Guidebook for Encinitas
Food scene
Q'ero Restaurant
564 S Coast Hwy 101Peruvian cuisine
Encinitas Fish Shop
1010 S Coast Hwy 101Union Kitchen & Tap
1108 S Coast Hwy 101Lotus Cafe & Juice Bar
765 S Coast Hwy 101Honey's Bistro & Bakery
632 S Coast Hwy 101Ki's Restaurant
2591 S Coast Hwy 101Lobster West
765 S Coast Hwy 101It's been years since I've eaten here and therefore cannot make recent recommendations. However, the place is packed and has a line out the door typically on weekends. It's also in Cardiff across from the ocean.
54 locals recommend
Las Olas
2655 S Coast Hwy 101It's been years since I've eaten here and therefore cannot make recent recommendations. However, the place is packed and has a line out the door typically on weekends. It's also in Cardiff across from the ocean.
Make reservations. It is popular because it sits on the sand and the ocean in Cardiff, and the views are lovely. Another restaurant that sits on the sand is Jake's in Del Mar. Parking is an issue, arrive early and reservations are necessary for dinner.
121 locals recommend
Pacific Coast Grill
2526 S Coast Hwy 101Make reservations. It is popular because it sits on the sand and the ocean in Cardiff, and the views are lovely. Another restaurant that sits on the sand is Jake's in Del Mar. Parking is an issue, arrive early and reservations are necessary for dinner.
My husband loves this place. He likes their tortilla soup, enchiladas, and of course margaritas. Always busy on weekends, I recommend reservations. We typically eat at the bar because the service is prompt.
32 locals recommend
Casa De Bandini
1901 Calle BarcelonaMy husband loves this place. He likes their tortilla soup, enchiladas, and of course margaritas. Always busy on weekends, I recommend reservations. We typically eat at the bar because the service is prompt.
Urban Plates
Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria
897 S Coast Hwy 101Birdseye Kitchen
540 N Coast Hwy 101A very popular local eatery with live music nightly. Reservations recommended. They do have a happy hour menu.
114 locals recommend
Le Papagayo
1002 N Coast Hwy 101A very popular local eatery with live music nightly. Reservations recommended. They do have a happy hour menu.
I've been told that their pizza is the "real deal". The dough is soft and you don't cut it. Lean your head back and the pizza droops into your mouth. If that sounds right, go for it!
35 locals recommend
Buona Forchetta - Encinitas
250 N Coast Hwy 101I've been told that their pizza is the "real deal". The dough is soft and you don't cut it. Lean your head back and the pizza droops into your mouth. If that sounds right, go for it!
Breakfast and lunch only. This building was the old train station moved from across the street. Try their "plonk" muffin.
111 locals recommend
Pannikin Coffee & Tea
510 N Coast Hwy 101Breakfast and lunch only. This building was the old train station moved from across the street. Try their "plonk" muffin.
They've had a staff change recently (Summer 23) and presentation isn't as good sadly. If you want good gluten free homemade bread this is the place to go. I recommend their baguette( I toast slices) and their millet/almond flour rolls. Their breads are better toasted.
7 locals recommend
Healthy Creations Cafe
376 N El Camino RealThey've had a staff change recently (Summer 23) and presentation isn't as good sadly. If you want good gluten free homemade bread this is the place to go. I recommend their baguette( I toast slices) and their millet/almond flour rolls. Their breads are better toasted.
Haggo's Organic Taco
1302 N Coast Hwy 101The Taco Stand
642 S Coast Hwy 101Sister restaurant to Lofty in La Costa. Same menu just downtown Encinitas. Parking isn't as open as in La Costa on weekends.
11 locals recommend
Lofty Coffee Encinitas Roasting Works
97 N Coast Hwy 101Sister restaurant to Lofty in La Costa. Same menu just downtown Encinitas. Parking isn't as open as in La Costa on weekends.
