• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Moonlight Beach ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of senai aksoy - Fotolia.com

2. San Diego Botanic Garden ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of alexmarinka - Fotolia.com

3. Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Jenner - Fotolia.com

4. Swami's Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of Tomasz Zajda - Fotolia.com

5. San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Lance - Fotolia.com

6. Cardiff State Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of Elie - Fotolia.com

7. Leucadia Farmers Market

Category: Shopping & Stuff
© Courtesy of arinahabich - Fotolia.com

8. The Institute of Contemporary Art

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© The Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego

9. San Dieguito Heritage Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© San Dieguito Heritage Museum

10. Cal Pacific Orchid Farm

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Cal Pacific Orchid Farm

11. Lobster West

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Lobster West

12. Solterra Winery

Category: Nearby Food & Drink

13. Leucadia Surf School

© Courtesy of o1559kip - Fotolia.com

14. The Mudd House Studio

© The Mudd House Studio

15. The 3rd Corner

© The 3rd Corner

16. Encinitas Ranch Golf Course

Category: Entertainment Near Me
© Courtesy of Silvano Rebai - Fotolia.com

17. The Bier Garden of Encinitas

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© The Bier Garden of Encinitas

18. Union Kitchen and Tap

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Union Kitchen and Tap

19. The Encinitas Historical Society

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© The Encinitas Historical Society

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

You have to love a city that boasts growing ornamental plants as its main industry. In fact, the city is a leading grower of poinsettias. Encinitas is also famous for being one of the best surfing and beach towns in the world. Only 25 miles north of San Diego, Encinitas has a distinct, quirky personality, attracting not only surfers that flock there for the city’s six miles of Pacific coast, but also visitors exploring the city’s great attractions, restaurants and shops. Here are the best things to do in Encinitas.

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