MIA’S GUIDE TO
Encinitas
WELCOME HOME TO Encinitas
If it’s true that life is a beach, that beach is probably in Encinitas. You can’t get any more quintessential than this — from the sand to the surf to Highway 101 running smack through the middle of it all. Encinitas is one of the best surf towns in the world. No, literally, it was named among the 20 best surf towns in the world by National Geographic. This place is somehow unchanged over time yet refreshed every morning. If you live here, you’re living the beach life that dreams, and songs are made of. Welcome to Encinitas.
THE LAYOUT
Encinitas takes up six miles of incredible California coastline in northern San Diego County. It was actually five small communities that were combined in the 80’s to create a beach city that would inspire a million surfers and a few Beach Boys. (their song “Surfin’ USA” was inspired by a favorite Encinitas surfing beach named Swami’s.) It’s nestled between two lagoons: Batiquitos Lagoon to the north and San Elijo Lagoon to the south. The famous U.S. Highway 101 runs along its western border and is lined with restaurants, coffee shops and surfboard stores. Housing has a variety to offer. You’ll find both classic beach cottages and sprawling new mansions in oceanfront communities, with larger lots and more suburban-style homes inland.
THE LIVING SITUATION
For all its timelessness, locals call Encinitas the hippest city on the San Diego coastline. There is nightlife, restaurants and more shopping than you can shake a stick at. Throw in a few local-approved taco shops, a historic old theatre and some classic record stores, and your heart and soul will leave as full as your stomach. During the day, hit up the San Diego Botanical Gardens, complete with an Amazon rainforest that showcases the largest display of bamboo in the world. Or maybe hit yourself a round of golf at the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course, a championship 18-hole, par 72 course with panoramic ocean views. Encinitas is a gem hidden in the sand. A state of mind. And an unspoiled reminder of the historic Highway 101 beach culture that thrived in the mid-1900s — and still lingers to this day.
MIA’S MUSTS
Here are a few things I recommend to make your Encinitas experience even more memorable.
Must Brunch
Union Kitchen and Tap. Very stylish. And extremely un-stuffy. The culture here is as good as the cuisine.
Must Dine with Live Music
Le Papagayo. The best in Latin food and local music come together at this Encinitas staple.
Must Beach with Family
Named for the midnight picnics that local residents used to have in the early 1900s, Moonlight Beach is still the place to go after the sun goes down. Light a bonfire in one of their fire pits for an unforgettable night by the sea.
Must Experience Local
Off-the-beaten-track, but hard to beat. Stone Steps Beach is a local favorite for its high tide and an Instagram favorite for its views.
Must Find
A “kook” is surfer slang for a wannabe surfer. “The Cardiff Kook” is a 6-foot bronze sculpture of a surfing boy along Highway 101. Its official name is “Magic Carpet Ride,” but locals say the sculptor got the statue’s surfing form wrong — hence the moniker “Cardiff Kook.”
Must Eat
The atmosphere may be casual, but Fish 101 takes seafood seriously. The fish tacos here are legendary.
Encinitas Properties
Over the years, we’ve represented both Encinitas buyers and sellers. If Encinitas real estate is a vision for your future, give me a call! I’d love to talk with you.
1210 Neptune
1210 Neptune 92024
6 bed / 7 bath / sq. ft. 5825
6 bed / 7 bath / sq. ft. 5825
$6,305,000
548 Hygeia
548 Hygeia 92024
7 bed / 6 bath / sq. ft. 4800
7 bed / 6 bath / sq. ft. 4800
$3,200,000
Encinitas Videos
San Diego Neighborhoods: Encinitas Real Estate in 60 Seconds
Read full transcript
Do you know which city was ranked among the 20 best surf towns in the world by National Geographic? That’s right, Encinitas. Founded in 1881 Encinitas has stayed true to its surfing core with six beautiful miles of California coastline.
School rankings, consistently ranked one of the top school districts in the world.
How about real estate? You can expect a condo to start at around $350 000 and a detached home at $1.1 million. But talk about convenience, Encinitas is central to everything.
Now you get the facts, onto the fun. Check out Swamis Restaurant. Home with the Beach Boys inspiration for their song. “Serving USA.” Not Only a surfer’s haven, all of Encinitas beaches are extremely family friendly. And if you’re in the mood for a hike, Annie’s Canyon Trail is the place to be. If you love sunsets and cocktails, plop in the sand at Moonlight beach and I will see you there.
