Where to Stay in Encinitas (By an Area Local)

3 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Encinitas

In the past decade, Encinitas has evolved from a simple San Diego beach town to a desirable modern suburb full of innovation, sustainability, and entertainment.

Old Encinitas, Leucadia, and Cardiff are the top 3 neighborhoods that showcase the town’s vibrancy. Let’s break it down:

Old Encinitas

👉 Best Area For Entertainment | ✨ Best Old Encinitas Hotels: Inn at Moonlight Beach • Moonlight Beach Motel • Twelve Senses Retreat 

Old Encinitas is full of rich history and surf culture. Artistic shops line the streets, and this area is super pedestrian-friendly. It’s easy to walk between the many restaurants and bars or access the public transit system.

You’ll never get bored being in the heart of so many things to do in Encinitas. Check out the Encinitas Boathouses – a cool local landmark – or lay out all day on Moonlight Beach, which has festivals and fun events in the summer. Go further inland to see the beautiful San Diego Botanic Garden.

There are a ton of hotels in this area for various budgets, including the Inn at Moonlight Beach. It’s my top pick if you want the convenience of being close to all the best attractions, while enjoying a stay with a Japanese-inspired design. Its interior is so calming and serene, making it the perfect place to end a day of exploring. 

If you don’t plan on spending much leisure time at the property and are simply looking for a comfortable place to rest, Moonlight Beach Motel is a great budget-friendly option.

Pros of Staying in Old Encinitas Neighborhood:

• Great location for beach town hopping
• Historical location with all the entertainment
• Pleasant stroll to the ocean and coastal trails
• Highly accessible to public transit 
• Easy to walk the downtown strip of some of the city’s best restaurants and bars

Cons of Staying in Old Encinitas Neighborhood:

• Parking can be tricky on the weekends 
• Party scene noise
• Dogs are not allowed on the beach
• Close to train tracks 
• Crowded beach

Leucadia

👉 Best Area For Local Experiences | ✨ Best Leucadia Hotels: Alila Marea Beach Resort • Surfhouse • Leucadia Beach Inn

Leucadia is a local gem just a 5-minute drive from Moonlight Beach. The area is known for its coffee shops, the well-stocked and popular farmers market, and its quiet, laid-back feel.

If you choose to stay in Leucadia, you can enjoy the view at the Alila Marea. It’s super clean, highly rated, and has a phenomenal oceanfront restaurant and bar. The resort is expensive, but there are other great and more affordable hotels in the area, too. The Leucadia Beach Inn is a favorite. 

Leucadia is also home to top-notch surfing beaches like Beacon’s Beach and Grandview, which are two of the best surf spots in California. Surfers will enjoy the convenience of Surfhouse being blocks from Beacon’s Beach. Plus, it’s right next to some great bars and restaurants.

Pros of Staying in Leucadia Neighborhood:

• Local hotspot for coffee shops
• Great surfing and less crowded beaches
• Leucadia Farmers Market
• Sleep well in the quieter part of Encinitas 

Cons of Staying in Leucadia Neighborhood:

• Further walk to downtown Encinitas
• Hotels can be pricey
• Parking can be slim
• Close to train tracks 

Cardiff-by-the-Sea

👉 Best Area For Nature | ✨ Best Cardiff Hotels: Cardiff by the Sea Lodge • Hampton Inn 

Cardiff-by-the-Sea is my favorite Encinitas spot. It’s only a short drive to some of the top restaurants and bars around Old Encinitas.

Stay in Cardiff if you’re an outdoorsy type. The area is close to hiking trails, parks, and a lagoon. It’s adjacent to the next beach town, Solana Beach, and not too far from the elegant Del Mar. This is a good place to stay if you want to take some day trips.

Cardiff is home to my top overall hotel pick, Cardiff by the Sea Lodge. Not only is it an affordable hotel with a pretty aesthetic, but it’s also within walking distance to some of the neighborhood’s best restaurants (try Waverly!) and the San Elijo State Beach.

Want to feel like a local? Say hi to Cardiff Kook on the Magic Carpet Ride statue in front of San Elijo State Beach. 

Pros of Staying in Cardiff Neighborhood:

• Delicious oceanfront restaurants 
• Dogs allowed on the beach
• Has the best beach town grocery store, Seaside Market
• Close to a lagoon, parks, and hiking trails  

Cons of Staying in Cardiff Neighborhood:

• You’ll want a rental car to get around 
• More spread out neighborhood
• The campground makes beach parking slim

Tips for Staying in Encinitas

Don’t Skip Seashell Hunting

If you have an affinity for collecting seashells, then Cardiff State Beach in Encinitas is home to some of the best. This is a great activity for couples or families. During low tide, you’re bound to find some treasures!

Make Restaurant Reservations in Advance

Encinitas restaurants can get busy, especially on the weekends. The wait time will probably be too long at restaurants on prime weekends if you just show up, so I recommend booking your dinner reservations in advance.

Don’t Skip the Off-Season

Most people don’t realize winter is actually a great time to visit for cheaper accommodation, without sacrificing the sunshine. Whether you’re visiting Encinitas proper or looking for somewhere to stay in the greater San Diego area, don’t skip out on a winter visit.

Head to Swami’s Lookout for the Best Viewpoint in Town

Looking for the best spot to watch the sunset in Encinitas? Then drive over to the hill on Cornish Drive and Santa Fe Drive for an incredible view at Swami’s Lookout.

Many folks come here to hang out and picnic in their cars, and I have to admit it’s one of the best viewpoints in town.

Parking  Can Be Tricky

Given its proximity to some of the best things to do in San Diego, Encinitas has increased in popularity in the last few years. Unfortunately, this means that parking is a lot harder to find when the city is busy. 

Your best bet is the Encinitas Coaster Station parking lot – it’s just a block from the main strip. 

FAQs about Staying in Encinitas

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Thanks for reading! Up next, check out my guide to the best things to do in Encinitas so you can continue planning your trip.