Lisa’s guidebook

Lisa
Lisa’s guidebook

Sightseeing

Dog park, playground, skatepark! Dog park usually closed in October for maintenance.
31 locals recommend
Encinitas Community Park
425 Santa Fe Dr
31 locals recommend
Dog park, playground, skatepark! Dog park usually closed in October for maintenance.
Ocean view library :-)
25 locals recommend
Encinitas Library
540 Cornish Dr
25 locals recommend
Ocean view library :-)
Worth the entry fee. There is something for all ages here. Epic kids play area with tree house
196 locals recommend
San Diego Botanic Garden
300 Quail Gardens Dr
196 locals recommend
Worth the entry fee. There is something for all ages here. Epic kids play area with tree house
Got kids? Legoland is a must!
1249 locals recommend
LEGOLAND California
One Legoland Dr
1249 locals recommend
Got kids? Legoland is a must!
Pricey luxury theater. Reserve seats early!
87 locals recommend
Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas La Costa Paseo Real
6941 El Camino Real
87 locals recommend
Pricey luxury theater. Reserve seats early!
Historic theater that is super close and ½ price of other theatres. Locals (Lisa) grew up going here!!
67 locals recommend
La Paloma Theatre
471 S Coast Hwy 101
67 locals recommend
Historic theater that is super close and ½ price of other theatres. Locals (Lisa) grew up going here!!
You can walk to this beach from our place. Famous surf break and views and air that will cleanse your soul.
117 locals recommend
Swami's Beach
117 locals recommend
You can walk to this beach from our place. Famous surf break and views and air that will cleanse your soul.
Close beach access
9 locals recommend
D Street Viewpoint Park
404 W D St
9 locals recommend
Close beach access
This beach has fire rings, outdoor showers, snack shack, equipment rentals, lifeguards, and a decent parking lot.
322 locals recommend
Moonlight Beach
400 B St
322 locals recommend
This beach has fire rings, outdoor showers, snack shack, equipment rentals, lifeguards, and a decent parking lot.
Local farmer's market on weekends
59 locals recommend
Leucadia Farmers Market
185 Union St
59 locals recommend
Local farmer's market on weekends
Amazing gardens open to public at the south end of 2nd street. Visit quietly and find serenity here. No dogs.
130 locals recommend
Self-Realization Fellowship Encinitas Temple
939 2nd St
130 locals recommend
Amazing gardens open to public at the south end of 2nd street. Visit quietly and find serenity here. No dogs.
Great surf shop that has been around since I can remember
34 locals recommend
Hansen Surfboards
1105 S Coast Hwy 101
34 locals recommend
Great surf shop that has been around since I can remember
Plant nursery with a few farm animals. Might be worth a visit with the kids.
Sunshine Gardens
155 Quail Gardens Dr
Plant nursery with a few farm animals. Might be worth a visit with the kids.
Great for kids. Skate park, dog park, sports fields, and huge aquatic center with 2 high dives, 2 low dives, water play area, and low entry fees. Check City of Carlsbad Alga Norte Aquatic Center site for hours and fees.
13 locals recommend
Alga Norte Community Park
6565 Alicante Rd
13 locals recommend
Great for kids. Skate park, dog park, sports fields, and huge aquatic center with 2 high dives, 2 low dives, water play area, and low entry fees. Check City of Carlsbad Alga Norte Aquatic Center site for hours and fees.
Great little hike into a sand canyon. We usually park at north end of Cedros Ave north of Lomas Santa Fe drive. Dogs allowed on leash.
53 locals recommend
Annie's Canyon Trail
2550 Solana Hills Trail
53 locals recommend
Great little hike into a sand canyon. We usually park at north end of Cedros Ave north of Lomas Santa Fe drive. Dogs allowed on leash.
Lots of good hiking with breathtaking views from cliffs over Del Mar/La Jolla. May not allow dogs in certain areas. Check State Parks site for rules.
1108 locals recommend
Torrey Pines State Reserve
12600 North Torrey Pines Road
1108 locals recommend
Lots of good hiking with breathtaking views from cliffs over Del Mar/La Jolla. May not allow dogs in certain areas. Check State Parks site for rules.
Call ahead for reservation if you would like to parasail. Tandem rides available with minimal training during good weather. I highly recommend it! Or just bring a picnic and watch!
268 locals recommend
Torrey Pines Gliderport
2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr
268 locals recommend
Call ahead for reservation if you would like to parasail. Tandem rides available with minimal training during good weather. I highly recommend it! Or just bring a picnic and watch!
Good little shop for clothing, souvenirs and surfboard rental
8 locals recommend
IRON CROSS SURFBOARDS
2107 San Elijo Ave
8 locals recommend
Good little shop for clothing, souvenirs and surfboard rental
amazing views and great place to see the seals
75 locals recommend
Children's Pool La Jolla
834 Coast Blvd S
75 locals recommend
amazing views and great place to see the seals
World famous and a must see. Wear walking shoes and bring your camera!
967 locals recommend
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd
967 locals recommend
World famous and a must see. Wear walking shoes and bring your camera!
World famous zoo! This a must see
2510 locals recommend
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Dr
2510 locals recommend
World famous zoo! This a must see
93 locals recommend
Fleet Science Center
1875 El Prado
93 locals recommend
Outdoor summer performances in Vista (30 minute drive)
44 locals recommend
Moonlight Ampitheatre
1250 Vale Terrace Dr
44 locals recommend
Outdoor summer performances in Vista (30 minute drive)
Small neighborhood park close to home with play structure, grass area, picnic tables, and basketball court. No restrooms.
Mildred MacPherson Park
1045 S Vulcan Ave
Small neighborhood park close to home with play structure, grass area, picnic tables, and basketball court. No restrooms.
Fun play area for kids with beach access with shower and restrooms. There is a play structure here.
87 locals recommend
Fletcher Cove Beach Park
111 S Sierra Ave
87 locals recommend
Fun play area for kids with beach access with shower and restrooms. There is a play structure here.
Nature walks with interesting bridges and views. Children’s play area.
11 locals recommend
San Dieguito County Park
1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr
11 locals recommend
Nature walks with interesting bridges and views. Children’s play area.
Goat yoga and private farm visits. Book in advance as spaces fill up quickly. https://www.sugarsweetfarm.com/
3563 Fortuna Ranch Rd
3563 Fortuna Ranch Road
Goat yoga and private farm visits. Book in advance as spaces fill up quickly. https://www.sugarsweetfarm.com/

