily hosts creative workshops in an exquisite outdoor art shed. If you like immersing yourself in local culture and off-the-beaten-path adventures, this is your activity.
Indigo Dragon
Fine-tune your health and wellness with some acupuncture or reiki.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 652-1116 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 7 pm Wed-Fri, Sun-Mon; 7 am – 9 pm Tue; 8 am – 6 pm Sat | Entrance: Treatments $120 on average
Want to relax? Try a specialty service at Indigo Dragon. Indigo Dragon is in a casual beach setting with an outdoor lounge. It’s a comfortable and inviting space for all your health and wellness needs.
Some of its specialties include acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, craniosacral, functional medicine, rolfing, reiki, physical therapy, and naturopathic remedies.
The Garden Spa
Encounter the Aloha spirit of Hawai’i in Encinitas.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 920-6772 | Website | Hours: By appointment | Entrance: Treatments cost $135 on average
The Garden Spa has been in business for many years. The blissful garden environment is nestled in bamboo and surrounded by greenery with a tiny one-room massage studio shed. Come here for a massage, skincare, and waxing. This charming spot is a Hawaiian oasis in the heart of Encinitas.
Sacred Sound of the Soul
Learn how to play crystal singing bowls.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (877) 486-4446 | Website | Hours: By appointment or workshop signup
Sacred Sound of the Soul is a 15-minute drive inland from downtown Encinitas. From the outside, it looks like a musical instrument store, which is partly true — it sells beautiful drums and crystal alchemy singing bowls. But it’s also an event space and gallery. Check the calendar of events to sign up for various sound healing events.
👉 Read Next: The Best Places & Areas to Stay in San Diego
Desha Yoga & Ayurveda
Seek ancient wisdom and reset the mind, body, and spirit.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 237-8690 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Mon – Fri; 10 am – 5 pm Sat; closed Sunday | Entrance: Services cost $35 – $300
Take a yoga class or learn all about ancient Indian spiritual science at Desha Yoga & Ayurveda. It offers unique Indian astrological readings, Ayurveda, specialty massages, and more.
Travelers looking to indulge in Encinitas’s spiritual scene should move this to the top of their list. This place has some of the more unique offerings in town that you might not get anywhere else in San Diego.
Encinitas House of Art
Choose from 4 different art projects and BYOB at an open studio in Encinitas.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Varies, generally 6:15 pm – 8:15 pm for adult open studios, 3:30 pm – 5 pm for youth workshops | Entrance: $20-$25
Encinitas House of Art is an adult art lover’s dream. The hybrid indoor/outdoor space feels like a coastal bungalow. It offers a self-guided open studio with all materials provided, as well as kids’ workshops, private sessions, and private parties.
Come here for date night, a family outing, or a solo self-care night, and plan to bring some food and drinks with you!
Soul of Yoga
Breathe, stretch, and rest at a yoga class.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 943-7685 | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: Classes cost $35 on average
The Soul of Yoga is a few minutes’ drive from downtown and is a great place for yoga practices and attention to all things wellness. The studio offers top-notch yoga classes, teacher training, sound healing, writing, and cacao ceremonies. I recommend yoga Nidra for those who could use deep relaxation.
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That’s it for my list of the best things to do in Encinitas! Want to explore other beach towns in San Diego County? Check out my guide to things to do in Carlsbad next.
