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?
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 Bob is a legend, and has been teaching people how to surf for more than twenty years. His unique, fun teaching methods will immediately put you at ease whether you select a group or private instruction. This year the Parks Dept of Encinitas gave Bob an exclusive Surf School License for Beacons Beach, known far and wide as the best beginner surfing beach because the waves always 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
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 A Temple
Indias Swami Yogananda first visited here more than 60 years ago and built a temple that looks for all the world like youre in India. He built the temple on a spectacular setting " a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Swamis beliefs of love, peace and mediation still attract tens of thousands of followers all over the globe. The lush temple grounds " quiet gardens and lovely ponds " are open daily day to the public for no charge. Here is a special place to walk, breathe deeply, meditate and put life into perspective while the distant surf pounds the cliffs below you.
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 little Inn perched on a hillside above Moonlight Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the quaint beach town. 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.
1. Where Else In California Can You 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 Bob is a legend, and has been teaching people how to surf for more than twenty years. His unique, fun teaching methods will immediately put you at ease whether you select a group or private instruction. This year the Parks Dept of Encinitas gave Bob an exclusive Surf School License for Beacons Beach, known far and wide as the best beginner surfing beach because the waves always 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
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 A Temple
Indias Swami Yogananda first visited here more than 60 years ago and built a temple that looks for all the world like youre in India. He built the temple on a spectacular setting " a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Swamis beliefs of love, peace and mediation still attract tens of thousands of followers all over the globe. The lush temple grounds " quiet gardens and lovely ponds " are open daily day to the public for no charge. Here is a special place to walk, breathe deeply, meditate and put life into perspective while the distant surf pounds the cliffs below you.
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 little Inn perched on a hillside above Moonlight Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the quaint beach town. 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.
About the Author:
Terry Hunefeld retired in 2007 and now owns the Inn at Moonlight Beach with his wife Ann Dunham. If you want some great deals, go to Encinitas California Hotels or Encinitas Bed and Breakfasts.
