Historic downtown Encinitas is home to delightful little sidewalk cafés, wonderful shops and great restaurants. This historic corridor was once Highway 101, which was the only coastal highway connecting San Diego to Los Angeles.

Today, it’s an alternative route traveled by locals and out-of-towners, who enjoy a slower pace of life. The beautiful banners on the street light polls were donated by the thriving artists colony as part of Encinitas’ Streetscape project. Other amentities are wide sidewalks, benches and a huge Encinitas sign stretching from one side of the highway to the other. Plus, old Encinitas is pedestrian friendly. Cars still park diagonally along its main thoroughfare, which is only two blocks from the ocean. Yes, this is a romantic beach town.

The outcome has been the preservation of the original flavor of historic downtown Encinitas. And the delightful revitalization of downtown Encinitas should rightly be attributed to the Downtown Encinitas MainStreet Association, or DEMA (3) at 818 S. Coast Highway 101 (760-943-1950). A must-see event put on by this association is the annual Encinitas Street Fair (3) located on Highway 101 between D and J streets. Each year this event, which is held in April, comes alive with live music, food, kids’ rides and more than 450 arts and crafts booths. Don’t miss this fun-filled event.

For an update of what’s happening in Downtown Encinitas and to get the lay of the land, stop by their office. They offer maps of Historic Highway 101. Their hours are Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m. From their centrally located storefront office on S. Coast Highway you can travel in any direction, on foot, and discover Downtown Encinitas. You can also visit their Web site encinitas101.com and download their excellent walking tour as well.

Without a doubt, a highlight of any excursion of downtown Encinitas is to stroll through the outdoor Seaside Bazaar (10), which takes place every Sat.–Sun. from 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. (760-753-1611). Along the way you will get your fill of fascinating little shops to discover and lots of inviting sidewalk cafés.

Another must is to marvel at the historic La Paloma Theatre (10) at 471 S. Coast Highway 101 (760-436-5774). The theater was built in 1928 and hosted famous movie stars including Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks, who lived in what is now Rancho Santa Fe. Some of the first “talkies” premiered here. The theater still shows movies to the public on a regular basis.

A few steps farther up the street, to the north is the Moonlight Plaza, which is at the corner of Encinitas Boulevard and South Coast Highway 101 is one of the most recommended restaurant in Encinitas. It’s the main location of the immensely popular Leucadia Pizzeria (16) at 315 S. Coast Highway 101 (760-942 -2222). You can dine in, or call your order in and one of their friendly drivers will be happy to deliver your delicious meal to your door. They are celebrating over 31 years in business.

Literally steps away, between F and I streets on S. Coast Highway 101, is a local favorite called the Lumberyard Shopping Center (19). It’s home to more delightful shops and lots of wonderful places to eat. Recommendations including 3rd Corner, which is a wine stop and bistro serving lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. till 2 a.m. daily; St. Tropez Bakery & Bistro serving authentic French provencial cuisine and bakery goods for breakfast, lunch and early dinner with delicious desserts; and the Lumberyard Tavern & Grill, which is open till midnight.

Your next destination should be a visit to the world renowned Self-Realization Fellowship, which was built in the 1930s and remains a popular area attraction.

The two big attractions in south Encinitas are both world famous. One is Swami’s Beach and the other is the Self-Realization Fellowship. When you see the majestic gold-domed towers at the the corner of S. Coast Hwy. 101 and K Street you will have found the Self-Realization Fellowship (21) (760-436-7220). Their peaceful gardens are open Tues.–Sat., 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sun., 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Stroll the serene paths with colorful flowers, koi ponds and lush vegetation. Take time to view the expansive blue Pacific from the cliff top. This is a great place to unwind.

Obviously named in recognition of its location being next to the Self-Realizaton Fellowship is Swami’s Beach (22), Here is where you will find a grassy park high on a cliff, providing an excellent ocean view. The ocean below is a popular location for excellent surfing. Bring your camera.

Encinitas’ six miles of beautiful beaches are definitely worth discovering, too. Its eight public beaches are a haven for surfing, swimming, skin diving, fishing, ocean kayaking, sunbathing and walking. In fact, Surfer magazine rated its beaches among the top ten best in the world.

