23 Best Things to Do in Encinitas

As one of the most popular beaches in Encinitas, Moonlight Beach is a can’t-miss attraction for vacationers to the area, and with good reason. A visit to the beach easily earns a spot on our list of the Best Things to Do in San Diego’s Most Popular Neighborhoods thanks to its wide sandy shore that’s perfect for setting up an umbrella, sunbathing, and watching the kids play in the sand.

Popular activities at Moonlight State Beach include swimming, surfing, and playing beach volleyball. There’s a convenient snack bar and picnic tables with fire pits plus, lifeguards on duty and restrooms onsite. Spend the entire day on the beach without interruptions, soaking up the relaxed ocean vibes at one of San Diego’s finest beaches!

San Diego’s pervasive surfing culture makes it especially attractive to experienced surfers, but inexperienced surfers don’t have to miss out on the fun. Even total beginners can take a Private Group Surf Lesson, where an instructor will show you the ropes so you can start hanging ten in no time.

Lessons begin in a stress-free environment on the beach, and all necessary gear is included. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you’ll head out into the ocean to ride the waves. Learn how to paddle, maintain your balance on the board, surf safely, and follow proper surf etiquette so you can surf to your heart’s content at any of Encinitas’ best beaches!

If you’re hoping to enjoy the incredible waves at the best beaches in Encinitas, a full day surfboard rental should be the first thing on any experienced surfers trip itinerary. From the world-famous Swami’s Beach to the secluded sands of Boneyards and D Street Beach, surfing is by far one of the best ways you can spend the day in Encinitas, making it one of the Best Things to Do in San Diego’s Best Neighborhoods.

Local surfboard rentals make it easy and convenient to go surfing without the hassle of traveling with your board. Purchasing a Go City San Diego pass in advance will snag you a discount on a full day surfboard rental as well as rentals of other beach-day equipment like kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear. Use the discount code GVSD5OFF for even more savings!

Founded in the 1920s as a Kriya Yoga institute, the Self-Realization Fellowship Encinitas Temple hosts a variety of meditations, yoga classes, and other instructive lessons for those looking to get in touch with their spiritual side. Visitors to the Fellowship can sit in on its daily services and take part in guided meditations, or simply tour the beautiful Meditation Gardens at leisure.

The Meditation Gardens are teeming with both local and exotic plant life, from cacti to beautiful flowers. This peaceful locale also features koi ponds, meditation nooks, and incredible views of the ocean. It provides an excellent opportunity to surround yourself with nature while connecting to your inner spirituality.

Among the many fun things you can do with a Go City San Diego All-Inclusive pass is a tour of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park located in nearby Escondido. At about a 40 minute drive or rideshare to the east of Encinitas, the short commute is well worth the effort! The park is one of the most popular attractions in all of San Diego for wildlife lovers, and it’s a great way to experience close-up encounters with wild animals from around the world.

Explore an African safari and tour through a high biodiversity environment. Standout attractions include the Elephant Overlook, Lion Camp, Tiger Trail, Wings of the World Aviary, Africa Tram Safari, and the kid-friendly Discovery Station. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is suitable for guests of all ages offering a wide variety of exciting animal shows each day.

Explore Encinitas’ foodie scene on the 3-Hour Encinitas Vegan & Vegetarian Food Guided Walking Tour.

Unlike many of San Diego’s Best Food & Beer Tours, this tour is specifically catered toward people who stick to a plant-based diet. This is made possible thanks to the significant vegan and vegetarian scene in this corner of San Diego. Note, however, that even non-vegans can enjoy the tasty food and drinks on offer at Encinitas’ best local restaurants.

This walking tour also makes our list of the Best Things to Do in San Diego, regardless of neighborhood, as it’s a fun way to sample the flavors of Encinitas while also learning about the town’s culture and historic background.

The craft beer hub of North County San Diego is the perfect neighborhood for beer enthusiasts and anyone looking to have a good time at a brewery or two. The Cruise & Booze Brewery Tour is the ideal way to check out the offerings of multiple locally-owned breweries, bars, and pubs in the area while also soaking up the sun and snacking on small bites.

Additionally, brewery tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the way various breweries make their beer, so you can learn about the process from start to finish. Top it all off with samples from top local brewers, and this is a tour you won’t want to miss!

As one of the more secluded beaches in Encinitas, D Street Beach is an ideal choice if you’re seeking a relaxed bit of coastline for sunbathing and cooling off in the Pacific Ocean. You won’t find big crowds here, which makes it a great escape from some of San Diego’s busier beaches in neighborhoods like La Jolla and Pacific Beach.

