The city of Encinitas in California is a North San Diego coastal town rich in history. The vibrant beach city offers a blend of surf culture, spiritualism and Spanish heritage.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Encinitas, where sun-kissed beaches meet charming eateries serving up authentic local bites. From surfing the Pacific waves to exploring vibrant art scenes and lush coastal gardens, your perfect weekend escape awaits.
Wander through streets dotted with eclectic boutiques and discover secluded spots that capture the true essence of Encinitas living.
Uncover the magic of this seaside haven with our expert 48-hour guide, designed to reveal the best-kept secrets and must-visit landmarks. Get ready to fall in love with the vibrant pulse and tranquil beauty of this coastal gem.
Stay, Dine and Find Peace at Alila Marea Beach Resort
To make the most of your 48 hours, stay at Alila Marea Beach Resort. The hotel is an ideal refuge for exploring the quintessential beach town. Sustainability, respect for local culture and a connection to the environment are all part of the Alila Marea philosophy.
The resort offers an Alila Morning Bed and Breakfast special that includes breakfast for two on the dining terrace perched above the Pacific Ocean.
Guests can also order in-room dining to be enjoyed on the sun-warmed patio or balcony. VAGA chefs source ingredients for the menu from farms and the sea.
Looking at the ocean is scientifically known to lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and evoke feelings of peace. This special also includes a complimentary Spa Alila wellness class that includes morning yoga outside on the ocean-viewing pool deck to breathe in fresh ocean breezes.
Come back to VAGA for dinner to enjoy grilled proteins, vegetables, and breads while overlooking sensational sunset views. The bar and lounge area shakes signature craft cocktails and has fire pits lit and live music playing in the evening and on weekends.
Spiritual Center at the Beach
Take one of the resort’s complimentary e-bikes for a spin into town and stop at the tropical Swami’s Beach. It’s a great spot to sunbathe and watch locals surf the world-famous waves. There are two Easter Island heads at the entrance of the small garden.
Next door to Swami’s is an eye-catching spiritual center with a beautiful meditation garden that is complimentary for visitors and locals to enter.
Swami’s Beach was named after the spiritual center and gardens founded in 1937 by Paramahansa Yogananda. This center attracts yogis, spiritual seekers, artists and wellness travelers.
This peaceful retreat is high above the beach, offering a sanctuary filled with local and tropical plants. Pathways lead to koi ponds and ocean-view areas to sit and reflect.
Voices are to be lowered in the deeply calming gardens and phone calls are forbidden. One can snap a photo or two of the beauty surrounding this hidden gem.
Craft Beer With a Retro Vibe
Ride along the bike paths or lock up the bikes and walk on the sidewalk past surf and taco shops, galleries, vintage boutiques, and Lou’s Records, a legendary spot for vinyl and music lovers.
Another spot for vinyl collectors who also enjoy craft beer is Modern Times. This vibrant brewery also has a tasting room and restaurant. Known as the Far West Lounge, this dog-friendly hotspot offers eclectic design and a lively community spirit for beer and food aficionados.
Order a flight of beer to sample some of the 30 seasonal rotating crisp pilsners, barrel-aged stouts, and cold brew coffee. The Pickle Pilsner and Fruitlands Gose with passion fruit and guava flavors are worth trying.
The lounge has windows that open and look out to Highway 101. It’s fun to sip a beer and watch the parade of visitors and cars go by.
The retro-chic interior channels a mid-century modern design with colors, art and antique clocks of the era. When tables and lounge areas are full, sit up in the wood stadium-style bench seating.
The restaurant’s menu includes a tasty array of vegan and vegetarian treats. Crispy Brussels sprouts, noodle salads, flatbreads, and a delicious Caprese sandwich all go well with a flight of beer or one of their non-alcoholic beers.
They also roast and pour their own nitro cold brew and house coffees. The onsite mini-mart sells coffee beans, cans to go, and brewery merchandise.
Moonlight State Beach
This ideal swimming beach is also a great place to nap under a shaded tiki umbrella. There are multiple volleyball courts to practice beach volleyball and a playground for kids next to the expansive sandy shores.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, and there are restrooms and showers available.
Rent a surf or boogie board at the onsite rental shop, and there is a snack shack for quick food and beverage items.
Annie’s Canyon Trail
Drive over to nearby Solana Beach to hike in a stunning sandstone slot canyon with ocean views at the top.
Tucked within the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, the hike is about a two-mile round-trip loop. It typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes to complete.
Enter at the trailheads via North Rios Ave or Via Poco Park and Ride, from there you will cross a suspension bridge into the reserve.
Spa Time
With all this exercise, unwind back at Alila Marea at the onsite spa for a deeply restorative treatment. The spa massage and facial menu was inspired by the region’s natural and locally sourced minerals and botanicals.
There are five treatment rooms, including a couples’ suite. Before or after a treatment, spend some time in the large indoor sauna.
Spa guests can also rest in the relaxation lounge featuring four heated crystal healing chairs. Outside by the resort pool is a barrel-shaped sauna with a wall of glass looking out to the Pacific Ocean. Next to it is a step into a cold plunge for a hot and cool-down wellness experience.
Pool Time
Alila Marea Beach Resort has the prettiest pool in Encinitas. Don your bathing suit for a swim and soak in the infinity-edge large hot whirlpool.
Lounge chairs are set up to maximize the Pacific Ocean views. The attentive pool staff visit guests throughout the day, offering complimentary samples of refreshing treats and drinks.
Since the surf-inspired bar and restaurant, named The Pocket, is at the edge of the pool area, guests can order lunch and have it delivered to their lounge chair or reserved cabana.
Surf’s Up
Ease into a coastal rhythm, taking the resort stairs down to South Ponto Beach for a morning or sunset walk or run on the sand.
A beach butler awaits with chairs, towels and an umbrella for a relaxing day at the beach. The resort also offers guests complimentary surfboards and surf lessons with a resident surf expert.
Spending two days in the coastal town of Encinitas will have you longing to return.
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Author Bio: Jill Weinlein enjoys traveling up and down the coast discovering picturesque beach towns. Her trips can be viewed on IG @Jillsfoodtravels.
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