Encinitas’ most popular beach is Moonlight Beach (9), which is at the foot of Encinitas Boulevard. Perfect for sunbathers, surfers or swimmers, the beach also has volleyball courts, picnic facilities, a bathroom and free parking. Just offshore is a California State Marine-Life Refuge. This underwater park is a favorite with scuba divers and snorkelers.

On the second Saturday of each month the Encinitas Historical Society (760-753-5726) offers a free tour of old Encinitas (17). The hour and forty-five minute historical tour begins at Swami’s Park (22). You’ll see over a dozen historic sites within a radius of 10 blocks. Reservations are not necessary.

Included on this informative tour are the Boat Houses (8) at 726 and 732 Third St. in downtown Encinitas. They were built in 1928 by Miles Kellog out of recycled material. These historic homes, which are not open to the public, are examples of vernacular architecture tied to U.S. Highway 101.

You should also plan to visit the San Dieguito Heritage Museum (7) at 450 Quail Gardens Dr. (760-632-9711). It’s open Wed.–Fri. and the second and last Sat. of the month, noon–4 p.m., and by appointment. It covers the time span from 10,000 B.C. to the present with artifacts, photographs, exhibits and archives. Local art is on view at the Off Track Gallery San Dieguito Art Guild (19) at 937 S. Coast Highway 101 (760-942-3636). Some 200 artists have their work on display, from paintings to sculpture and crafts.

For more information about all that Encinitas has to offer, contact the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center (8) at 527 Encinitas Blvd. (800-953-6041) or (760-753-6041). Their office is open Mon.–Fri., 10 a.m.–4 p.m . and their Visitor’s Center is open Sat., 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Residents of Encinitas are rightfully proud of their world renowned San Diego Botanic Garden (11) at 230 Quail Gardens Dr. (760-436-3036). This hidden treasure is home to one of the most diverse and botanically important plant collections in the world. You’ll see more than 3,500 species of plants on 37 beautifully landscaped acres of scenic walks and trails.

But it is more than just a one-time place to visit. The San Diego Botanic Garden is one of the most active and engaging attractions in the region. Their many educational programs place a strong emphasis on childen, the future stewards of the earth. They offer tours, exhibitions, exotic plant sales, bird watching, plant shows, concerts on the lawn and more. Every Thursday in the summer is Family Fun Night featuring live entertainment, crafts and more for the whole family. The garden is also the perfect venue for birthdays and kids parties, weddings and receptions and special events galore.

If you have ever thought of joining some civic organization, this should be it. Visit their website at sdbgarden.org and get involved in a great organization. It’s open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. As a special savings, be sure to use their coupon for $2 off adult admission and $1 off a child admission up to 4 persons. Admission is ($12) for adults; ($8) for seniors 60 and over, students and active military; ($6) for children 3–12; and children 2 and under are admitted free. Active military are free in the summer.

Their Hamilton Children’s Garden, is the largest interactive children's garden on the West Coast. Since opening in 2009 it coninues to inspire people of all ages to connect with plants and nature. This one-of-a-kind exhibit is a magical place where children can come close to nature.

Not far away is Olivenhain, which was established in 1884 by a small group of German immigrants. The original name was “Colony Olivenhain.” Today, it is an exclusive community where Old World charm and upscale homes intermingle. If you take a left on Rancho Santa Fe Road from the intersection of Encinitas Boulevard and Rancho Santa Fe Road you will be able to see the Old Meeting Hall (12) on your right. The building is a historic attraction and is still used for public functions.

For the best tasting pancakes you have ever tasted, do what the locals do and eat at The Original Pancake House (13) at 160 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd. (760-943-1939) They are open daily until 3 p.m. If you drive by you’ll notice that the parking lot is always full. So you know that this place has got to be good.

English spiritualists seeking religious freedom were one of the first groups to settle in Leucadia in the 1870s. Leucadia is named after a Greek isle, which literally means "isle of paradise." Leucadia is the most laid-back of all of these coastal communities. It comprises a short section of North Coast Highway 101 between Encinitas Boulevard and La Costa Avenue (see map).

Here in this refreshing noncommercial atmosphere you'll find funky antique shops, surf shops, a mom-and-pop market and small family restaurants. Leucadia's popular Beacons Beach (2) is here too. It's frequented mostly by locals, because if you're not a local, it's hard to find. On the bluff above the beach is a popular place to enjoy a spectacular California sunset.