D Street Beach is also blessed with excellent surfing conditions. San Diego’s year-round warm weather makes it the perfect spot to rent a surfboard and jump in the waves. Don’t forget to take advantage of discounts on gear rentals with your Go City San Diego pass. If surfing’s not for you, other popular activities at the beach include stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) and beachcombing.

Explore top sights throughout Northern San Diego County on the Local Guided Electric Bike Tour from Solana Beach to Encinitas. Ride in comfort and style on a modern e-bike as you traverse 15 miles on a private tour of landmarks in Encinitas and Solana Beach.

Tours last about half a day, and also include stops in Del Mar and Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Enjoy amazing coastal views as you bike with the wind in your hair, and check out popular destinations like the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center, Fletcher Cove Park, the Self-Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens, and the Del Mar Racetrack. All necessary gear, including bikes and helmets, is provided for the duration of the tour.

Two huge ships are dry docked among Encinitas’ coastal beach houses, these being the SS Moonlight and SS Encinitas. While they’ve existed since the 1920s, they’ve never been to sea, yet still make for an interesting attraction for those looking to learn about local San Diego history.

When you visit the Encinitas Boathouses, you can learn about the work of the architect Miles Kellogg, a cousin of corn flakes inventor Dr. John Harvey Kellogg. The boats are currently owned by the Encinitas Preservation Association, and they serve as well-maintained examples of unique vernacular design and Courtyard architecture common in California. Snap a photo with these towering local legends as you learn about the storied history of their creator.

Southern California and San Diego in particular is full of history. As one of the most notable surfing spots along the West Coast, it’s no surprise that San Diego has its own museum dedicated entirely to surfing!

San Diego offers its visitors many types of incredible tours, and taking a historical tour, or visiting one of the area’s museums, is an excellent way to spend a day in Encinitas. The California Surf Museum in nearby Oceanside is a fantastic choice as it teeming with interesting tales from the state’s most notable surfers, as well as photos, videos, and memorabilia, including many surfboards used in real surf contests throughout the years.

The California Surf Museum contains exhibits that detail the history and development of various styles of surfboards, famous faces in the surfing world, and information on local wave conditions. If you’re feeling particularly inspired, rent a surfboard with a Go City San Diego pass and head to the beach after your visit!

Swami’s Beach is named for the founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship Encinitas Temple, which is just a few steps away on the cliffs above the beach. Most visitors come for the surf, but you can also explore tide pools during low tide, or head to the Self-Realization Fellowship’s Meditation Gardens.

Professional surfers love the waves at Swami’s, which has world-class surf with a point break and a few beach breaks as well. Since the waves are fairly challenging here, the beach is best suited to more experienced surfers. If that’s you, be sure to grab a Go City San Diego pass using discount code GVSD5OFF to save on a surfboard rental.

Others will love relaxing and watching the pros surf while enjoying the sun and incredible views over the Pacific Ocean.

Visit one of San Diego County’s biggest wetlands as you explore the sprawling 900 acres of San Elijo Lagoon, a large ecological reserve that contains hundreds of local species of flora and fauna. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings as you hike the many miles of trails that extend throughout the lagoon, and consider bringing a pair of binoculars and a camera for some birdwatching.

In addition to species of birds native to wetlands like egrets and ospreys, visitors can search for reptiles, crustaceans, fish, and plant life like prickly pear cacti and wildflowers. Trails range in length and difficulty, with the easiest being less than half a mile and the more difficult trains spanning about two miles.

Wonder past trees, flowers, shrubs, and other plants from near and far at the San Diego Botanic Garden! Often used as a backdrop for incredible vacation photos and a venue for everything from community gatherings to weddings, the garden includes a massive collection of local and exotic flora from various habitats all around the globe. Enjoy the huge tropical blooms and bamboo groves, or look for more reclusive desert gardens.

If you’re interested in more ways to visit biodiverse environments in San Diego, check out the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park, and be sure to grab a Go City San Diego pass in advance for savings on this and dozens of other attractions throughout the city!

Like many of the beaches in Encinitas, Stone Steps Beach is an excellent place to rent a surfboard and enjoy the waves, though the conditions are fairly inconsistent. Luckily, surfing is far from all this beach has to offer, so if the waves aren’t right, you can still spend the day sunbathing, swimming, and walking along the shore.

The beach has plenty of picnic tables where you can set up camp in the shade and enjoy a packed lunch, as well as fire pits perfect for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores in the evenings. If you’re looking to try something new and exciting, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is popular off the coast.

