About Encinitas    
The relaxing atmosphere of beach, flowers, art and culture makes Encinitas the perfect coastal getaway. It is located between the San Elijo Lagoon to the south and the Batiquitos Lagoon to the north. Known as the ‘Flower Capital of the World,’ Encinitas is one of the largest suppliers of Poinsettias to the rest of the world. Encinitas is home to five communities. Historic Downtown Encinitas is lined by the beaches and is part of the Historic Coast Highway 101. New Encinitas is found on El Camino Real (once known as the Kings Highway founded by the early missionaries from Spain). Cardiff-by-the-Sea, named after Cardiff, Wales is home to the San Elijo Lagoon. Leucadia, meaning sheltered place, is noted for it’s giant Eucalyptus trees and antiquing, and is found on the north part of Coast Highway 101. Olivenhain, which is German for olive grove, is part of rural Encinitas with it’s pastures and open horse country- side. For information on Encinitas contact The Encinitas Visitor Center at (760) 753-6041.

   Encinitas was founded over 100 years ago. The first inhabitants were three Indian tribes - the San Dieguitos, the La Jollans and the Diequenos. The Diequenos were mission converts and assisted in the establishment of Spanish Missions. Gaspar de Portola, who was the Governor of Baja California in 1669, led an expedition through the San Diego and Monterey areas. He wanted to build many presidios thus creating a base for schools and religion. The expedition made its way through Encinitas on the El Camino Real and because of the oak trees on the surrounding hills, he named the area Encina Canada (Spanish for Hills of Live Oaks). The area eventually gave way to Mexican rule and in the 1800s, the Mexican Government gave land grants to ranchers who would establish settlements in the San Diego area, under Mexico’s rule. In 1881, the first American to settle here was Jabez Pitcher. In 1870, English spiritualists named their settlement - Leucadia - after one of the Greek Isles (meaning ‘Isle of Paradise’ or ‘Place of Shelter’). The streets were named after Greek gods and mythical figures. Cardiff was founded in 1875 by the Mackinnon family and the town was established by J. Frank Cullen in 1909. It is named after Cardiff, Wales. In 1884, a group of Germans founded Olivenhain. The old Olivenhain Meeting Hall is still used today for social events and meetings. 

Encinitas Attractions & Activities   

Moonlight Beach is a great family beach with free parking, lifeguards, picnic tables and a snack bar, restrooms and showers, and volleyball courts. It is known for it’s Summer Concerts. Swami’s Beach located on First Street, is famous for good surfing. There is a shady picnic area. Boneyards Beach is located between E and J Streets but is only accessible from Swami’s. It is known for it’s romantic aura. D Street Beach is a quiet, secluded getaway. There are steps that lead down from the top of the bluffs to the beach. Stone Steps Beach is off of El Portal. It has a long challenging stairway to the beach - check the tide table before going out there. Beacons Beach will reward you with 3 miles of beach. It is off Neptune Ave. and there are no lifeguards and alcohol is not permitted. Grand View Beach is great for swimming, fishing and surfing. Encinitas Marine Life Refuge is an underwater park that runs from D Street to the south end of Swami’s and about 600 ft. seaward. It is perfect for scuba divers.

The Historical Boat Houses are on 726 and 732 Third Street. Built by Miles Kellog as two homes, they were never intended for the water. They were built out of salvaged wood from two historic buildings that were demolished in 1928 - The Moonlight Beach Dance Parlor and the third floor of the first Encinitas Hotel. The Boat Houses are equipped with a mariner’s wheel and chart desk in the pilot house, a gallery, portholes, cabins and a rudder. These are now residences.

The Paul Ecke Poinsettia Ranch grows 90 % of the Poinsettias grown in Encinitas. The ranch, founded in 1923, is located on Saxony Drive. Take the Nursery Hoppers Tour - there are many nurseries and gardens in Encinitas - hence the name ‘Flower Capital’. The Ranch is closed to the public except for on special occasions - call the Encinitas Visitor Center for updated information (760) 753-6041.

Quail Botanical Gardens is home to the largest bamboo collection in the United States. Quail Botanical Gardens boasts an extraordinary collection of plants from all over the world. They have a gift store, children’s garden and are popular for their events such as the Bamboo Sale and their fall Plant Sale. It is also the perfect setting for a garden wedding, reception or special occasion. Tel: (760) 436-3036.

The San Dieguito Heritage Museum was founded in 1988 and is temporarily located at 561 S. Vulcan Ave. (760) 632-9711. They are open Weds.- Sat. from 10 am - 3 pm and are available by appointment. They currently feature a Kumeyaay Indian wicki-up and grinding stones, Mexican Rancheros costumes, an Olivenhain furnished shanty, and changing exhibits of old fashioned toys and artifacts. They also have a collection of over 8000 historic photos.-Explore local history through exhibits and collections dating from Pre-historic times to the present. Open to the public. Group tours also welcome.  Tel: (760) 6329711. 

La Paloma Theatre. In the 1920s movie stars discovered Encinitas as a seaside oasis. Some moved to Encinitas and built homes here such as Bessie Love and Charlie Chaplin. Aubrey Austin, president of the Santa Monica Savings Bank, financed the construction of the La Paloma Theatre which opened it’s doors on Feb.11, 1928. It is said to be the first ‘talking’ theatre in the rural United States. The theatre doors are still open for local events and of course for movies. It is located on Coast Highway 101.

The Self-Realization Fellowship. Enjoy the peace and beauty of this spiritual retreat. Explore their tranquil meditation gardens with fish ponds, resting areas and an exquisite view of the Pacific Ocean. The gardens are open from Tues.- Sat. from 9 am - 5 pm and are located on 939 Second Street.

The Seaside Bazaar on Coast Highway 101 - near the La Paloma Theater, is a colorful outdoor flea market. It is only open on weekends and is a great place to buy art/craft items.

101 Artists Colony promotes local art and weekly events on the cultural aspect of this area. Stop by and enjoy their ever changing exhibits or listen to a poetry reading.  (760) 632-0696.

Leucadia Farmers Market: Every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm near the beach on the interior grounds of Paul Ecke Elementary School.

Farmers Market every Friday from 2:00pm - 5:00pm in the lumberyard Shopping Center (the southern end). Flowers, vegetables, breads and fish are available at our farmers market in historic downtown Encinitas.

Nearby Cities & Towns
Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista


Encinitas Visitor, Relocation & Community Information   

Downtown Encinitas Main Street Association at (760) 943-1950

The Encinitas Chamber and Visitor Center - Visit our Visitors Center for area information, maps, events, and discounted tickets to Legoland, Encinitas souvenirs and clothing line. 138 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA (800) 953-6041

Leucadia-Encinitas Hwy 101 MainStreet Associaton, (760) 436-2320