All NeighborhoodsNorth County · Surf-town coast

Encinitas

A coastal North County city of five distinct communities along Coast Highway 101, recognized for its surf breaks, botanical gardens, and unhurried beach-town pace.

Living in Encinitas

Neighborhood overview

Encinitas is a coastal city in North County San Diego, made up of five distinct communities: Leucadia, Old Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, New Encinitas, and Olivenhain. The Coast Highway 101 corridor connects the western communities along the bluffs, while inland Olivenhain holds larger lots and quieter residential streets.

The city is known for its surf breaks at Swami's, Cardiff Reef, and Beacon's, the Self-Realization Fellowship hermitage and meditation gardens, and the San Diego Botanic Garden. Encinitas Union and San Dieguito Union school districts serve the area, and the Coaster commuter train provides a direct rail connection to downtown San Diego.

At a Glance

Region: North County
Area: Surf-town coast

Your guide

William Routt

Routt Home Team

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Local guide

Around Encinitas

A practical starting point for exploring local places, activities, and transportation. Details can change, so confirm hours, access, transit, and other plans directly.

Where to eat

Herb & Sea

Wood-fired seafood steps from Moonlight Beach

Valentina

Spanish tapas and 120-bottle wine list in Leucadia

Buona Forchetta

Neapolitan pies on the 101, kid-proof patio

The Taco Stand

Handmade tortillas, al pastor, walk-up window on S Coast Hwy

Things to do

Catch the right point at Swami's beneath the Self-Realization Fellowship lotus domes
Bonfire and longboard sessions at Moonlight State Beach
Wander the bamboo and succulent paths at San Diego Botanic Garden
Take a selfie with the Cardiff Kook and watch the reef break across PCH
Crawl the vintage shops and taco trucks of Leucadia along N Coast Hwy 101

Getting around

I-5 is the artery north to Carlsbad and south to UTC and downtown.
Encinitas COASTER station drops commuters at Sorrento Valley and downtown San Diego.
Coast Highway 101 itself is the slow scenic alternative when the freeway seizes up.

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Thu, Sep 10

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