Encinitas is full of exciting options for food, whether you’re looking for a four-course meal or just something to hold you over until dinner. If you’re in the mood for baked goods, you can’t go wrong with the offerings at Broad Street Dough Co., which serves a variety of donuts including vegan and gluten free varieties.

Alternatively, head over to Prager Brothers Artisan Bread for delicious fresh-baked breads and pastries with a rotating seasonal menu. Craving something sweet? Look no further than JoJo's Creamery, which serves up ice cream and gooey chocolate chip cookies made from scratch.

Whatever kind of treat you’re craving, you’re sure to find plenty of choices in Encinitas!

Ever wanted to customize a candle to your liking, or try out the art of candle making for yourself? At Candles on Tap, not only can you buy premade candles from a selection of 100 different fragrances, but you can also craft your own candle personalized just to your liking!

Start out by choosing a scent, or come up with a blend that is totally your own. The helpful staff will guide you through the process of pouring your candle, and as you wait for it to set, you can shop around other Downtown Encinitas businesses or grab lunch. This is a fun activity that’s suitable for all ages, and it’s a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in San Diego.

Dating all the way back to 1928, the La Paloma Theatre has been a fixture in Encinitas for decades as San Diego’s oldest theater that’s still in operation today. In fact, the La Paloma was one of the first theaters in the country to start playing “talkies,” though for its first few years, people could still come watch silent films and vaudeville acts.

In the modern day, the La Paloma Theatre plays daily movies, ranging from recent releases to popular classics and cult hits from the past. See a film inside this work of living history, and admire the architecture that has been preserved and maintained for nearly a century.

First established in 1980, Lou’s Records is a quaint local record shop that harkens back to the golden days of vinyl. In addition to new and used records, you’ll find a mix of CDs, DVDs, cassettes, turntables, accessories, and more. Pick up a copy of your favorite classic music on vinyl, hunt down an elusive record for your collection, or update your library with some recent hits.

In addition to being a retail business, Lou’s Records is also a venue for local live music performances and gatherings of music enthusiasts, especially for those who prefer the classics. Whether you were born and raised alongside vinyls or you’re looking for a blast from the past, it’s easy to see why Lou’s Records is so beloved by the community, and why it remains a local landmark to this day.

Experience a true luxury getaway when you schedule a pampering treatment at the Four Moons Spa Center. Select from a large menu of massages, scrubs, body wraps, facials, and more, or take relaxation to the next level with an all-inclusive spa package.

In addition to standard spa services, Four Moons Spa Center aims to nourish and heal your mind as well as your body. They employ a staff of yogis, mystics, therapists, and healers who are ready to soothe your emotional and spiritual needs through classes and private lessons. Take a half-day workshop with friends, or just pop in for a quick mani-pedi.

The neighborhood of Encinitas features over 150 acres of parks, with the Encinitas Community Park serving as the crown jewel. It boasts a large children’s play area with playground equipment, benches and picnic tables, and plenty of space for stretching out a blanket or holding a party in the park. Kids and adults alike can also make use of the park’s softball and baseball fields, as well as the large soccer field.

The Encinitas Community Park also includes an attached skatepark and the Maggie Houlihan Memorial Dog Park. Bring the whole family, pets included, to relax and unwind, and enjoy a fun-filled day of play.

The Coastal Rail Trail is a stretch of bike path created by the Regional Bikeway Project that extends along the shore between Oceanside and the Santa Fe Depot in Downtown San Diego. The full trail extends 44 miles, but you don’t have to be a professional cyclist if you simply want to take a jog, stroll, or bike ride down the segment of the trail that runs through Encinitas.

The trail is well-maintained, passes by plenty of beautiful natural views, and it’s accessible enough that riders of all ages and skill levels are able to walk, run or bike it. As you travel, be sure to shop local with pit stops at the businesses that line the trail.

Support local businesses and pick up some unique souvenirs at the Encinitas Seaside Bazaar, which takes place every Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine year-round. This marketplace features the best of the best locally-made goods, including homemade jewelry, clothing, accessories, toys, gifts, blankets, and more.

Be sure to check out what vendors are selling for lunch and pick up a hot meal, an ice cold drink, or a sweet treat. If you like shopping, this is Encinitas’ top shopping hot spot, and it’s one you won’t want to miss whether you’re a local or just in town for a few days.

If exploring farmer’s markets is your thing, check out the State Street Farmer’s Market in nearby Carlsbad, the Leucadia Certified Farmers Market right in Encinitas or checkout our guide to the Best Farmers Markets in San Diego for even more local options!