Food scene

Quick and delicious food with outdoor seating. Lisa's favorite Encinitas restaurant. Dog friendly patio!
62 locals recommend
Swamis Cafe
1163 S Coast Hwy 101
62 locals recommend
Quick and delicious food with outdoor seating. Lisa's favorite Encinitas restaurant. Dog friendly patio!
Cafeteria style food that is quick and delicious and has something for everyone. Dog friendly patio.
54 locals recommend
Urban Plates
12857 El Camino Real
54 locals recommend
Cafeteria style food that is quick and delicious and has something for everyone. Dog friendly patio.
Delicious Italian food in a cozy environment
26 locals recommend
Vigilucci's Trattoria Italiana
530 N Coast Hwy 101
26 locals recommend
Delicious Italian food in a cozy environment
Delicious vegan food
21 locals recommend
Native Foods Cafe
127 N El Camino Real
21 locals recommend
Delicious vegan food
Greek food
42 locals recommend
The Kebab Shop
630 Ninth Ave
42 locals recommend
Greek food
An Encinitas classic right in the heart of downtown. Live music some nights
44 locals recommend
The Roxy Encinitas
517 S Coast Hwy 101
44 locals recommend
An Encinitas classic right in the heart of downtown. Live music some nights
Ocean view and pretty good food. An Encinitas legend
44 locals recommend
Ki's Restaurant
2591 S Coast Hwy 101
44 locals recommend
Ocean view and pretty good food. An Encinitas legend
Super close delicious food and dog friendly patio
47 locals recommend
Lotus Cafe & Juice Bar
765 S Coast Hwy 101
47 locals recommend
Super close delicious food and dog friendly patio
Delicious and healthy!
41 locals recommend
GOODONYA® Organic Eatery
1051 S Coast Hwy 101
41 locals recommend
Delicious and healthy!
Trendy coffee place serving light meals and a couple tasty smoothie options. Small seating area on sidewalk that is dog friendly.
46 locals recommend
Better Buzz Coffee Roasters
578 S Coast Hwy 101
46 locals recommend
Trendy coffee place serving light meals and a couple tasty smoothie options. Small seating area on sidewalk that is dog friendly.
Classis and delicious diner food
15 locals recommend
101 Cafe Historic 1928
631 S Coast Hwy
15 locals recommend
Classis and delicious diner food
Diner food and good service.
14 locals recommend
Encinitas Cafe
531 S Coast Hwy 101
14 locals recommend
Diner food and good service.
The only donut shop on the planet worth visiting. Chocolate glazed donuts are insane!
73 locals recommend
VG Donut & Bakery
106 Aberdeen Dr
73 locals recommend
The only donut shop on the planet worth visiting. Chocolate glazed donuts are insane!
Very creative, delicious, and affordable tacos. So good and close!
150 locals recommend
City Tacos
3028 University Ave
150 locals recommend
Very creative, delicious, and affordable tacos. So good and close!
Local grocery store with amazing deli. Pick up a beach picnic here or grab fresh foods to prepare at home. If you like meat ask for the "cardiff crack". Vegetarian options and food for every diet. Grab a Starbucks next door too.
176 locals recommend
Cardiff Seaside Market
2087 San Elijo Ave
176 locals recommend
Local grocery store with amazing deli. Pick up a beach picnic here or grab fresh foods to prepare at home. If you like meat ask for the "cardiff crack". Vegetarian options and food for every diet. Grab a Starbucks next door too.
