Encinitas
California, USA
9,200
* Approximate Steps:
Arbitrary Adventure Level:
3
Encinitas - A modern surf city
Encinitas traces its roots back to the Spanish colonization era when the governor of Baja California, Gaspar de Portola, initiated construction in the area, aiming to educate the locals in English, math, and religion. The city was officially named after the numerous oak trees that surrounded the area, with "Encinitas" translating to “Little Holm Oak” in Spanish.
In the early 1920s, an experiment in soil and hybridization led to the successful growth of poinsettias and bulb flowers in Encinitas. This tradition continues today with Encinitas becoming the world’s leading grower of the poinsettia.Its renowned gardens include the San Diego Botanic Garden in east Encinitas, which features 37 acres, 29 gardens, and 5300+ plant species and varieties, representing 15 regions of the world.
The historic Highway 101, now lined with chic boutiques, bars, and eclectic businesses, has traded its horse-and-buggy days for a modern flair. The downtown area boasts art galleries, international cuisine restaurants, lounges, and the famous Moonlight Beach. Surf spots like D Street and Swami’s are always entertaining when the surf is up, with talent from all over San Diego county showing up for the opportunity to shred.
Our walk starts in the heart of downtown Encinitas, takes you straight to Moonlight Beach, down the coast to the D Street stairway, back to downtown for a bit before veering off to the gardens of the Self-Realization Fellowship and then Swami’s Beach, and back to downtown again. You can easily spend an entire day exploring the modern, laid-back vibe of Encinitas.
Sip.
Places to Eat
Eat.
Things to See
See.
Parking
Free 2-hour, 3-hour and all-day parking on the streets west of Pacific Coast Highway.
Restrooms
Restrooms available at Moonlight Beach, Swami's and businesses.
Encinitas
* An average person takes about 2,000 steps to walk one mile.
Disclaimer Stuff:
Walks are self-guided and routes are estimates only. Use good judgment as road, sidewalk, and trail conditions can change. Weather, tides, beach erosion, and wave conditions can change the difficulty and safety of the walk. Sip responsibly. Urban Wine Walkers assumes no responsibility for injury, death, blisters, sunburn, jaywalking tickets, or parking violations while you are on your walk.