Encinitas

The beach community of Encinitas, located 25 miles north of San Diego, is unique in that it has managed to retain much of its historic charm. Well over a century old, the downtown district features several buildings original to the area that have been converted into hip new boutiques, cafes and shops of all varieties, while others are must-see stops along an educational tour of the city that examines its humble beginnings in the 1880s.

With roots in the farming and flower industries – the latter of which is still quite active – Encinitas has grown into a desirable place to settle, with a population of approximately 62,700 (2019). It was officially incorporated in 1986, uniting five distinct neighborhoods into one identity as the city of Encinitas. Despite this coming together, the individual communities of Historic Encinitas, New Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Leucadia and Olivenhain still exhibit their own characters.

Historic Encinitas, a name that means “little oaks” in Spanish, hugs historic Highway 101 and runs along the famed beaches of the area. New Encinitas features new homes and is blossoming into a community that has the best of all worlds, seamlessly blending the joys of coastal living with a suburban feel and easy access to city conveniences. Houses in the aptly named Cardiff-by-the-Sea, sometimes simply called Cardiff, offer panoramic views along the approximately two-and-a-half-miles of gorgeous coastline. The seclusion of the beaches in Leucadia is its claim to fame, with steep bluffs and more amazing vistas to take in. The easternmost portion of Encinitas, Olivenhain, is unsurprisingly also the most rural in feel, with winding horse trails and properties situated on large lots.

In 2012, Encinitas found a place on National Geographic’s list of the 20 best surfing towns in the world. True to form, it exudes the laid-back, loose atmosphere one would expect given this distinction. With its pleasant Mediterranean clime, friendly beach vibe and a lively calendar of activities all year round, there’s no doubting its allure, whether or not you choose to hand 10.