Owners changed name from Handel's ice cream and most of the flavors are still outstanding.
9 locals recommend
Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream
90 N Coast Hwy 101
9 locals recommend
Owners changed name from Handel's ice cream and most of the flavors are still outstanding.
boba, gelato, smoothies, and snacks
15 locals recommend
Gelato 101
480 S Coast Hwy 101
15 locals recommend
boba, gelato, smoothies, and snacks
Traditional affordable Mexican food with a slightly healthier twist. Delicious salsa. Love the veggie burritos or veggie burrito with chicken!
6 locals recommend
Rico's Taco Shop
165 S El Camino Real
6 locals recommend
Traditional affordable Mexican food with a slightly healthier twist. Delicious salsa. Love the veggie burritos or veggie burrito with chicken!
Our favorite little Italian place down the street
32 locals recommend
Trattoria I Trulli
830 S Coast Hwy 101
32 locals recommend
Our favorite little Italian place down the street
Tasty fish tacos and Mexican food. A cheap and delicious eat!
48 locals recommend
Rubio's Coastal Grill
437 Hwy 101
48 locals recommend
Tasty fish tacos and Mexican food. A cheap and delicious eat!
Casual dining and bakery items with seating on a large lovely patio in the Lumberyard. Dogs okay on leash.
14 locals recommend
ST. TROPEZ BAKERY & BISTRO.
947 S Coast Hwy 101
14 locals recommend
Casual dining and bakery items with seating on a large lovely patio in the Lumberyard. Dogs okay on leash.
Greasy, unhealthy but oh so classic, delicious and cheap. 12 minute walk. Use a walking app to map a shortcut off streets. Cross Requeza bridge and turn left into the dirt walking trail to short cut.
8 locals recommend
In-N-Out Burger
130 Calle Magdalena
8 locals recommend
Greasy, unhealthy but oh so classic, delicious and cheap. 12 minute walk. Use a walking app to map a shortcut off streets. Cross Requeza bridge and turn left into the dirt walking trail to short cut.
Tasty food, beer, and fun environment.
99 locals recommend
Union Kitchen & Tap
1108 S Coast Hwy 101
99 locals recommend
Tasty food, beer, and fun environment.
Historic building with a lot of charm. Nice coffees, baked goods, gift shop, and light menu. Order at the counter. No table service.
111 locals recommend
Pannikin Coffee & Tea
510 N Coast Hwy 101
111 locals recommend
Historic building with a lot of charm. Nice coffees, baked goods, gift shop, and light menu. Order at the counter. No table service.
Our favorite Thai place nearby. We usually do carry out. Thai salad and Panang chicken make an easy, delicious meal.
Thai Society Restaurant
1070 North El Camino Real
Our favorite Thai place nearby. We usually do carry out. Thai salad and Panang chicken make an easy, delicious meal.
Sunday farmer's market http://www.leucadiafarmersmarket.com/
59 locals recommend
Leucadia Farmers Market
185 Union St
59 locals recommend
Sunday farmer's market http://www.leucadiafarmersmarket.com/
Nice dine-in seafood and bar area where they serve nice food and drinks. Kids menu too. Valet parking.
108 locals recommend
Brigantine
3263 Camino Del Mar
108 locals recommend
Nice dine-in seafood and bar area where they serve nice food and drinks. Kids menu too. Valet parking.

