27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Encinitas, CA

Are you searching for fun activities in Encinitas, California? Regardless of your status as a local or a tourist, this guide features the best and most fun things to do to make the most of your time in this scenic coastal city.

Situated along the beautiful coastline of San Diego County, Encinitas is famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant arts scene, and laid-back Southern California vibe. This charming city offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness that appeals to all visitors.

As a key destination in Southern California, Encinitas provides many fun, entertaining, and educational opportunities. From the world-famous San Diego Botanic Garden to the historic La Paloma Theatre, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to settle on the pristine beaches, examine the local surf culture, or find downtown Encinitas’s special shops and restaurants, this city ensures a remarkable experience for all.

27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Encinitas, CA (2024)

1. visit Encinitas

Exploring Visit Encinitas, a resource providing information and a host of fun, entertaining, and educational things to do in Encinitas, CA, for visitors should be your first port of call in the picturesque city.

The website contains information on local attractions, events, shops, restaurants, and activities, allowing visitors to plan their Encinitas and find all the hidden treasures in the waterside town.

2. Cottonwood Creek Park

Discover family-friendly things to do in Encinitas, CA, for all ages at Cotton Creek Park, a general park with a rehabilitated natural abode alongside Cottonwood Creek.

The park features amenities for fun and relaxation like a playground, walking trails, basketball and tennis courts, picnic areas, and restrooms.

Families and individuals can enjoy nature walks, play sports, picnic, or relax by the creek at Cottonwood Creek Park.

3. Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens

Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens is a tranquil refuge with internationally recognized gardens and many unique things to do in Encinitas, CA, for nature lovers.

The garden presents a quiet location with different plants, meditation nooks, koi ponds, and panoramic ocean views, letting you relax in a lovely environment, meditate, pray, or relish the beauty of nature.

Address: 215 W K Street, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States.

4. Swami’s Beach

Surfing at Swami’s Beach also known as “Swami’s Reef” or “Swamis” the world-known surfing spot is one of the fun things to do in Encinitas, CA, this summer.

The beach prides itself on stunning vistas, a long point break perfect for skilled surfers, and a tranquil bluff-top park with restrooms and picnic spots.

Enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the chance to see experienced surfers riding the waves, and a chance to unwind and soak up the Southern California spirit.

Address: Encinitas, CA 92024, United States.

5. Leucadia Farmers Market

Making purchases at Leucadia Farmers Market, an all-year-round outdoor market is one of the best things to do in Encinitas, CA, today.

The market boasts local farmers and sellers vending fresh produce, prepared meals, nicety items, a food court, live entertainment, and activities for the young ones.

Exploring the market allows residents and visitors to shop for top-tier local goods, savor a tasty meal, and share in a bustling community ambiance.

Address: 185 Union Street, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States.

6. Cal Pacific Orchid Farm

An adventure to the Cal Pacific Orchid Farm, a family-managed conservatory with over 36,000 square feet of space, is among the most adventurous things to do in Encinitas, CA, this week.

The farm focuses on orchids, an array of species and hybrids, from famous Phalaenopsis to aromatic Cattkeyas and the rare Paphiopedilums.

With a visit to Cal Pacific Orchid Farm, you can browse the beautiful selection of orchids, with experienced staff to assist you in discovering the perfect plant.

Address: 1122 Orpheus Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States.

7. Encinitas Library

Educational things to do in Encinitas, CA, for everyone can be discovered at Encinitas Library, a branch of the San Diego County Library System known for its scenic ocean views from its reading decks.

The library offers a vast children’s section, comprehensive collections of books and media, public computers, meeting rooms, and a used bookstore.

Browse books in a beautiful setting, attend events like lectures or workshops, or relax and relish the ocean view with a good book.

Address: 540 Cornish Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States.

Exploring other attractions near Encinitas, California? Why not check out some fun things to do in Rocklin, CA, and fun things to do in Auburn, CA?

8. Encinitas Ranch Golf Course

Reserving a tee time at Encinitas Ranch Golf Course, a championship course with beautiful ocean vistas all over the course should make your bucket list of fun things to do in Encinitas, CA, this weekend.

With 18 holes, 6,587 yards, 127 slope, and par 70, the public course offers a driving range, a putting course, a restaurant, a pro shop, and event amenities.

