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5 Best Things to do in Encinitas, CA
- willowlacey99
- Feb 6, 2022
- 5 min read
Ever since I was young, my family and I would pack up our RV and head down the 5 freeway towards San Diego. Although both beach cities, the drive from Long Beach to San Diego highlighted how different the beaches and lifestyles were. We would pass by Laguna Beach, San Clemente, and Oceanside, and I always loved watching the beautiful blue water and the surfers while driving to our destination- the city of Encinitas. Located in San Diego County, Encinitas is a small and relaxed beach town that many surfers and ocean lovers flock to. With many shopping options, delicious restaurants, amazing views, and of course, breathtaking beaches, there are endless possibilities to enjoy your stay in the city; whether it is a simple day trip or you are staying multiple nights. Having spent many summers in the beautiful city, there are several spots that I believe everyone should visit. I have condensed this list to my 5 best things to do in Encinitas, from my experience, but the list goes on. If you are wanting to learn more about Encinitas or are planning to take a trip, take this as your guide to make the most out of your stop!
To start things off right, I wanted to highlight easily my favorite part of Encinitas- San Elijo State Beach Campground. This is by far the spot that I have spent the most time at. The campground has 165 campsites, with diverse scenery, as some overlook the ocean while others have a direct view of the town. It is an extremely popular beach campground that is open year-round and is constantly booked, so make sure to reserve a campsite early on.
Besides the incredible views, the campsites have amenities that you can use during your stay, including a fire pit, picnic table, water hookups, and a general store to buy snacks, beach toys, and souvenirs. It is always busy with guests riding bikes, scooters, skateboards, laying out in the shining sun, and bringing surfboards to the beach. The only downside is the walk down to the beach, as you are met with a couple of flights of stairs to walk down. The beach is definitely worth the walk, though, as the water is clear, plenty of sand to lay your towels down, and perfect waves for surfing. There is also a dog beach for you to play in the water with your furry friends!
If you are interested in staying at this amazing campground, you have to make a reservation at https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/. Maybe we will see each other there!
Easily one of the most gorgeous sites in Encinitas is the Self-Realization Fellowship Encinitas Temple. It is a meditation garden with a plethora of vibrant flowers, stunning greenery, koi ponds, and great views of the ocean, as always! Whether you are looking to meditate, have a nice walk, or for an Instagram-worthy background, the Encinitas Temple is the place to be.
The mediation gardens are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sundays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is closed on Mondays and any day it rains, be sure to plan accordingly, you do not want to miss out on the beautiful views the Temple gardens have to offer.
3. PIPE'S CAFE
As previously mentioned, there are many delicious food options around the city, ranging from high-end restaurants to small diners. Every time I visit Encinitas, I make sure to stop by Pipe's Cafe, which does an amazing traditional breakfast, brunch, and lunch. It is only open from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, and is always packed with happy customers.
Pipe's is the best if you are looking for a breakfast spot to sit on the patio, feel the cool ocean breeze, and have a filling meal. This cafe is your typical surf-themed hangout spot, with a sign out front saying "no shoes, no shirt, no problem!"
As a breakfast connoisseur, I would recommend any of their breakfast burritos or the Pipe's Burger for lunch. But, as always, you can't go wrong with ordering a simple bacon and eggs plate.
I know you're probably thinking, "Willow, another breakfast spot?" And the answer is, yes, because these are by far the best donuts I've had in my life. It could just be the amazing atmosphere, but VG Donut & Bakery is also a must-stop whenever I go to Encinitas.
VG Donut & Bakery has a rich history in the city, as it first opened in 1969 and is now considered a landmark in Encinitas. The VG stands for "Very Good," and that is not an understatement. Their baked goods absolutely live up to the name.
This donut shop is also an extremely popular location in Encinitas, as there is always a line out the door. Needless to say, if you are looking to have a quick coffee and donut before your surfing session, or have a huge sweet tooth like me, this is the place for you! VG Donut and Bakery is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5:00 am to 5:00 pm, Friday 5:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday 6:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Finally, if you are mainly looking for a beach day in Encinitas, please do yourself a favor and go to Swami's, especially if you are looking for a calm, not so packed, beach day. The ocean views are spectacular, similar to San Elijo State Beach, but Swami's has fewer people visiting. Depending on the day, it may feel like you have the whole beach to yourself!
There are a couple of cafes near Swami's, great picnic spots, and tide pools to explore when it is low tide. As always, it has great waves for surfing and beach play as well. It is also North of San Elijo, and you can walk along the beach to the state beach when the tide is not too high. Swami's Beach is definitely more of a local's secret, so let's try to keep this between you and me.
There are so many fun activities to do, great food to be eaten, and sights to be seen in Encinitas. Although these are only my top 5 things to do in the city, there is much more to potentially add to this list. If you plan to visit, try to explore the city as much as possible! During my years visiting, I have often found myself riding my bike or walking through the city and exploring the many different shops, restaurants, and beaches. It is truly a beautiful city that so many appreciate, especially if you are interested in the beach and surfing lifestyle and culture. If you are looking to have a beach getaway, this is the place to be, and make sure to have this guide in mind!
If you want to see more of the beautiful sights in Encinitas, check out my Youtube video that highlights some of the locations mentioned in this post:
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