Encinitas is located south of Carlsbad and north of Solana Beach. Encinitas was incorporated in 1986, drawing together the communities of New Encinitas, Old Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Olivenhain and Leucadia.
Some noteable features of Encinitas are its historic downtown district along Hwy 101, the six miles of beaches and coastline, San Elijo Lagoon, and the world famous Annual Encinitas Street Fair in Spring and Encinitas Poinsettia Festival in Fall.
BEACHES
Stone Steps Beach
Moonlight Beach
Swami's
Sandy Encinitas beaches, each having its own unique appeal, great for walking and surfing.
SHORELINE PARKS
Seacliff Park
Sea Cliff Park sits on a bluff overlooking Swami's Beach. Narrow grassy area, with shade trees, picnic tables, barbecues, and walkways.
SHORELINE CAMPGROUNDS
San Elijo State Beach Campground
On the bluffs overlooking San Elijo State Beach. Cardiff Town Village is within walking distance.
RESERVES / NATURE CENTERS
San Elijo Lagoon
One of few remaining coastal wetlands and home to an exceptional number of animals and plants.
San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center
Under construction: The new, 4-230-square-foot, two-story center offers expanded space for hands-on displays and interactive exhibits.
THEATRE / MUSIC / ART
101 Artists' Colony
Space for Encinitas artist studios and exhibitions, and a venue for musical and spoken word performances.
La Paloma Theatre
Encinitas single screen movie house, dating back to the late 1920s, with off-beat movies and music venues.
MUSEUMS
San Diego Heritage Museum
Collects, preserves and interprets the local history of the San Dieguito river area.
SHOPPING AREAS
The Lumberyard Shopping Center
A variety of shops, including food, art galleries, books, boutiques, food and cafe.
Historic 101 Encinitas Downtown District
Dates back to the '20s. Laidback, trendy, and a bit offbeat. Sidewalk cafes, boutiques, and more.
FARMERS' MARKETS
Encinitas-Leucadia Farmers Market
Fresh foods and flowers. Look for a local specialty - poinsettias - in December.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Quail Botanical Gardens
Over 35 acres, Quail Botanical Gardens has one of the world's most diverse plant collections.
The Monarch Program
Fosters a growing interest in monarch butterflies and studies the butterfly's unique behavior.
Self Realization Fellowship
Paramahansa Yogananda established the Self-Realization Fellowship Ashram Center in 1937.
Encinitas Seaside Bazaar
An off-beat, open-air, European-style markeplace with over 50 sellers carrying a unique selection.
HOTELS
Encinitas Hotels, Encinitas Boutique Hotels
Small and mid-size hotels. Quaint downtown boutique hotels. Hotels minutes from beach.
EVENTS
Encinitas Street Fair
April 26 - 27, 2008
400 unique booths featuring arts & crafts, antiques, clothing, items from around the world, and more.
Encinitas Sports Festival
May 17-18, 2008
Encinitas becomes a sports mecca on the coast the weekend before Memorial Day. Don't miss it.
Encinitas Arts Alive Banner Auction
May 18, 2008
Several hand-painted art banners by local artists on display on the lamp posts. Auction in May.
Encinitas Sunday Concerts by the Sea
July 6- Aug. 17, 2008
At Moonlight Beach, concerts free. Bring a beach chair or blanket. Great music and ocean view.
Taste of MainStreet International Food Festival
August 21, 2008
Restaurants offer delicious samples of food. Guests will be treated to 30 different taste sensations.
Woodcrest Woodies Meet
September 20, 2008
The world's largest gathering of woodies in the world, once a year, at Moonlight Beach.
Oktoberfest and Craft Fair
September 21, 2008
200 craft booths, German BBQ, Bavarian bands, dancers, and a drawing for a trip to Germany.
Encinitas Poinsettia Festival
November 23, 2008
Enjoy a wide variety of arts, crafts, gifts and food from the 450 vendor booths lining Hwy 101.