School rankings, consistently ranked one of the top school districts in the world.
How about real estate? You can expect a condo to start at around $350 000 and a detached home at $1.1 million. But talk about convenience, Encinitas is central to everything.
Now you get the facts, onto the fun. Check out Swamis Restaurant. Home with the Beach Boys inspiration for their song. “Serving USA.” Not Only a surfer’s haven, all of Encinitas beaches are extremely family friendly. And if you’re in the mood for a hike, Annie’s Canyon Trail is the place to be. If you love sunsets and cocktails, plop in the sand at Moonlight beach and I will see you there.
HGTV Hot Properties San Diego: Mia and Seth check out a new Encintas CA home.
Read full transcript
Seth
This community is called Marville, it’s awesome. Today, I’m showing me a house that belongs to my good friend Bobby G. We’re pulling inspiration from Hawaii Polynesian islands. So, the homes himself make you feel like you’re on an island. There’s no place like this in Encinitas.
This community is called Marville, it’s awesome. Today, I’m showing me a house that belongs to my good friend Bobby G. We’re pulling inspiration from Hawaii Polynesian islands. So, the homes himself make you feel like you’re on an island. There’s no place like this in Encinitas.
Mia
It’s at the end of a cul de sac. That’s nice.
Seth
Bobby means the world to me, right? He was the best man at my wedding and sold it to him for $800 000 as a foreclosure and I think it’s probably worth $2000 000 now.
Mia
Is it lists ready?
Seth
That’s why you’re here.
Mia
Okay.
Seth
I want you to be the judge.
Mia
I love surprises.
Oh, wow. Interesting color choices.
Mission Hills Resources
Can I get a list of Encinitas homes for sale?
Yes you can! Give me a call!
What does Encinitas mean?
In a land dominated by the popular palm tree, Encinitas got its name from Encina Canada, Spanish for “hills of live oaks.” These were the trees that Gaspar de Portola saw in 1669, when he led an expedition through the region. Look what you just learned!
How far is Encinitas from San Diego?
Encinitas is around 27 miles from Downtown and it will take you about a half an hour to get there. But as always, be careful during high traffic times. My favorite time to go is on a Saturday morning!
Here is a map for reference:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/San+Diego,+CA/Encinitas,+CA/@32.8749893,-117.3419597,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x80d9530fad921e4b:0xd3a21fdfd15df79!2m2!1d-117.1610838!2d32.715738!1m5!1m1!1s0x80dc0bbee3d632b7:0x8cc63ffbb6c0049e!2m2!1d-117.2919818!2d33.0369867
How far is Encinitas from Carlsbad?
A great weekend day by the coast would be to make your way up from Encinitas to Carlsbad. The views are spectacular, and the route is littered with great places to grab a bite. It’s about 10 miles away and will take you around 15 minutes.
Map:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Carlsbad,+CA/Encinitas,+CA/@33.1000266,-117.3896258,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x80dc73453f3bee59:0xa4cb5592fcf65d2f!2m2!1d-117.3505939!2d33.1580933!1m5!1m1!1s0x80dc0bbee3d632b7:0x8cc63ffbb6c0049e!2m2!1d-117.2919818!2d33.0369867
How far is Encinitas to the San Diego Airport?
We’re lucky enough to have our unique little airport right in the city, so the drive time is about the same as Downtown. It’s around a 30-minute drive from tarmac to shoreline!
Residents:
63,000 people live in Encinitas
No. of Housing Units:
26,142 houses, condos, and apartments in Encinitas
Walking Score:
41%
City Representative:
Kristin Gaspar
Nearest Hospital:
Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas
Scripps Encinitas
Scripps Encinitas
Public Schools:
Capri Elementary
Ocean Knoll Elementary School
Diegueno Middle School
Oak Crest Middle School
San Dieguito High Academy
La Costa Canyon High School
Ocean Knoll Elementary School
Diegueno Middle School
Oak Crest Middle School
San Dieguito High Academy
La Costa Canyon High School
Distance to Dowtown:
26.2 mi
Distance to San Diego Airport:
26.3 mi
Distance to the beach:
1 mi.