Lofty serves breakfast and lunch. I've had eggs with arugula and really liked it. Mostly outside seating.
Lofty Coffee La Costa
Lofty serves breakfast and lunch. I've had eggs with arugula and really liked it. Mostly outside seating.
sweetgreen
This is the sister restaurant to Healthy Creations located on the coast. They are both gluten free. I recently had breakfast (egg scramble) and wasn't impressed. Again, lacked in presentation and eggs were overcooked. I have had better luck with their bowls.
37 locals recommend
Nectarine Grove
948 N Coast Hwy 101This is the sister restaurant to Healthy Creations located on the coast. They are both gluten free. I recently had breakfast (egg scramble) and wasn't impressed. Again, lacked in presentation and eggs were overcooked. I have had better luck with their bowls.
Himalayan Kitchen Encinitas
1337 Encinitas BlvdChampagne French Bakery Café
162 S Rancho Santa Fe RdWe like the vibe from 4- 6 at the bar and enjoy their pizza, meatball and farm to table (Chino Farms) garden salad.
Dining room is also very nice but can get loud on weekends.
46 locals recommend
CUCINA enoteca Del Mar
2730 Via De La ValleWe like the vibe from 4- 6 at the bar and enjoy their pizza, meatball and farm to table (Chino Farms) garden salad.
Dining room is also very nice but can get loud on weekends.
The best homemade organic bread made daily. They offer sandwiches, cookies, sweet breads and a variety of breads. Their sourdough bread is very popular. They have a sister store front in Carlsbad.
10 locals recommend
Prager Brothers Artisan Bread
543 S Coast Hwy 101The best homemade organic bread made daily. They offer sandwiches, cookies, sweet breads and a variety of breads. Their sourdough bread is very popular. They have a sister store front in Carlsbad.
GOODONYA® Organic Eatery
1051 S Coast Hwy 101Breakfast and lunch only. Located downtown Encintas.
Honey's Bistro & Bakery
632 S Coast Hwy 101Downtown Encinitas known for their muffins.
Breakfast Republic
5 blocks from our home
Naked Cafe
288 N El Camino RealAbout a 15 minute walk
On weekends the line is out the door but they keep coming. Must be good. Downtown Encinitas on the opposite corner of Lofty Coffee.
9 locals recommend
Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream
90 N Coast Hwy 101On weekends the line is out the door but they keep coming. Must be good. Downtown Encinitas on the opposite corner of Lofty Coffee.
The ice cream is good, lots of flavors, $$$ and parking is usually not an issue. It's about a 10 minute drive in La Costa.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
The ice cream is good, lots of flavors, $$$ and parking is usually not an issue. It's about a 10 minute drive in La Costa.
I happened to come across their website and thought their cookie and ice cream looked amazing. They get five stars from the locals. Downtown Encinitas.
The Baked Bear
I happened to come across their website and thought their cookie and ice cream looked amazing. They get five stars from the locals. Downtown Encinitas.
Absolutely the best plant based, vegan, raw food restaurant in San Diego. The original kale chips and the Caesar wrap are my favorites. The desserts are plentiful and delicious.
13 locals recommend
Peace Pies Raw Food Cafe
133 Daphne StAbsolutely the best plant based, vegan, raw food restaurant in San Diego. The original kale chips and the Caesar wrap are my favorites. The desserts are plentiful and delicious.
Tuesday nights is game night. They organize the game and create tables of people to play. Check out their pizza menu as you are sure to find a combination that you've never tried before.
Corner Pizza
Tuesday nights is game night. They organize the game and create tables of people to play. Check out their pizza menu as you are sure to find a combination that you've never tried before.
A taco place, that offers a simple but yummy menu that includes Peruvian beans , Caesar salad, and a host of tacos. Although in Carlsbad, it's only a 10 minute drive from here. I love their seasonings (on the spicier side) and they have vegetarian options for tacos as well.