Dog friendly

Dogs allowed on leash
99 locals recommend
Cardiff State Beach
99 locals recommend
Dogs allowed on leash
Off leash in winter and on leash in summer. Pay meters for parking via credit card.
62 locals recommend
Del Mar North Beach
62 locals recommend
Off leash in winter and on leash in summer. Pay meters for parking via credit card.
Off leash hours during posted days
View Point Park
56 E D St
Off leash hours during posted days
Cheap ish eats. Dogs okay on patio
Blaze Pizza
127 N El Camino Real
Cheap ish eats. Dogs okay on patio
Refurbished trails for easy walking. Small parking lot so try to avoid busy times of day.
33 locals recommend
San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center
2710 Manchester Ave
33 locals recommend
Refurbished trails for easy walking. Small parking lot so try to avoid busy times of day.

Health and safety

I hope you don’t need it but this is 2 blocks away with 24 hour emergency room
20 locals recommend
Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas
354 Santa Fe Dr
20 locals recommend
The top emergency room if you can survive a 15-20 minute drive.
8 locals recommend
Scripps Green Hospital
10666 N Torrey Pines Rd
8 locals recommend
The top emergency room if you can survive a 15-20 minute drive.
Emergency room for kids and teens. 30 minute drive. Unfortunately we know to go here if a kid is hurt :-(
9 locals recommend
Rady Children’s Hospital - San Diego
3020 Children's Way
9 locals recommend
Emergency room for kids and teens. 30 minute drive. Unfortunately we know to go here if a kid is hurt :-(
Urgent care and covid 19 testing for travelers
Carbon Health
6971 El Camino Real
Urgent care and covid 19 testing for travelers

Spiritual/ religion

Welcoming to all denominations. Come as you are. Or just listen online if you want to lie on the beach and go to "church" for uplifting messages and positive thoughts.
Seaside Center for Spiritual Living
1613 Lake Dr
Welcoming to all denominations. Come as you are. Or just listen online if you want to lie on the beach and go to "church" for uplifting messages and positive thoughts.
Unreal gardens along the cliffs close by for meditation or to just breathe. Welcoming everyone but must maintain quiet atmosphere.
92 locals recommend
Meditation Gardens
215 W K St
92 locals recommend
Unreal gardens along the cliffs close by for meditation or to just breathe. Welcoming everyone but must maintain quiet atmosphere.

City advice

Customs and culture

Bikes share full lanes. Unlicensed drivers on E bikes.

Please use extreme caution & be patient.
Getting around

B Encinitas Bike rental

Check out B encinitas bike rental app. Looks like great fun!