A Day in North County, San Diego: Encinitas

Find Your Inner Peace at the Meditation Gardens

Recently named one of the most peaceful places in the US, a visit to the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens is a must in Encinitas. Open to all, it is a beautiful place to take in the panoramic ocean views and relax.

Explore Downtown Encinitas

Take a leisurely walk to explore the unique shops and boutiques in downtown Encinitas. From thrift shops to art galleries, there's something for everyone. Don't miss Hansen’s Surfboards, the largest surf shop in San Diego County.

Check out Moonlight State Beach

Moonlight State Beach is one of the cleanest beaches I’ve visited. It has full facilities too, including showers, restrooms, fire rings, a concession stand for snacks, a playground, tennis court, volleyball courts and a parking lot with ADA spaces along B Street.

La Paloma Theatre

A staple in Encinitas since 1928, this historic theatre plays current movies and hosts retro nights as well as community events.

Catch the sunset at Swami’s Beach

A day in Encinitas isn’t complete without a stop at Swami’s. An internationally known surf spot, the bluff is a great place to watch surfers and see a gorgeous sunset. There is a small parking lot available and street parking nearby.

Brunch at VAGA

Start your day with a luxurious brunch at VAGA Restaurant, located within the stunning Alila Marea Beach Resort. I tend to go for a mix of sweet and savory at breakfast, so I enjoyed sampling the fresh-baked pastry trio to start and then the Baja Crab Cake Benedict as my main. Founded by Chef Claudette Zepeda, an Iron Chef Champion and a James Beard Best Chef West semifinalist, VAGA is a beautiful balance of modern elegance and coastal chic.

Getting thirsty? Try a craft beer or coffee at Modern Times

Visit the Far West Lounge of Modern Times, a craft brewery that began in San Diego in 2013. San Diego really kicked off the craft beer craze, so this is a great opportunity to try one while in town. Modern Times is one of my favorite breweries - great vibes, delicious IPA’s and excellent coffee. Their Orderville Hazy IPA is my go-to order. If you’re not into beer, I highly recommend their Secret Beach cold brew coffee! This location also offers a plant-based menu with plenty of shareables, so it’s a great place for a small bite. I love the Impossible sliders - hands down my favorite vegan burger!

Dinner at Death x Tequila

One of my new favorites in Encinitas - I’m still thinking about their Jalisco Old Fashioned and the Papas Rotas. Located in the heart of downtown, DxT is a Modern Baja Restaurant and Tequila Bar offering a great selection of tequilas and bringing the flavors of Baja to Encinitas. It’s a little pricey, but they also have a happy hour menu on weekdays from 3pm to 6pm if you want to score a deal on drinks and bites.