Lola 55
A taco place, that offers a simple but yummy menu that includes Peruvian beans , Caesar salad, and a host of tacos. Although in Carlsbad, it's only a 10 minute drive from here. I love their seasonings (on the spicier side) and they have vegetarian options for tacos as well.
Sightseeing
This is the most famous surf spot in San Diego county. Check out the tide pools too. Park your car at Moonlight Beach. Walk the beach to Swami's then walk up the stairs and walk across Hwy 101 and have breakfast or lunch at Swami's Cafe. If you haven't had an Acai Bowl then try one. Then continue your walk along 101 north and stop by the Self Realization Gardens for a peaceful setting and beautiful photo spot. As you walk north on 101 check out all the restaurants and bar scenes as you make your way back to Moonlight Beach.
117 locals recommend
Swami's Beach
This is the most famous surf spot in San Diego county. Check out the tide pools too. Park your car at Moonlight Beach. Walk the beach to Swami's then walk up the stairs and walk across Hwy 101 and have breakfast or lunch at Swami's Cafe. If you haven't had an Acai Bowl then try one. Then continue your walk along 101 north and stop by the Self Realization Gardens for a peaceful setting and beautiful photo spot. As you walk north on 101 check out all the restaurants and bar scenes as you make your way back to Moonlight Beach.
This is a must see while browsing 101 Encinitas. The gardens are lovely including two beautiful koi ponds. There are several sitting benches to enjoy and ponder the beauty of this iconic spot. The ocean views are stunning. There is no fee to enter the gardens; be aware that guests of the Fellowship are sometimes meditating around the gardens and softer voices are respectful. Anyone can stay a night or two at the Fellowship. Donations are recommended. Tip: clean public bathrooms are inside the garden gates to the left. The Self Realization property is lined with scores of hand carved pumpkins created for the community to enjoy on Halloween evening each year. 9am-5pm
130 locals recommend
Self-Realization Fellowship Encinitas Temple
939 2nd StThis is a must see while browsing 101 Encinitas. The gardens are lovely including two beautiful koi ponds. There are several sitting benches to enjoy and ponder the beauty of this iconic spot. The ocean views are stunning. There is no fee to enter the gardens; be aware that guests of the Fellowship are sometimes meditating around the gardens and softer voices are respectful. Anyone can stay a night or two at the Fellowship. Donations are recommended. Tip: clean public bathrooms are inside the garden gates to the left. The Self Realization property is lined with scores of hand carved pumpkins created for the community to enjoy on Halloween evening each year. 9am-5pm
There are more than 200 thousand Peace Poles in 180 countries and Encinitas has one of them. Each pole is a reminder to visualize and pray for world peace.
Seaside Center for Spiritual Living
1613 Lake DrThere are more than 200 thousand Peace Poles in 180 countries and Encinitas has one of them. Each pole is a reminder to visualize and pray for world peace.
The Glider port is a must do! The only other cliffs in the U.S. that offer perfect conditions for hang gliding and para sailing is in North Carolina. Pack a lunch and enjoy the excitement of these brave people who jump off cliffs to catch the wind under their sails!
268 locals recommend
Torrey Pines Gliderport
2800 Torrey Pines Scenic DrThe Glider port is a must do! The only other cliffs in the U.S. that offer perfect conditions for hang gliding and para sailing is in North Carolina. Pack a lunch and enjoy the excitement of these brave people who jump off cliffs to catch the wind under their sails!
California Surf Museum
312 Pier View WayShopping
One stop shopping, several restaurants including Casa de Bandini, Urban Plates, Panera, and retail shopping including Anthropologie, Yoga six, Lulu Lemon, MAC, and Jimbo's for your organic food shopping, GF, vegan options for bakery and deli-casual dining. A five minute drive.