Play a round of golf on a distinctive course with picturesque views, practice your swing at the driving range, and grab something to bite at the Ranch Grill restaurant.

Address: 1275 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States.

9. Lazy Acres

Local Acres is a raw foods grocery store well-known for its top-notch preference for local produce, meats, and nutritiously prepared foods.

The store prides itself on a bakery, salad bar, hot food bar, and deli counter, with healthy and organic choices like supplements, body care products, and eco-friendly goods.

Stopping by Lazy Acres allows you to accumulate fresh, nutritious groceries, grab a delicious meal, and browse different nicety items among other top things to do in Encinitas, CA, for everyone.

Address: 150 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States.

10. Leucadia State Beach

Unearth exciting things to do in Encinitas, California at Leucadia State Beach, a hidden treasure and public beach with a comfortable vibe also known as Beacon’s Beach.

The beach has two main entrance points, Beacon’s and Grandview, with swimming, sunbathing, surfing, tide pooling, and fishing opportunities.

Experience a less crowded beach with beautiful pictures, ideal for relaxation and enjoying the California shore.

Address: 948 Neptune Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States.

11. San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas

Touring the San Diego Botanic Garden, a modern oasis priding itself on over four miles of trails meandering through different plant habitats, is among the best things to do in Encinitas, CA, for nature buffs.

The 37-acre garden possesses an outstanding array of over 5,000 plant species like themed gardens displaying desert, tropic, and Mediterranean regions,  the largest public bamboo collection, and the West Coast’s biggest children’s garden.

Browse the different theme gardens, learn about plant life, and appreciate panoramic ocean sights within a natural locale as you get soaked in a world of botanical gardens.

Address: 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Ecke Ranch Road, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States.

12. Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association

Encinitas 101 Main Street Association, a free establishment devoted to fostering, conserving, and growing downtown Encinitas presents visitors and residents with free things to do in Encinitas, CA, every day.

The organization organizes an array of community events throughout the year, assists local businesses, and endorses a lively downtown adventure.

Attending their events and exploring their website permits you to dig into Encinitas’ downtown, find local businesses, and engage in fun community activities.

Address: 818 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States.

13. Culture Brewing Co.

As a beer lover, one of the unique things to do in Encinitas, CA, in the evenings is to pop into Culture Brewing Co., a brewery with a tasting room.

The brewery and tasting room boasts a bright and breezy area focusing on gluten-condensed beers and a temporary pick of beers on tap, with sours, lagers, and IPAs.

Sample their well-recognized beers in a relaxed environment and share a taste of the local craft beer scene with other beer enthusiasts.

Address: 629 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States.

14. Surround Art gallery

15. Seaside Bazaar

Browing Seaside Bazaar, a European-fashioned outdoor market is one of the best things to do in Encinitas, CA, this weekend.

The market houses an array of vendors selling items like antiques, arts & crafts, clothing, home decor, and local artisan goods, allowing you to explore finds, get soaked in a simple community ambiance, and enjoy live music entertainment.

Address: 459 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024-3530, United States.

16. Encinitas Veterans Memorial

Encinitas Veterans Memorial is a reflective area for commemorating veterans in Encinitas among other free things to do in Encinitas, CA, for visitors and locals.

The Memorial has natural stone walls with a flowing water feature, developed to represent both the strength of vets and the tears of the lost ones.

Locals and visitors can gain the opportunity to reminisce on the sacrifices of veterans and appreciate the structure’s artistic tribute.

Address: Vulcan Avenue & Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas, CA 92064, United States.

17. Encinitas City Hall

Encinitas City Hall is a major area for the local government devoted to different city departments liable for tasks like planning, public works, and finance.

A visit to Encinitas City Hall guarantees an interaction with the local government authorities, attending council meetings, and inquiring about the city’s services among other interesting things to do in Encinitas, California.

Address: 505 S Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States.

18. Solterra Winery & Kitchen

Heading over to Solterra Winery & Kitchen, a special winery situated near the beach with a calm climate ideal for storing wines, is one of the top things to do in Encinitas, CA, for wine enthusiasts.

The winery and kitchen manufacture their wines on-site, boasts a demonstration vineyard, and has a restaurant with mouthwatering Mediterranean tapas and entrees that complement their wines.

Appreciate notable wines in a picturesque location, savor tasty meals, learn about wine-making techniques, and organize a private event in their unique spaces.

