Guidebook for Encinitas
Essentials
Trader Joe's
2629 Gateway RdIt's Trader Joes!
Sprouts Farmers Market
3243 Camino De Los CochesGreat for fresh fruits and produce.
Fantastic farmers market is held here every Sunday from 10 am-2 pm.
6 locals recommend
Paul Ecke Central Elementary School
185 Union StFantastic farmers market is held here every Sunday from 10 am-2 pm.
Another great grocery store. Very fresh seafood and an amazing dessert section.
176 locals recommend
Cardiff Seaside Market
2087 San Elijo AveAnother great grocery store. Very fresh seafood and an amazing dessert section.
Target
1010 N El Camino RealIn case you forgot anything.
Food Scene
Our favorite Mexican restaurant. Family run and Mexico City style food. A bit more expensive, but worth it.
Bety's Tacos
1464 Encinitas BlvdOur favorite Mexican restaurant. Family run and Mexico City style food. A bit more expensive, but worth it.
Peet's Coffee
1486 Encinitas BlvdFavorite coffee when we need a jump start.
Sushi House
214 N El Camino RealGreat family-friendly sushi spot
Great sushi also, though perhaps not great if you've got small kids.
7 locals recommend
Sushi Bar Blue Fin
257 N El Camino RealGreat sushi also, though perhaps not great if you've got small kids.
Great breakfast spot if you love Eggs Benedict. The specials are always the best.
21 locals recommend
101 Diner
552 S Coast Hwy 101Great breakfast spot if you love Eggs Benedict. The specials are always the best.
Naked Cafe
288 N El Camino RealGreat spot for an uber-healthy breakfast.
Mexican take-out style restaurant right on a bluff overlooking the ocean. Great spot if you're spending the day at the beach. You can find it inside of the San Elijo Campground.
23 locals recommend
Bull Taco Cardiff
2050 South Coast Highway 101Mexican take-out style restaurant right on a bluff overlooking the ocean. Great spot if you're spending the day at the beach. You can find it inside of the San Elijo Campground.
Great upscale spot in the heart of downtown Encinitas. There's a great upstairs patio if you want to dine al fresco.
33 locals recommend
Solace & the Moonlight Lounge
25 East E StreetGreat upscale spot in the heart of downtown Encinitas. There's a great upstairs patio if you want to dine al fresco.
The Craftsman Tavern
267 N El Camino RealGreat selection of beers and upscale pub type food.
Urban Plates
12857 El Camino RealGreat healthy dinner options.
Le Papagayo
1002 N Coast Hwy 101Wonderful atmosphere with live music.
Solterra Winery & Kitchen
934 North Coast Highway 101Great tapas and wine.
Pannikin Coffee & Tea
510 N Coast Hwy 101Great local coffee spot housed in an old train station.
Asian fusion with a good beer list. We love the monk bowls
29 locals recommend
East Village Asian Diner
628 S Coast Hwy 101Asian fusion with a good beer list. We love the monk bowls
Sightseeing
Our favorite beach/surf spot. Friendly, forgiving vibe and not overcrowded. Downside is you have to pay for parking (but you can park on the street) and there's a long stairway to get to the beach.
39 locals recommend
San Elijo State Beach
2050 S Coast Hwy 101Our favorite beach/surf spot. Friendly, forgiving vibe and not overcrowded. Downside is you have to pay for parking (but you can park on the street) and there's a long stairway to get to the beach.
Beautiful sandy beach with free parking. Great for kids, as there are lifeguards on duty most of the time as well as a playground right on the beach.
322 locals recommend
Moonlight Beach
400 B StBeautiful sandy beach with free parking. Great for kids, as there are lifeguards on duty most of the time as well as a playground right on the beach.
If you need a break of the beach, and feel like going on a hike with beautiful views, this is your place.
1108 locals recommend
Torrey Pines State Reserve
12600 North Torrey Pines RoadIf you need a break of the beach, and feel like going on a hike with beautiful views, this is your place.
Beautiful place for a walk with great views of the San Elijo Lagoon
33 locals recommend
San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center
2710 Manchester AveBeautiful place for a walk with great views of the San Elijo Lagoon
San Elijo Lagoon State Marine Conservation Area
Wonderful place for an evening walk.
Everything Else
If you want to give surfing a try while you're here, these guys are fantastic. Bonus: they're right next to Bull Taco.
Eli Howard Surf School
2050 S Coast Hwy 101If you want to give surfing a try while you're here, these guys are fantastic. Bonus: they're right next to Bull Taco.
Entertainment & Activities
Encinitas Community Park
425 Santa Fe DrWonderful playground for the kids
Cottonwood Creek Park
95 N Vulcan AveAnother great park for the kids
Glen Park
2149 Orinda DrGreat park if your kiddos love trains.
It's Legoland! Great fun during the non-summer months. Still fun during the summer months, but expect long waits for very short rides.
1249 locals recommend
LEGOLAND California
One Legoland DrIt's Legoland! Great fun during the non-summer months. Still fun during the summer months, but expect long waits for very short rides.
PlayWerx
6060 Avenida EncinasGreat option for the kids on the rare event that it's raining.
Great kid-friendly place to eat great fusion style mexican food.
18 locals recommend
Wahoo's Fish Taco
637 Pearl StGreat kid-friendly place to eat great fusion style mexican food.
Drinks & Nightlife
Priority Public House
576 N Coast Hwy 101Fantastic food, beer, and live music.