62 locals recommend
Forum Carlsbad
1923 Calle BarcelonaOne stop shopping, several restaurants including Casa de Bandini, Urban Plates, Panera, and retail shopping including Anthropologie, Yoga six, Lulu Lemon, MAC, and Jimbo's for your organic food shopping, GF, vegan options for bakery and deli-casual dining. A five minute drive.
Our local boutique oil and vinegar store supplies a sumptuous combination of olive oils and vinegar in steel vats ready for you to taste. Homemade breads, olives, and imported cheeses are perfect to add to your favorite wine. Additionally, the store will hand bottle, pack, and ship your favorite olive oils and vinegar. A five minute drive.
Baker and Olive
215 S El Camino RealOur local boutique oil and vinegar store supplies a sumptuous combination of olive oils and vinegar in steel vats ready for you to taste. Homemade breads, olives, and imported cheeses are perfect to add to your favorite wine. Additionally, the store will hand bottle, pack, and ship your favorite olive oils and vinegar. A five minute drive.
A boutique of unique, artistic, and practical items to add to your home, your self care and gifts for a special friend or family member.
9 locals recommend
Bliss 101
553 S Coast Hwy 101A boutique of unique, artistic, and practical items to add to your home, your self care and gifts for a special friend or family member.
Essentials
Organic focused foods and produce including a decent selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free products and deli. A good selection of cheese and wines and a better price point than Lazy Acres. It's about a five minute drive.
38 locals recommend
Jimbo's...Naturally!
1923 Calle BarcelonaOrganic focused foods and produce including a decent selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free products and deli. A good selection of cheese and wines and a better price point than Lazy Acres. It's about a five minute drive.
This is a very large grocery store that includes a pharmacy. It is walking distance from our neighborhood. If you're in a pinch and it's after 9 pm then go here. Note: CVS Pharmacy in Encinitas is open until midnight.
38 locals recommend
Vons
453 Santa Fe DrThis is a very large grocery store that includes a pharmacy. It is walking distance from our neighborhood. If you're in a pinch and it's after 9 pm then go here. Note: CVS Pharmacy in Encinitas is open until midnight.
This grocery store is much like Jimbo's in that it provides a health and wellness department and includes a variety of organic and non organic fresh foods. They also have prepared foods and a full deli.
49 locals recommend
Sprouts Farmers Market
3243 Camino De Los CochesThis grocery store is much like Jimbo's in that it provides a health and wellness department and includes a variety of organic and non organic fresh foods. They also have prepared foods and a full deli.
Our newest Organic grocer west of the 5 freeway towards downtown on the right side of Encinitas Blvd. They just opened just in time as Whole Foods downtown is closing. Think of Whole Foods and Whole Check!
69 locals recommend
Lazy Acres
150 Encinitas BlvdOur newest Organic grocer west of the 5 freeway towards downtown on the right side of Encinitas Blvd. They just opened just in time as Whole Foods downtown is closing. Think of Whole Foods and Whole Check!
A local favorite and first time visitors love the specialty foods and deli. Their BBQ tri-tip or Cardiff crack is the number one local favorite.
176 locals recommend
Cardiff Seaside Market
2087 San Elijo AveA local favorite and first time visitors love the specialty foods and deli. Their BBQ tri-tip or Cardiff crack is the number one local favorite.
If you're not lucky enough to have a Trader Joe's in your town, best to make this a to-do on your list. They have a decent amount of organic vegetables and fruits. Plenty of prepackaged fresh salads and main entrees for a quick meal.
Trader Joe's
If you're not lucky enough to have a Trader Joe's in your town, best to make this a to-do on your list. They have a decent amount of organic vegetables and fruits. Plenty of prepackaged fresh salads and main entrees for a quick meal.
Sprouts
1327 Encinitas BlvdParks & Nature
To access the street parking area in a Solana Beach neighborhood map it. It's about a 15 drive south from our house. They've expanded the trail to allow walking over the lagoon parallel to the freeway to the north. This trail intersects with another trail that travels east towards Rancho Santa Fe along the estuary filled with wildlife birds.
