Best Things to do in Encinitas | Must-see attractions 2025

Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Garden

215 W K St (at 3rd St)

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Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens in Encinitas offers serene ocean views, koi ponds, and meditation spaces, promoting peace and tranquility.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcome to support the center.

San Dieguito Heritage Museum

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Museum

450 Quail Gardens Dr

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San Dieguito Heritage Museum in Encinitas preserves local history through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programming, showcasing the area's rich cultural heritage.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcome for special events.

The Forum Carlsbad

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

1923 Calle Barcelona

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The Forum Carlsbad in Encinitas, California, features a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options in an outdoor mall setting.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Most shops and eateries are accessible without entry fees.

Surf Hut Art Gallery

11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

694 N Coast Highway 101

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Surf Hut Art Gallery in Encinitas showcases local surf culture through art exhibitions, featuring both emerging and established artists. A vibrant hub for creativity.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special workshops and events may incur a fee.

George Berkich Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

1888 Montgomery Ave

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George Berkich Park in Encinitas offers open green spaces, walking paths, sports facilities, and children's play areas, promoting community engagement and outdoor activities.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No cost for entry or use of park facilities.

Encinitas City Hall

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Public Building

505 S Vulcan Ave

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Encinitas City Hall serves as the administrative center for local governance, promoting community engagement and providing essential services in Southern California.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Some events may have specific charges.

Encinitas Ranch Golf Course

6:30 AM–6:00 PM

Golf Course

1275 Quail Gardens Drive

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Encinitas Ranch Golf Course in Encinitas, CA offers an 18-hole championship layout with ocean views, challenging holes, and a nature preserve.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Varies by time of day and season; typically ranges from $40-$100.

Self-Realization Fellowship Encinitas Temple

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

1105 2nd Street

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Self-Realization Fellowship Encinitas Temple is a serene spiritual center founded in 1937, offering meditation gardens and ocean views in Encinitas, California.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Classes and special events may require a fee.

Encinitas Community Park

8:00 AM–sunset

Park

425 Santa Fe Drive

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Encinitas Community Park in California spans 44 acres, offering multi-use sports fields, a large skate park, and abundant open space for recreation.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

San Dieguito Heritage Museum at the Heritage Ranch

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Museum

450 Quail Gardens Dr

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San Dieguito Heritage Museum showcases local history through artifacts, photos, and hands-on displays in Encinitas, California. Explore community stories on a 1-acre property.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may have ticket fees.

Butterfly Farms

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Garden

441 Saxony Rd

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Butterfly Farms in Encinitas, California, offers an educational experience focused on butterfly habitats and conservation, enriching visitors with vibrant displays and interactive learning.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

General Admission: $10, Children (under 12): $5, Seniors: $8. Discounts available for groups.

Museum Of What- Love Theme

11:00 AM–8:00 PM

Museum

Encinitas

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Museum Of What- Love Theme in Encinitas, California, explores the concept of love through interactive exhibits and installations, inviting reflection and engagement.

Duration: 2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a ticket purchase.

Gardens By The Sea Nursery

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

1500 North Coast Highway 101

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Gardens By The Sea Nursery in Encinitas, California, offers a diverse selection of plants alongside ocean views, promoting a connection between horticulture and coastal biodiversity.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some workshops may have a fee.

Wiro Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Amusement Park

2232 El Camino Del Norte

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Wiro Park is a community park in Encinitas, California, offering open spaces, playgrounds, picnic areas, and natural beauty for recreational activities.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Leucadia Roadside Park

Open 24 hours

Event hall

860 N Coast Hwy 101

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Leucadia Roadside Park in Encinitas offers a tranquil outdoor space featuring picnic areas and native plants, ideal for relaxation and nature appreciation in Southern California.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. No charges for entry or typical park amenities.

San Diego Botanic Garden

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Theme Park

230 Quail Gardens Dr

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San Diego Botanic Garden spans 37 acres in Encinitas, CA, showcasing diverse plant collections and the largest bamboo collection in the U.S.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Parking: $2. Admission is free; special events may require tickets.

Encinitas Library Concert Hall

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

Encinitas

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Encinitas Library Concert Hall hosts various musical performances and events, providing a cultural hub for locals and visitors in Encinitas, California.

Duration: 2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a ticket purchase.

Meditation Garden At Encinitas

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Garden

California

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Meditation Garden at Encinitas offers serene landscapes, lush plant life, and tranquil ponds, providing a peaceful retreat for meditation and relaxation in Southern California.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Hawk View Day Park

8:00 AM–sunset

Amusement Park

Swallowtail Rd

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Hawk View Day Park in Encinitas offers scenic views, trails, and picnic areas, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking a refreshing retreat.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. No ticket is required for entry.

Moonlight State Beach

6:00 AM-10:00 PM

Beach

400 B St

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Moonlight State Beach is a sandy beach located in Encinitas, California. It features a snack bar, playground, volleyball and tennis courts, and recreation equipment rentals, making it a fun spot for families and friends.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

South Ponto Beach

Open 24 hours

Beach

7499 Carlsbad Blvd (By the two jetties)

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South Ponto Beach is a beautiful public beach in Encinitas, California. It offers sandy shores, great waves for surfers, and scenic views that make it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Duration: approx. 2-3 hours

Free

Beacon Beach

Open 24 hours

Panorama

Corner of Neptune and Leucadia Blvd. Parking overlooking the ocean

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Beacon Beach is a public beach in Encinitas, California. It offers sandy shores, great surf, and stunning sunset views, making it a favorite spot for locals and visitors.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Grandview Surf Beach

Sunrise-Sunset

Landmark

1700 Neptune Ave

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Grandview Surf Beach is a sandy beach famous for its excellent surfing breaks. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful white sands and stunning views from the clifftop parking area.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Stonesteps

Open 24 hours

Landmark

340 S El Portal St

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Stonesteps is a historical landmark in Encinitas, California. It features a stunning set of stairs leading down to the beach and offers beautiful ocean views.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free