Pros and Cons of Living in Encinitas

If you are thinking about moving to San Diego, especially North County San Diego, Encinitas is one of the best places to live. Today I’m going to go over the pros and cons of living in Encinitas and really cover the not so great things that no one tells you.

Encinitas is located 25 miles north of Downtown San Diego. It has 3 main communities, Cardiff by the sea, Encinitas, and Leucadia. It has a lot more neighborhoods that are all different, check my channel for more videos on neighborhoods in Encinitas.

Pros of Living in Encinitas

Beaches- with over 6 miles of coastline, Encinitas has some of THE best beaches in San Diego. There are so many good ones, but that would take forever so I’m going to go over a few of my favorites.

Moonlight State Beach is a wide and flat family beach with volleyball, tennis courts, recreational equipment rentals and a snack bar. A rarity at most beaches these days, Moonlight Beach features fire rings, for post-sunset bonfires and barbecues. They also have firepits that are so fun after a day at the beach- local tip...get to the firepit by 8am and put your stuff down to stake your claim or they may all be taken that night.

Surfers love swamis Swami’s was immortalized in the song “Surfin’ USA” by the Beach Boys. Take in a few waves if you can wait long enough to get your turn or watch the top-notch surfing from the small park at the top of the bluff.

Local TIP: Beacons Beach – Surfers and sunbathers are the main users, but if you just need to take off your shoes and walk on a beach this one is great. Just be aware that during high tides the beaches in this area are narrow or all wet.

Weather in Encinitas

In Encinitas, the summers are long, warm, arid, and clear. Expect many epic days at the beach. One thing you may not know is that the “winter” in Encinitas is actually May and June. Known as May Gray and June Gloom, the coastline is fogged in due to the rising heat in the deserts and the cool ocean temperatures. Most days this fog will burn off by mid afternoon. The BEST time of year for Encinitas weather is September and October. This is when the tourists have left and an Indian summer descends on the coastline. The ocean is warm, the days are still long, and the sun is shining.

Great Restaurants

Coast hwy in Encinitas is full of fantastic restaurants. From high end such as Herb and Sea to casual beach breakfasts like Swami’s, you can eat your way up and down the main road! For a list of restaurants CLICK HERE

You have to visit Pannikin located in the historic Santa Fe Railroad Station of 1888, the Pannikin Coffee & Tea is a long-time popular hangout, as much for the lack of wireless internet as the coffee, tea and café food.

There are many great restaurants all along coast highway that you can try. One thing i love about Encinitas is the concentration of healthy and organic restaurants such as Lotus cafe and plant powered food. You can find a lot of vegan and vegetarian options as well as high end dining.

Things to do: there is always something to do in Encinitas. From the Botancial gardens, to street events and live music, there is somehting to do all the time. And most of it doesn’t cost too much