27 locals recommend
Annies Canyon Trailhead
North Rios AvenueTo access the street parking area in a Solana Beach neighborhood map it. It's about a 15 drive south from our house. They've expanded the trail to allow walking over the lagoon parallel to the freeway to the north. This trail intersects with another trail that travels east towards Rancho Santa Fe along the estuary filled with wildlife birds.
Consider this stop for a sunset happy hour. Drive inside the park and they'll allow 20 minutes of free parking. Let the park ranger know that you're planning on eating at the concession stand. If there is no parking available, park along the 101 south and walk in. Then walk to the campground convenience store and buy a two dollar 24 oz can of Tecate beer and find a seat on the edge of the bluff and savor the moment!
TIP: Walking to this State Park from Swami's is an easy walk, flat and a beautiful ocean view the entire walk. ( dolphins and whales sightings during winter) Park anywhere in Encinitas, around the Self Realization Center and start your walk south.
99 locals recommend
Cardiff State Beach
Consider this stop for a sunset happy hour. Drive inside the park and they'll allow 20 minutes of free parking. Let the park ranger know that you're planning on eating at the concession stand. If there is no parking available, park along the 101 south and walk in. Then walk to the campground convenience store and buy a two dollar 24 oz can of Tecate beer and find a seat on the edge of the bluff and savor the moment!
TIP: Walking to this State Park from Swami's is an easy walk, flat and a beautiful ocean view the entire walk. ( dolphins and whales sightings during winter) Park anywhere in Encinitas, around the Self Realization Center and start your walk south.
Walk, bike, jog or picnic in this historic park that includes roaming peafowl! Botanical walking tours Saturday and Sunday 10 and 1 - free to the public.
38 locals recommend
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
6200 Flying Leo Carrillo LnWalk, bike, jog or picnic in this historic park that includes roaming peafowl! Botanical walking tours Saturday and Sunday 10 and 1 - free to the public.
This is our beach and it is a straight shot down Encintas Blvd! They've recently updated the restrooms, snack, bar, and outdoor showers. There is live music throughout the summer so be sure to check out their website.
322 locals recommend
Moonlight Beach
400 B StThis is our beach and it is a straight shot down Encintas Blvd! They've recently updated the restrooms, snack, bar, and outdoor showers. There is live music throughout the summer so be sure to check out their website.
Our local botanical garden is less than a mile away, about a 10 minute drive or a low intensity 15 minutes walk from our neighborhood trailhead. Within the gardens are an additional 3 miles of walking trails. They have various events throughout the year that you could consider. A beautiful east view awaits you as well.
196 locals recommend
San Diego Botanic Garden
300 Quail Gardens DrOur local botanical garden is less than a mile away, about a 10 minute drive or a low intensity 15 minutes walk from our neighborhood trailhead. Within the gardens are an additional 3 miles of walking trails. They have various events throughout the year that you could consider. A beautiful east view awaits you as well.
Start here to learn the extensive trail paths that wind around this area. It's about a 15 minute drive.
33 locals recommend
San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center
2710 Manchester AveStart here to learn the extensive trail paths that wind around this area. It's about a 15 minute drive.
One of one our hidden gems and is an historical landmark. Street parking only but worth the walk for a beautiful sunset.
13 locals recommend
Stonesteps
340 S El Portal StOne of one our hidden gems and is an historical landmark. Street parking only but worth the walk for a beautiful sunset.
This is a must-do hike! There are three start points. Trails are easy to somewhat difficult. Support our National Parks and pay for parking inside the park. Or park on Hwy. 101 and walk the beach south to the trail head up to the reserve or walk through the state park and choose several trail options at the top of the paved road into the reserve. There is a small museum at the top of the paved road on the left - including restrooms.