Afficionados of fabulous-tasting Mexican cuisine dine at Fulano's Cafe (14) at 145 Leucadia Blvd. (760-753-1711). to greet you is internationally known owner/chef John Portilia who greets his guests like they're his best friends. Famous guests known to frequent this gourmet restaurant include none other than Martha Stewart and Paula Abdul. What better recommendation do you need? This is one restaurant that's easy to fall in love with.

Cardiff-by-the-Sea is the southernmost of the communities that make up the City of Encinitas. It was founded in 1910 by J. Frank Cullen. He named the town after his wife’s ancestral home of Cardiff, Wales. Cullen sold bungalow lots measuring 25 by 100 feet for ($30) each. As you might imagine, these same lots sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars each in today’s residential market.

As you pass the first long stretch of beach at the south end of Cardiff, you’ll undoubtedly notice a host of impressive restaurants along the seashore ahead (30). Cardiff-by-the-Sea is the home of North County’s premier coastal restaurant row. Stunning ocean views and tantalizing cuisine at the shore’s edge make dining here a must.

A top countywide oceanfront dining recommendation with valet parking is the Chart House Restaurant (30) at 2588 South Coast Highway 101 (760-436- 4044). Their floor to ceiling windows provide a breathtaking oceanfront setting with an inspiring view of the pounding surf. Combined with their impressive seafood selection, the Chart House is second to none. It’s perfect for any occasion be it a romantic meal for two, an anniversary, a rehearsal dinner or a business meeting.

Up the road is San Elijo Beach State Park (25). It offers camping facilities almost on the beach. For campsite reservations call (800-444-7275).

Equally impressive is the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve (29) (760-436-3944). It’s the largest coastal wetland in North San Diego County and is home to more than 300 species of birds and seven and a half miles of hiking trails. Plus, they offer free public walks through the lagoon every second Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars.

A half mile north is Cardiff proper. To get there, take a right on Chesterfield, followed by a quick left onto San Elijo Avenue.

A top countywide oceanfront dining recommendation with valet parking is the Chart House Restaurant (30) at 2588 South Coast Highway 101 (760-436-4044). Their floor to ceiling windows provide a breathtaking oceanfront setting with an inspiring view of the pounding surf. Combined with their impressive seafood selection, the Chart House is second to none. It’s perfect for any occasion be it a romantic meal for two, an anniversary, a rehearsal dinner or a business meeting.

For the best tasting pancakes you have ever tasted, do what the locals do and eat at the The Original Pancake House (13) at 160 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd. (760-943-1939) They are open daily until 3 p.m. If you drive by you’ll notice that the parking lot is always full. So you know that this place has got to be good.

Another legend in the making is Leucadia Pizzeria (2) at 315 South Coast Highway 101 (760-942-2222), which features great italian cuisine and a wide selection of impressive pizzas.

Dine in a local favorite, Vigilucci's Trattoria Italiana (4) at 505 South Coast Highway, you can sit indoors or outside on their delightful sidewalk patio. The Italian cuisine is superb, and the setting is relaxed and romantic.

La Especial Norte was the first Mexican Restaurant to open in Leucadia and features delicious authentic Mexican cuisine.

Nextdoor to the Best Western Encinitas is Tomiko Bar & Grill (1), featuring great Japanese cuisine and sushi.

If you are looking for the perfect ocean-front vacation destination, look no further than Best Western Encinitas Inn & Suites (1) (866-362-4648). Their hotel rooms are all unique and equipped with the finest details, including breathtaking ocean views.

Overlooking the picturesque shoreline of Moonlight Beach, it is the perfect place for business, pleasure or hosting your next event. Just 30 minutes from the San Diego International Airport, the hotel is at the center of all major San Diego attractions.

John Beran (760-547-2127) specializes in all types of Encinitas real estate properties, from single-family homes to estates within many incredible neighborhoods and planned communities. Ask about highly prized Encinitas homes that are perfect for a wide range of first, second and vacation home buying needs; or survey the Oceanside real estate market for the perfect family friendly setting. View videos for his latest listings here.

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