Encinitas Activities and Events
Encinitas (Spanish for “Small Oaks”) is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in California and is known for its excellent surfing conditions. It is a laid-back chilled surfer town that is divided into four distinct areas—old Encinitas (Olivenhain), new Encinitas (downtown 101), Leucadia, and Cardiff (Cardiff-by-the-sea).
Encinitas is a classic SoCal town with its dramatic beaches, palm trees, blue skies, surfers, taco shops, and stunning sunsets.
Things to do in Encinitas:
- Shop 101: Stroll through the downtown area
Encinitas is home to cute sidewalk cafes and one-of-a-kind boutiques.
- Hit the Beach
Moonlight Beach
Moonlight Beach ranks #1 in our list of the best beach beaches in Encinitas. It is the happening place for picnics and bonfires in the moonlight of course.
Swami’s Beach.
Swami’s Surf Beach is one of the most well-known local surfing spots. Surf’s up come on down.
Surf Lessons in Encinitas are also available for the adventure seekers
Go Stand Up Paddleboarding
The best way to experience Encinitas coast is to get in the water, whether you are swimming or stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) it a fun way to embrace the ocean breezes and feel like a local.
Explore the Tide Pools
Cardiff State Beach has some of the best tide pools in Encinitas.
Beacon’s Beach
A secluded beach that is great for sunbathing and relaxing.
Visit the famous Surfing Madonna
The Surfing Madonna is a beautiful mosaic of the Virgin de Guadaloup on a surfboard.
Check out the Cardiff Kook
The Cardiff Kook bronze statue of a surfer that rides a wave it is located next to San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff.
Take a Local Guided Electric Bike Tour to Encinitas – highlights include visiting The Del Mar Raceway and the San Elijo Lagoon.
Tour the local Historical Society
The Encinitas Historical Society is in an 1883-era one-room schoolhouse. Discover Encinitas unique history through photographs and exhibits.
San Diego Botanic Garden
The Botanic Gardens are home to an incredible diversity of plant life and native flora and fauna.
Cal Pacific Orchid Farm
Take a stroll through the Orchid farm.
Visit the Self-Realization Fellowship Gardens
Stroll the Meditation Gardens
It’s a secret local only spot!
Self-Realization Fellowship, a non-profit spiritual organization founded in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda to share the teachings of Kriya Yoga, an ancient Indian spiritual.
Enjoy the practice of Yoga
Desha Yoga & Ayurveda, take a yoga class or learn all about ancient Indian spiritual science.
Coffee at the Pannikin
The Pannikin is a converted train station that now serves up delicious coffee and pastries. Look for the big yellow house.
Take a Hike in Encinitas:
San Elijo Lagoon is a great place for the outdoor enthusiast. It has some of the best hiking and walking trails in the area. Check out Annie’s Canyon Trail for some beautiful views.
Encinitas Ranch Trail also has some stellar views.
Relax in the Park
Encinitas Community Park includes 44 acres of multi-use open space. The park has a dog park, skate park, children’s playground, picnic tables, restrooms, shaded areas, baseball fields, and soccer fields.
Encinitas Plant-based Food Scene
Calling all vegans Encinitas has something special for you!
Encinitas has many healthy vegan and vegetarian options. Enjoy an Encinitas Food Tour to taste your way through the town.
Farmers Market
Support local farmers and try new foods
Visit the Boat Houses
Local Music
Encinitas street scene comes alive after dark, the bars, pubs, and wineries are the happening places. on the historic 101.
Catch a Show at La Paloma
La Paloma Theater is San Diego’s oldest theater.
Events in Encinitas include:
Seaside Bazaar
Every Saturday and Sunday, The Seaside Bazaar opens in the heart of Encinitas on Highway 101. The Bazaar is an offbeat European style open-air flea market
Encinitas Cruise Nights
from May through September the streets of Encinitas turn into Encinitas Cruise Nights! Old-school hot rods, foreign automobiles, classic cars, and woodies take a trip down Hwy 101.
Taste of Encinitas
The annual Taste of Encinitas event comes to the streets of historic downtown in the month of August every year. This is a great way to enjoy some of the best Encinitas eateries.
Summer Series at the Lumberyard
The Lumberyard Shopping centers host a Summer Concert Series, not to be missed.
Annual Holiday Street Fair
Every December, 450 food, arts, and crafts vendors and live entertainment bring joy to the holidays in Encinitas.