Encinitas is a lovely beach city in the northern area of San Diego County, best known as a world-class surfing destination. Also known as “The Flower Capital of the World” because of its great collection of gardens and nurseries, Encinitas offers a wide selection of local attractions and provides fun for all ages and tastes. If you are planning a getaway in the area this summer, here are the top things to do in Encinitas that will ensure you have the best vacation experience:
1. Enjoy a fun Day at a Local Beach
Parallel to the historic Highway 101 you will find some of the best hidden gems in San Diego’s North County Coastal region, Encinitas’ beaches. Here you can find:
legendary surf spots,
terrain that varies from pristine sandy beaches to rocky bluffs overlooking the ocean,
authentic beach culture,
great snorkeling areas,
tide pools.
If you’re not sure which of the beautiful Encinitas’ beaches to choose during your stay, here is a brief overlook at some of the most popular ones:
Cardiff State Beach
The Cardiff State Beach is a great family-friendly, dog-friendly beach with lots of parking spots and two access points, one in the north and the other in the south. The north access point is right next to the entrance to the beautiful San Elijo Lagoon.
The south access point is known as Seaside Beach, it is a popular location for surfers and the two reefs make it a great location for diving as well. When the tide is out, the reefs get exposed and you get the chance to discover interesting sea creatures in the tide pools.
San Elijo Beach
San Elijo Beach, located further North from Cardiff State Beach, stretches from San Elijo Lagoon all the way up to Swami's State Beach in Encinitas, where you can find a lovely campground for overnight camping.
This beach is many's favorite because of its location, and beautiful scenery. The views as you walk down to Cardiff-by-the-Sea from Encinitas are sure to blow you away.
Swami's Beach
As an internationally-known surf spot, Swami’s Beach draws in surfers from all over the world, being possibly one of the best surfing spots in all of California. It is especially popular in the fall-winter season when waves can reach heights over 10 feet.
Besides being such an incredible surfing destination, Swami’s Beach is also a very strong spiritual location. Home to the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple, Swami’s is one of the places where yoga history was first born in the US.
2. Visit the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
As mentioned above, the San Elijo Lagoon is located right next to the northern access point of Cardiff State Beach. This 1,000-acre lagoon is one of US' largest remaining coastal wetlands. Here you can walk through seven miles of trails and discover a diversity of plants and animals, including:
300 species of plants,
26 mammal species,
at least 23 species of fish,
more than 300 bird species.
The San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is a great vacation destination if you are traveling with your kids as there are many educational activities happening here all the time, such as:
guided weekend tours
Children’s Story Time
nature-themed family days and festivals
cultural and natural exhibits
3. Admire Gorgeous Views While Hiking Some of the Best Trails in San Diego
With stunning coast to mountain landscape, ocean views and beautiful diverse wetlands, the Encinitas area is bound to amaze you with some of the best hiking trails San Diego County has to offer. The trails vary in difficulty and some of them are also kid friendly so you can enjoy them during your family vacation. Here are some of the best hiking trails around Encinitas that we recommend you check out:
Crest Canyon Open Space Preserve Loop Trail
Located in Del Mar Heights Rd, San Diego, the Crest Canyon trail is a hidden gem, perfect for a family hike, nestled in the western corner of the San Dieguito River Park. This is a 2.1 miles long trail, accessible all year round, good for all skill levels that offers beautiful views and a chance to see the rare Torrey pine trees. Besides hiking, you can also enjoy some bird-watching here.
La Orilla Trail
La Orilla Trail is located near Cardiff-by-the-Sea, starting at the San Elijo Ecological Lagoon, and reaching the little more challenging Annie Canyon’s Trail. It is 3 miles long, out and back, and is accessible all year round. At the beginning of the trail you can admire local Eucalyptus trees and native wild desert grapevines and along the way you can also enjoy the beautiful local wildflowers and birds.
Annie Canyon's Trail
Annie Canyon’s Trail has beautiful rugged wilderness hiking paths located in an ecological reserve, near Solana Beach, Encinitas. This trail is just a bit more difficult due to its steep and at times really narrow pathways. It is still family friendly though and your kids will love safely climbing around the rocks. Once you reach the viewpoint up top you can admire a stunning ocean view.
Manchester Preserve Hiking Trails
The Manchester Preserve is like an oasis in the middle of the city of Encinitas comprised of a network of trails that are a little bit more challenging to the untrained but that offer a chance of wildlife sightings. A short loop around the reserve will take you about an hour or less.
To truly comprehend all of what the Encinitas area has to offer, it would be best to experience it firsthand so I suggest next time you are thinking of going on your vacation, seriously consider Encinitas as your vacation destination, as you are bound to have a great time here.
About the author: Julio Sanchez is the proud owner of Cardiff Vacations, a luxury vacation rentals business in the coastal area of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas, CA.