Things to do

Things to do in Encinitas

Surf town that grew up without entirely agreeing to. Five communities under one city name, each convinced it is the real one.

Things to do

Swami's Beach and Seacliff Roadside ParkBeach
A world-famous reef break below the Self-Realization Fellowship grounds, reached by a long staircase from a bluff-top park with a view of the lineup.
Moonlight State BeachBeach
Downtown's main family beach, with lifeguards, volleyball courts, a snack bar and a large parking lot at the foot of Encinitas Boulevard.
Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation GardensLandmark
Clifftop gardens with koi ponds and ocean views on the grounds of the retreat founded by Paramahansa Yogananda, open to the public free of charge.
215 W K St, Encinitas
La Paloma TheatreArts
A 1928 single-screen movie house on Highway 101 that still shows films and hosts concerts and surf movie premieres.
471 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
Encinitas BoathousesLandmark
Two houses shaped like ship hulls on Third Street, built in 1928 from lumber salvaged from a demolished Moonlight Beach dance hall.
Downtown Highway 101Shopping
About a mile of surf shops, bookstores, cafes and bars between Moonlight Beach and Swami's, with a weekend street-fair energy most evenings.
San Elijo Lagoon Nature CenterTrail
An award-winning green building on Manchester Avenue with exhibits and access to trails through the lagoon's salt marsh.
Encinitas Ranch Golf CourseSports
A public municipal course on former Ecke flower fields with ocean views from many holes.

37 acres of gardens in Encinitas, from a bamboo grove to a hands-on children's garden and a seasonal light show.

Attraction

Swami's CafeBreakfast and smoothies
The Highway 101 original across from the Self-Realization Fellowship, a post-surf breakfast institution.
Lotus Cafe & Juice BarVegetarian cafe
A long-running downtown vegetarian restaurant that reflects the city's health-food culture.
Q'eroLatin American
A small Highway 101 restaurant known for Peruvian-influenced cooking and one of downtown's more ambitious menus.
Honey's BistroBreakfast diner
A tiny, busy downtown breakfast spot with lines on weekend mornings.
Encinitas Fish ShopSeafood counter
A casual downtown shop for fish tacos and poke a block from the beach.

Encinitas Spring Street FairApril (April 25, 2026)
Downtown Highway 101 closes for vendors, food and live music, organized by Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association.
Encinitas Fall Street FairFall
The autumn counterpart to the spring fair on the same downtown stretch.
Cardiff Dog Days of SummerAugust (Aug. 2, 2026)
A dog festival along Cardiff's Aberdeen Drive that has run for more than two decades.
LeucadiART WalkLate August (Aug. 30, 2026)
An outdoor art show at Leucadia Roadside Park run by the Leucadia 101 Mainstreet Association.