Encinitas is one of my favorite beach towns in North County. It’s about 25 miles north of central San Diego, between Solana Beach and Carlsbad. The beaches are beautiful, and if you surf, you can find some great swells here. Most importantly, I found some cute spots to eat, hang out, and take photos. Here’s my favorite way to spend a day in Encinitas, California.
Breakfast at Surfdog’s Java Hut
This local and family-owned spot is a must-visit if you’re in the area. Menu-wise, the coffee is delicious, and if you’re hungry, you can order from their variety of smoothies, bagel sandwiches, egg dishes, bowls, and more.
Pro Tip: Grab a cortado and Brekkie Burrito
Dessert at Leucadia Donut Shoppe
If you save room for Dessert after breakfast, head to Leucadia Donut Shoppe for a sweet treat. This North County staple serves the freshest donuts and coffee (if you need another cup to get you through).
Pro Tip: The earlier, the better when it comes to stopping by this shop. While they’re open until 1 p.m., they’re known to sell out of donuts on busy mornings.
Take a walk to the Encinitas Boathouses
Nestled between the cute seaside homes in Encinitas, you’ll find two large boats that never reached sea. According to the Encinitas Historical Society, the boats are currently being rented out as homes, but once the loan is paid off, the boats will be turned into a small museum. If you like boats, it’s a must-visit; otherwise, it always makes a cute photo spot.
Relax at the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens
I love coming here to take in the view, but Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens serves as the perfect place to meditate and relax. Whether you’re religious or not, you can’t beat the vibes and views at this spot.
Have lunch at GP Diner
From the people behind Buona Forchetta, GP Diner offers delicious Roman-style pizza, gelato, and classic diner offerings all under one roof. It doesn’t get more authentic than GP Diner. I love trying a few pizza squares with friends and grabbing a scoop of gelato artigianale for dessert.
Paint a rock at Dave’s Rock Garden
Dave’s rock garden aims to bring “unity to the community.” What started as an effort to clean up the land turned into a community art project where visitors could come and paint their rocks. This is a fun spot to check out with friends or a day date idea with a significant other in North County.
