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9 Fun Things to Do in Encinitas

Located between Carlsbad and Solana Beach, Encinitas, California, is a San Diego suburb with much to offer visitors, locals, newcomers, and anyone passing through. The coastal town is known for its expansive beaches, outdoor activities, open-air markets, scenic views, and bustling downtown area.

Whether you’re visiting friends, stopping by, exploring after a recent relocation to Encinitas, or are just looking for something to do this weekend, we’ve got you covered. The laidback, multi-beach city has everything from wellness and self-care activities to shopping and local eats to adventure and historic sightseeing.

Ahead, a curated list of fun things to do in Encinitas.

Things to do in Encinitas this weekend

Encinitas appeals to both out-of-towners and locals looking for an active yet relaxing experience. The city is filled with entertainment, activities, and eateries for all ages and interests.

This mid-sized coastal suburb has lots of attractions, each rich in character. At the same time, it’s not overly touristy and is rarely overrun with crowds. Whether you have the day off work, an upcoming date night, or just a few hours to kill, we can recommend the perfect outing.

Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Encinitas.

1. Explore Moonlight State Beach

One of Encinitas’s most popular destinations is Moonlight State Beach—and deservingly so. This California state park has a remarkably wide, sandy shore, where you can play beach volleyball, walk along the tide, or just relax and watch the waves.

With welcoming water, Moonlight State Beach is a great place to swim, fish, boogieboard, and surf. In July, the beach hosts Switchfoot Bro-AM, a free music festival and surf competition open to the public.

There’s also rec equipment you can rent, tennis courts, outdoor showers, hiking trails, and a snack bar. Consider staying all day to catch a stunning sunset. It’s called “Moonlight” Beach because it was a hotspot for after-dark picnics in the ’90s.

2. Walk Through the San Diego Botanic Garden

San Diego Botanic Garden sits on 37 acres of land in Encinitas. The idyllic site opened in 1970. It has 29 themed gardens, each representing the flora of a specific global region, with upwards of 5,000 unique plant species.

The botanical garden is home to North America’s largest public bamboo collection, plus the largest West Coast children’s garden. You can stroll through four miles of lush walking paths and check out the glass conservatory. Or stop by for seasonal events, like the bird walk, planting lessons, yoga, or guided meditation.

3. Visit the Self-Realization Fellowship

The Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) at Encinitas Temple was founded in 1920 by monk and yogi Paramahansa Yogananda. Its meditation gardens are open to the public, which feature gorgeous landscaping with vibrant plants, koi ponds, benches, and secluded nooks. There’s also a hermitage-turned-shrine, where Yogananda once lived.

The SRF is a serene and scenic stop in Encinitas. Think quiet reflection spaces paired with oceanfront views of California’s picturesque coastline. Even if meditation isn’t your thing, it’s a peaceful place to slow down, decompress, and escape from the busy world.

4. Stroll Downtown Encinitas

Downtown Encinitas is a must-see hub full of locally owned shops, cafés, and surf culture. Start at Encinitas 101, a beachside strip lined with boutiques, galleries, casual dining spots, retro coffee shops, and top-rated bakeries.

You can also rent a bike or mosey on foot over to the nearby Leucadia Farmers Market and open-air Seaside Bazaar. After sunset, check out the cocktail bars, pubs, and live music. From daytime people-watching to date nights, downtown Encinitas doesn’t disappoint.

5. Surf or watch the waves at Swami’s Beach

Swami’s Beach is a well-known surf spot in Encinitas. In fact, you might call it famous—Swami’s is shouted out in The Beach Boys song, “Surfin’ U.S.A.”

Surfers flock to this beach for its sought-after point breaks. But even if you’re not riding the waves, you’ll appreciate the breathtaking bluff views. The bluff also has a small park with access to hiking trails and nearby shops.

6. Ride the Coastal Rail Trail

The Coastal Rail Trail is a 42-mile route running between Santa Fe Depot and Oceanside in San Diego. This accessible, bike-friendly path boasts ocean views and connects key parts of Encinitas. You can ride from downtown to Cardiff State Beach to San Elijo Beach to Glen Park. Part of the route is walkable, too.

7. Enjoy local cafés and juice bars

A true SoCal city, Encinitas’s food scene offers an array of fresh, nutritious options to meet the demands of its wellness-focused residents. Throughout downtown, New Encinitas, Old Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Olivenhain, and Leucadia, you’ll find smoothie stands, laidback eateries, upscale dining options, brunch spots, coffee shops, bakeries, and food trucks galore.

Local favorites include Surfdog’s Java Hut off the 101, Mrkt Space for gourmet groceries and lunch, Fish 101 Leucadia for seafood, Cocina de Barrio for Mexican fare, and Cali Cream for a handmade ice cream cone.

8. Take a yoga class by the beach

In line with the prominent wellness lifestyle in Encinitas, yoga culture is almost as big as the surf scene. You can find lots of outdoor meet-ups, including professionally led group yoga classes by the ocean, as well as studio options for those who want air conditioning.

Or, if you already know what you’re doing, grab a mat or towel and do your own flow at the park or beach.

9. Catch a sunset along the coast

No matter what you’re up to during the day, get outside in the evening to catch the unmissable golden hour and dazzling sunset. Some of the best spots to watch the sun go down in Encinitas include the J Street viewpoint, Swami’s Beach overlook, the bluff at Beacon’s Beach, Moonlight State Beach, and the SRF meditation gardens.

Make the most of your time in Encinitas

Encinitas has a lot to offer, from outdoor adventures and delicious food to quaint boutiques and historic attractions. When planning your time there, aim to mix activity with relaxation—a balance that encompasses the spirit of this Southern California town.

To unwind and recuperate after an active day or jam-packed weekend, stop by Stretch*d Encinitas for a personalized assisted stretching session led by a bodywork professional.

Beyond assisted stretching, we offer traditional massage therapy and face massage. You can customize your visit with additional services, such as cryotherapy, dynamic compression, or gua sha.

Book your session at Stretch*d Encinitas today.

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