Just what is it about Encinitas that makes it so fascinating, so special? Yes, its a gorgeous little beach town, but what makes it so very different from other beach towns in San Diego county? The answer is, in part, the fact that Encinitas is still lost in time " back in the 1960s " when California was a simpler place. But you can still experience some of that feel by visiting the following must see places:
1. Where Else In California Can You Take A Walk In A Rainforest?
Lovely Quail Botanical Gardens is less than a mile from the Pacific Ocean with more than 32 acres full of endangered and extraordinary plants from all around the world. Tours and nature walks each day take visitors down the wonderfully scenic trails (with killer views of the ocean!), through totally unique tropical gardens, arid desert gardens, enormous bamboo groves, California native plant gardens, a rainforest with its own waterfall, Mediterranean gardens, tropical fruit gardens and a unique children's garden. At once beautiful and serene, Quail Gardens is a place to spend an entire day simply enjoying nature in all its splendor.
2. Yes, You CAN Learn To Surf
Kahuna Bobs Surf School has been a local legend for nearly 25 years. His distinctive and engaging teaching style puts brand new surfers at ease during his group or private instruction. In 2009, the City awarded Kahuna Bob with an exclusive surf-lesson license at the best beginner surfing beach in Encinitas, Beacons Beach, where the waves break perfectly for beginning surfers.
3. Become A Beach Boy (or Beach Girl)
World renown Swamis Beach was made famous in 1963 by the Beach Boys hit song Surfin USA. Only two blocks from downtown on U.S. Highway 101, Swamis still draws the finest surfers in the world on a daily basis, making for wonderful watching from the cliffs above. A mammoth wooden staircase with built-in benches takes you down to the beach. The picnic tables along the cliff edge at the top are a breathtaking spot to sit and take in the sweeping views of the ocean and witness phenomenal surfing feats.
4. Watch A Movie In An Authentic Movie House
Do you remember what the old-time movie theaters felt like? You can relive that experience by taking in a film at La Paloma Theatre. They offer a bit of everything from first-run movies to art movies (think Rocky Horror Picture Show) plus surfing and snowboarding film premieres. La Paloma was built in the 1920s and takes you back in time. Plus, the popcorn is to die for.
5. Meditate At An Authentic Temple
Swami Yogananda came to town in 1936 and built the Self-Realization Temple on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. His philosophy of love and introspection still attracts thousands of followers from around the world. The beautiful Self-Realization Fellowship grounds " lush gardens and Koi ponds " are open to the public each day. Here you can walk, meditate, breathe deeply and put life into perspective " the only sounds you might hear are singing birds and the pounding of the surf on the cliffs below.
6. The Best Beach To Work On Your Tan
The most popular beach in all of North County San Diego is Moonlight Beach, just two blocks from downtown - its a wonderful spot to soak up sun, enjoy a picnic, play volleyball, surf, boogie-board, body surf, read a book, watch other people people-watch or simply take it easy. Its a state park complete with plenty of parking, fine life guard stations, beach-gear rentals, showers, playground, snack and lunch shop and even fire-rings on the beach where you and your friends can enjoy bonfires late into the night.
7. Relax In Your Private Hot Tub And Watch The Sun Set
The Inn at Moonlight Beach is a romantic Bed and Breakfast Inn overlooking the Pacific Ocean. No other B&B Inn is so close to the beach. The lovely rooms and suites remind you of a French-European Seaside Inn. The Penthouse Suite has a private balcony over-looking the Pacific Ocean with its own very private hot tub making for spectacular romantic sunsets.
1. Where Else In California Can You Take A Walk In A Rainforest?
Lovely Quail Botanical Gardens is less than a mile from the Pacific Ocean with more than 32 acres full of endangered and extraordinary plants from all around the world. Tours and nature walks each day take visitors down the wonderfully scenic trails (with killer views of the ocean!), through totally unique tropical gardens, arid desert gardens, enormous bamboo groves, California native plant gardens, a rainforest with its own waterfall, Mediterranean gardens, tropical fruit gardens and a unique children's garden. At once beautiful and serene, Quail Gardens is a place to spend an entire day simply enjoying nature in all its splendor.
2. Yes, You CAN Learn To Surf
Kahuna Bobs Surf School has been a local legend for nearly 25 years. His distinctive and engaging teaching style puts brand new surfers at ease during his group or private instruction. In 2009, the City awarded Kahuna Bob with an exclusive surf-lesson license at the best beginner surfing beach in Encinitas, Beacons Beach, where the waves break perfectly for beginning surfers.
3. Become A Beach Boy (or Beach Girl)
World renown Swamis Beach was made famous in 1963 by the Beach Boys hit song Surfin USA. Only two blocks from downtown on U.S. Highway 101, Swamis still draws the finest surfers in the world on a daily basis, making for wonderful watching from the cliffs above. A mammoth wooden staircase with built-in benches takes you down to the beach. The picnic tables along the cliff edge at the top are a breathtaking spot to sit and take in the sweeping views of the ocean and witness phenomenal surfing feats.
4. Watch A Movie In An Authentic Movie House
Do you remember what the old-time movie theaters felt like? You can relive that experience by taking in a film at La Paloma Theatre. They offer a bit of everything from first-run movies to art movies (think Rocky Horror Picture Show) plus surfing and snowboarding film premieres. La Paloma was built in the 1920s and takes you back in time. Plus, the popcorn is to die for.
5. Meditate At An Authentic Temple
Swami Yogananda came to town in 1936 and built the Self-Realization Temple on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. His philosophy of love and introspection still attracts thousands of followers from around the world. The beautiful Self-Realization Fellowship grounds " lush gardens and Koi ponds " are open to the public each day. Here you can walk, meditate, breathe deeply and put life into perspective " the only sounds you might hear are singing birds and the pounding of the surf on the cliffs below.
6. The Best Beach To Work On Your Tan
The most popular beach in all of North County San Diego is Moonlight Beach, just two blocks from downtown - its a wonderful spot to soak up sun, enjoy a picnic, play volleyball, surf, boogie-board, body surf, read a book, watch other people people-watch or simply take it easy. Its a state park complete with plenty of parking, fine life guard stations, beach-gear rentals, showers, playground, snack and lunch shop and even fire-rings on the beach where you and your friends can enjoy bonfires late into the night.
7. Relax In Your Private Hot Tub And Watch The Sun Set
The Inn at Moonlight Beach is a romantic Bed and Breakfast Inn overlooking the Pacific Ocean. No other B&B Inn is so close to the beach. The lovely rooms and suites remind you of a French-European Seaside Inn. The Penthouse Suite has a private balcony over-looking the Pacific Ocean with its own very private hot tub making for spectacular romantic sunsets.
About the Author:
The author is the former president of a Carlsbad corporation who quit to follow his love of exploring the ocean to study seabirds and marine animals. Terry and Ann Dunham own the Inn At Moonlight Beach in Encinitas near Del Mar and San Diego. For more information visit: Solana Beach Hotels or Carlsbad B&B.
