7 Must-Do Activities While Visiting Encinitas California

by Terry Hunefeld

What is it about Encinitas? Visitors tell us it has a different vibe than any of the other beach towns north of San Diego. We know. That's why we live here -- because Encinitas is still lost in time back in the 1960s when California was a much simpler place. You can experience a bit of that feel by trying some of the following:

1. Take A Walk In A Rainforest

Quail Botanical Gardens consists of more than 30 acres dedicated to the conservation of endangered and rare plants from around the world. Every day tours and nature walks take visitors down scenic trails, through unique gardens, desert gardens, rare bamboo groves, native plant gardens, a tropical rainforest, climate landscapes of the Mediterranean, a succulent garden, a tropical fruit garden and a one-of-a-kind children's garden. The Gardens are a lovely and peaceful " a place where you can see myriad butterflies, birds and an occasional rabbit hopping across your path. Here you will find a special place where you can easily spend an entire day simply enjoying the nature and all its beauty " a garden that everyone will enjoy.

2. Learn To Surf

Kahuna Bobs Surf School has been a local legend in Encinitas 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 of Encinitas 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 put on the map by the Beach Boys in 1963 when they sang about Surfin USA. Nearly fifty years later, Swamis draws the best surfers on the planet, making for exciting entertainment when watching them from above. An enormous staircase takes you down to the beach if you want to be closer, while picnic tables and benches up-top near the cliff edge give you an eagles view of phenomenal surfing feats.

4. Take In A Talkie

If you wax nostalgic for a real old-time movie theater, take in a film at La Paloma Theatre, where they feature first-run hits, art movies and surf/skate/snowboard/music film premieres. Its THE place to see Rocky Horror Picture Show. La Paloma Theatre was built in 1928, and was one of the first theatres to show "Talkies" in 1927 with the Warner Brothers film "The Jazz Singer" starring Al Jolson.

5. Meditate At An Authentic Temple

Swami Yogananda came to Encinitas 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 Encinitas " 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. Top It All Off By In A Private Hot Tub Overlooking The Ocean

The Inn at Moonlight Beach is a romantic little Inn perched on a hillside above Moonlight Beach overlooking both the Pacific Ocean and the quaint beach town of Encinitas. It's a magical place of sand, sea, sun and surf. 4 lovely ocean-view suites recall a French-European Seaside Inn with spotless private baths, wi-fi internet, refrigerator and Cable TV. All this, yet prices are $50 - $75 less than other Bed & Breakfast Inns in San Diego. Inquire about the Penthouse Suite with its own private balcony and very private hot tub overlooking Pacific Ocean sunsets. Inn At Moonlight Beach, 105 N. Vulcan Ave, Encinitas, CA 92024.