What to do in Encinitas, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

A wooden staircase leading down to a beach with ocean waves and a sunset in the background.
A coastal town with a beach, playgrounds, and residential buildings.
A coastal cityscape with a beach, ocean waves, and a clear sky.
A sunset with silhouettes of palm trees and a building.
A coastal promenade with palm trees, a railing, and a street lamp.

Things to do

Oceanside Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventures

Oceanside Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventures

฿1,923
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Oceanside Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventures
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour

Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

฿506
per traveller
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
Private Surf Lesson Solana Beach Ride the Waves Fletcher Cove 2hr

Private Surf Lesson Solana Beach Ride the Waves Fletcher Cove 2hr

฿3,711
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Private Surf Lesson Solana Beach Ride the Waves Fletcher Cove 2hr
Solana Beach: Beach Cruiser Full-Day Bike Rental

Solana Beach: Beach Cruiser Full-Day Bike Rental

฿1,350
per adult
Solana Beach: Beach Cruiser Full-Day Bike Rental
Carlsbad: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Village by the Sea

Carlsbad: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Village by the Sea

฿506
per adult
Carlsbad: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Village by the Sea
San Diego: Rage Room Experience

San Diego: Rage Room Experience

฿1,350
per adult
San Diego: Rage Room Experience
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What to do in Encinitas

Stay near popular Encinitas attractions

A lifeguard tower at the City of Encinitas Marine Safety Center with a view of the ocean at sunset.

Moonlight State Beach

9.2/10 (544 reviews)
This family-friendly shoreline offers pristine sands and excellent swimming conditions just steps from city centre Encinitas. Enjoy beach volleyball courts and picnic areas while lifeguards ensure a safe experience.
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Where to stay in Encinitas

Find the best Encinitas areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Encinitas
Learn more about Encinitas
A sunset over a calm sea with surfers in the water.

Leucadia

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Leucadia. A stop by Leucadia State Beach or Grandview Surf Beach might round out your trip.

A beach with a lifeguard tower, palm trees, and a sunset.

Downtown Encinitas

If you're spending some time in Downtown Encinitas, Moonlight State Beach and San Elijo State Beach are top sights worth seeing.

A coastal landscape with cliffs and a sunset over the ocean.

Olivenhain

Olivenhain might not have many top sights, but La Costa Golf Courses - North and South and San Elijo State Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Day trip destinations from Encinitas

A large body of water surrounded by mountainous terrain with winding roads.

Escondido

A residential area with houses, roads, and surrounding greenery.

Rancho Santa Fe

A residential area with a bridge over a river, surrounded by houses and palm trees.

San Marcos

Frequently asked questions

Is Encinitas worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor pursuits and history, there are loads of fun things to do in Encinitas. Be sure to experience the area's blend of cool sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Encinitas?
LEGOLAND® California and Carlsbad State Beach are two excellent places to start your adventures. Be sure to explore the shopping and dining options in Encinitas while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Encinitas?
Don't go home without visiting LEGOLAND® California, ranked the top tourist attraction in Encinitas.
Is three days enough to stay in Encinitas?
You can easily visit top sights like Moonlight State Beach, South Carlsbad State Beach and San Elijo State Beach with a three-day stay in Encinitas. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to San Diego County.
What are some activities to do in Encinitas with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all the family, have a look at these awesome ideas for what to do in Encinitas with kids.
What to do in Encinitas for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Encinitas, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Carruth Cellars Winery or Craftsmanship Museum.
Are there free things to do in Encinitas?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Encinitas is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Moonlight State Beach is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.