Encinitas California

Encinitas California is in North County San Diego, one of the string of beach towns that lie along the coast. This now also includes Leucadia to the north and Cardiff-by-the-Sea to the south.

Most of Leucadia's coastline is made up of bluffs and cliffs, with stairs accessing the beaches. The town is also known for its abundance of commercial flower farms.

Beaches In Encinitas

Beacons Beach
Part of Leucadia State Beach. Sandy, with cliffs. No restrooms. Located at Neptune Avenue.

Stone Steps Beach
Also part of Leucadia State Beach. Small beach with no restrooms on South El Portal.

Swami's Beach
Small beach surfers love. Above the cliffs is the Self Realization Retreat. Has restrooms and picnic area.

Moonlight State Beach
Big, sandy and popular. Has all kinds of usual beach amenities such as restrooms, food (in summer), fire pits, beach gear rentals and a playground. Besides the sandy beach, their are tidepools. Located at the end of Encinitas Blvd. on B Street.

Cardiff State Beach
Surfing and wind surfing. Lots of sand plus tide pools at the southern end. Across the street is the San Elijo Lagoon, which has trails and birdwatching.

San Elijo State Beach
Includes a campground with 171 sites on the high bluff. This beach has lots of tide pools. Has restrooms and parking lot. For camping info, call 760-753-5091.


View Southern California Beaches in a larger map

Other Things To Do

Other things to do in Encinitas California include visiting the Quail Botanical Gardens, which features palm trees, bamboo, a waterfall and more. You can hike on their trails or picnic in their picnic area. They even have a gift shop.

Another place to visit is the Self Realization Fellowship and Retreat Hermitage Grounds. You can walk around their peaceful grounds and look over at the surfers down below at Swami's Beach. The building was built as a retreat for monks in the 1920's. It's found at 215 K Street.

Where To Stay

Or you can go directly to the Days Inn Encinitas page, or the Best Western Encinitas Inn Suites page.

For longer stays, check out Encinitas Vacation Rentals

Maybe you'd like to buy a vacation home here? See Encinitas California real estate.