THE 30 BEST Places to Visit in Encinitas (UPDATED 2024)
Places to visit in Encinitas

Top Things to Do in Encinitas, CA

Places to Visit in Encinitas


Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.

Top Attractions in Encinitas

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • MCK
    3,048 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely beautiful! If you are in Encinitas, it is well worth the visit on a beautiful day. Parking is on the street. The entrance is at the main building. The gatekeepers are very nice. They just ask that you turn the volume of your phone off, as it is a quite place to meditate. The are also restrooms for visitors. The garden is immaculately kept with plenty of shade and seats to sit and enjoy. It an easy walk through for all ages. The gardens are free but there are donation boxes throughout if you wish to donate for the upkeep of the gardens. You can spend as much time as you want.

    My friend and I got lucky and got a parking spot a short distance from the entrance. The weekday (Wednesday) and the time we went (about 2:00 PM) was not crowded at all. We spent about and hour and a half strolling and enjoying.
    Written 14 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Courtney M
    Oceanside, CA53 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    There was a very cool space for kids, which includes a treehouse, a musical area, chalk coloring and a building area and also a little stream! There’s also a sand pit further inside the garden. Overall there were some great plants and flowers to view!
    Written 21 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • VStar
    San Diego, CA3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful and unique. Just a short walk to have your very own space at the beach. I’ve gotten lucky with parking every time. Note that the tide is very high late afternoon, to the point that the beach all but disappears sometimes and you’ll need to put your chair on rocks. You can still swim of course. Sounds crazy but still worth it!
    Written 22 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • srimanone
    Joshua Tree, CA1,078 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Yes that’s right, no more sand anywhere near here. Very rocky beach and dangerous to traverse. Need to be very careful and not advised for older folks. The walk down the steps and watching the sea is always welcomed
    Written 31 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Deb W
    Reno, NV2,571 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a lovely area. The nature center has a lot of nice displays. Franklin the turtle lives out back and was very active while we were there. From here we hiked to Annie's Canyon for an extra adventure.
    Written 8 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Susan h
    Tucson, AZ350 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very accessible beach, especially if you can find free parking along Hwy.101. It’s dog and people friendly. The south end of the beach near the parking lot ($15 or park pass) is more crowded. This is a great beach for walking your dog, just hanging or a picnic. Waves are smaller but plenty of boogie boarders, not as many surfers.
    Written 16 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • phillynee
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What an amazing library! Everything about it is beautiful. It seems like something is always happening there, including free concerts and poetry writing. The kids books are grand. There's something for everyone and the view of the Pacific is beyond amazing from this library's deck!
    Written 16 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ro F
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    beautiful views, great weather. secure beach walking or swimming when posible. great place to visit
    Written 27 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mary Ella
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I LOVE this farmers market. It is a weekly tradition for me and my family. The vibes are seriously amazing and there is so much fresh produce. I would definitely check out Thai DD for the most delicious pad see ew, Kombucha Cares for really yummy kombucha on tap, House of Bao for delicious bao buns and dumplings, and Superfood and Company for amazing kefir soda!! Also, Miho of Miho's Jewelry makes the most beautiful rings, necklaces, and earrings. Anytime I have a birthday to shop for, I go to her stand!
    Written 17 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tawsr
    Louisiana1,100 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I can locate bargains, 6 Guinness bottled, a huge slab of Turkey w/ Brussel Sprouts + 1.5 liters water.
    Hotel across the street (Encinitas Blvd) - good night folks! 1 train away from a 1 week party!
    Keep partying, don’t let anything get you down!
    Written 19 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MCK
    3,048 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My mother had the green thumb and a beautiful orchid garden. When I was in Encinitas, I found this place on "things to do", so I had to check it out. It definitely did not disappoint. If you are looking to buy or use the Orchid Hotel or just see all the beautiful plants then its worth the trip. The place is hard to find and easy to pass the driveway up. It is small and doesn't take much time to go through the store displays but worth it if you are in Encinitas.
    Written 13 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • William C
    El Cajon, United States245 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Family members spend a week here every summer and we're always thrilled to come by and spend a day with them. The views from the bluffs above the beach are spectacular. The stairways down to the beach are not for the faint of heart, and the rocks on the beach and in the shallows can be somewhat bothersome.
    Written 5 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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