Inside the park two trail options take you directly down to the beach with stunning view points on the way down to the beach. You can see Mexico and on a clear clear day Catalina Island.
When your hike is complete head north on the highway and choose among coastal eateries including, Claire's, Pizza Port in Solana Beach , Ki's for an organic lunch in Cardiff, or Lotus Cafe, Eve Encinitas, Qero, or the Taco Place in Encinitas.
Also consider Cucina Enoteca at Via De La Valle in Del Mar. Cucina offers a farm to table menu and GF pasta. Best yet is their selection of wines. No cork fee on Sundays. Check out their Happy Hour menu - my favorite are their roasted brussell sprouts - their spicy dipping sauce is delicious.
1108 locals recommend
Torrey Pines State Reserve
12600 North Torrey Pines RoadThis is a must-do hike! There are three start points. Trails are easy to somewhat difficult. Support our National Parks and pay for parking inside the park. Or park on Hwy. 101 and walk the beach south to the trail head up to the reserve or walk through the state park and choose several trail options at the top of the paved road into the reserve. There is a small museum at the top of the paved road on the left - including restrooms.
Inside the park two trail options take you directly down to the beach with stunning view points on the way down to the beach. You can see Mexico and on a clear clear day Catalina Island.
When your hike is complete head north on the highway and choose among coastal eateries including, Claire's, Pizza Port in Solana Beach , Ki's for an organic lunch in Cardiff, or Lotus Cafe, Eve Encinitas, Qero, or the Taco Place in Encinitas.
Also consider Cucina Enoteca at Via De La Valle in Del Mar. Cucina offers a farm to table menu and GF pasta. Best yet is their selection of wines. No cork fee on Sundays. Check out their Happy Hour menu - my favorite are their roasted brussell sprouts - their spicy dipping sauce is delicious.
San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center
2710 Manchester AveThe Safari Park in Escondido is a 30 minute drive east of our home. ( it’s a wild animal preserve - and affiliated with the San Diego Zoo). We’d be happy to loan you our binoculars and provide the best route to get there. ( no freeway driving😊)
967 locals recommend
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley RdThe Safari Park in Escondido is a 30 minute drive east of our home. ( it’s a wild animal preserve - and affiliated with the San Diego Zoo). We’d be happy to loan you our binoculars and provide the best route to get there. ( no freeway driving😊)
Arts & Culture
The Docents are old and wise. They love questions! The museum is across from the San Diego Botanical Gardens. A short drive or 15 minute walk from our neighborhood trailhead.
8 locals recommend
San Dieguito Heritage Museum at the Heritage Ranch
450 Quail Gardens DrThe Docents are old and wise. They love questions! The museum is across from the San Diego Botanical Gardens. A short drive or 15 minute walk from our neighborhood trailhead.
It's our newest addition in Arts and Culture. It's a five minute drive.
18 locals recommend
Lux Art Institute
1550 S El Camino RealIt's our newest addition in Arts and Culture. It's a five minute drive.
First Street Gallery & Custom Framing
820 S Coast Hwy 101Off Track Gallery
937 S Coast Hwy 101Art N Soul on 101
670 S Coast Hwy 101Getting Around
The local commuter train is called the Coaster. It begins in Oceanside just about 12 miles north of here and makes stops south and north between Oceanside and downtown San Diego. You can hop on the Coaster in Encinitas and travel one stop to Solana Beach and enjoy the shopping on Cedros or travel to San Diego about 30 minutes. The coaster schedule can be found at this link - www.gonctd.com/coaster.
15 locals recommend
North County Transit District
810 Mission AveThe local commuter train is called the Coaster. It begins in Oceanside just about 12 miles north of here and makes stops south and north between Oceanside and downtown San Diego. You can hop on the Coaster in Encinitas and travel one stop to Solana Beach and enjoy the shopping on Cedros or travel to San Diego about 30 minutes. The coaster schedule can be found at this link - www.gonctd.com/coaster.