19. Sinister Trails

Discover thrilling and intriguing things to do in Encinitas, CA, tonight at Sinister Trails, a seasonal haunted destination situated at Wayne’s World Pumpkin Patch.

This attraction has a blend of indoor and outdoor frights with styles like creepy cults, urban legends, zombies, and clowns to offer a thrilling haunted house encounter with actors, special effects, and weird settings.

Address: 3615 Manchester Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States.

20. Power Lines Dog Park

Make room for your furry friend to enjoy pet-friendly things to do in Encinitas, CA, for pet owners at Power Lines Dog Park, an off-leash area for dogs to run, play, and mingle.

The park boasts ample green areas with dirt/gravel patches and other facilities like shade and water fountains.

Voyaging to Power Lines Dog Park allows your dog to burn energy in a safe, open environment while you socialize with other dog owners.

Address: 1679 Mountain Vista Drive #1601, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States.

21. Target Encinitas

Checking out Target Encinitas, an all-around merchandise retail store is one of the best things to do in Encinitas, CA, for visitors and residents alike.

The store boasts numerous products for daily use, including groceries, clothing, home goods, electronics, and toys. Provisions are also made for CVS Pharmacy, Target Optical, and Kendra Scott.

Stopping by Target Encinitas offers a room to browse and buy items with the comfort of in-store pickup for online orders and same-day delivery preferences.

Address: 1010 N El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States.

22. Encinitas Ale House

Drop over at Encinitas Ale House, a family-owned and managed bar priding itself on a comfortable, welcoming spirit, and some fun and cool things to do in Encinitas, CA, with friends.

The house features a vast pick of over 30 beers on tap like international options, local favorites, and rare sorts, coupled with a menu of tasty treats made with fresh ingredients.

Get the chance to test different craft beers, relish a delightful meal in a warm and friendly environment, and make some new friends when you drop by Encinitas Ale House.

Address: 1044 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States.

23. The Spirit Bird Life

Going to The Spirit Bird Life, a health studio centered on yoga and personal coaching is one of the healthy things to do in Encinitas, CA, this weekend.

The studio proposes indoor and outdoor yoga classes and individual coaching sessions that can be done in person or virtually, giving room to participate in yoga in a beautiful setting and potentially explore personal growth through coaching.

Address: 1106 2nd Street Num 617, Encinitas, CA 92024-5008, United States.

24. La Paloma Theatre

Feed your sights with the best of movies at La Paloma Theatre, a notable Spanish Colonial Revival-fashioned movie theater offering a plethora of entertaining things to do in Encinitas, CA, at night

Established in 1928 and regarded as San Diego’s ancientest theater, the theater offers a special movie-driving occasion with standard structures and the opportunity to see different films.

Enjoy a movie in a significant location and support a local milestone while enjoying this destination with a loved one.

Address: 471 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States.

25. Moonlight Makers Workshops

Venturing to Moonlight Makers Workshops, innovative and wellness workshops concentrated on handmade products, should make your checklist of things to do in Encinitas, CA, for everyone.

This destination organizes workshops on topics like soap-making, juicy gardens, olive oil input, and biodynamic gardening, offering the opportunity to learn a new skill, create something to take home, and enjoy a unique experience.

Address: 105 N Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024-2645, United States.

26. Encinitas Food Tours

A tour with Encinitas Food Tours, a company with guided walking tours focused on showing the town’s rich food stage through a visit to 6 different local eateries, is one of the adventurous things to do in Encinitas, CA, today.

Sample an array of tasty meals, including sweet and delectable preferences, with locally made beers at some shops as you learn about Encinitas culture and history.

Address: Encinitas, CA 92024, United States

27. Emerald Day Spa

Emerald Day Spa is a stylish spa recognized for its exclusive massages, concentration on self-care, and other healthy activities for adults in Encinitas, CA.

The spa uses natural and ethically gotten products for facials, massages, pedicures, and other spa services, thus promising a relaxing and refreshing encounter in a comfortable atmosphere.

Address: 90 N Coast Highway 101 STE 209, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States

Plan Your visit to Encinitas, CA

Encinitas, California, offers a variety of activities suitable for visitors of any age. Whether you’re looking for excitement, tranquility, or a combination, this delightful town has something for everyone.

Plan your visit to Encinitas today, and discover the beauty and charm of its attractions in a whole new way!