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Encinitas Beach

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Highlights | Logistics | Getting There | Insider Tips

Highlights

Encinitas is one of North County’s favorite beach communities. Encinitas hotels provide easy access to Leucadia State Beach, Moonlight State Beach, or the beaches at Cardiff by the Sea.

Once considered a rural beach community with its flower farms and plant nurseries, Encinitas still holds some of that charm from a bygone era. Train buffs will enjoy hearing the Amtrak “Surfliner” roll through town daily as it travels the California coast. Coast Highway 101 lies four blocks east of the beaches and parallels the coast. Encinitas has a plethora of antique shops, surf shops, restaurants, and local hangouts.

Logistics

Public parking is available at Moonlight State Beach and street parking is available throughout Encinitas.

Getting There (Encinitas area map)

From San Diego, head north on I-5 and take one of the following exits: Birmingham Drive, Santa Fe Drive, or Encinitas Boulevard.

Insider Tips (Encinitas area map)

Encinitas is perfect for those looking for a less tourist-oriented destination. The community is mainly residential and has a wonderful variety of restaurants, shops, and galleries.

Swami’s, a local’s beach located at the south end of Encinitas, offers stunning views of the ocean and sandstone cliffs — perfect for photographers.

Cyclists enjoy starting their rides in Encinitas, heading north and south along Coast Route 101, which is bicycle-friendly.

Encinitas attractions include the Yogananda Retreat, La Paloma Theater, Moonlight State Beach, NCTD Coaster Station (commuter train service to/from downtown San Diego), shopping and restaurants, annual "Woody" show and more.

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