Top 5 Things To Do In Encinitas Over Memorial Day Weekend
Where better to kick of your Memorial Day activities than in California’s hidden gem, the City of Encinitas! The beachside oasis takes the beach seriously, and with six miles of Pacific Ocean coastline to its name, the small community is a beautiful reminder of the historic Highway 101 beach culture that has thrived since the mid-1900s. It’s no surprise that Encinitas was named as one of the best surf towns in the world. Whether you live in Encinitas or are visiting, you’ll want to check out these top 5 activities while you’re in town.
1. Kick off the start of summer and go to the beach!
Some of the best beaches in Encinitas include legendary surfing hotspots like Beacon’s, Grandview, Stone Steps, Moonlight State Beach, and Swami’s. Even if you aren’t a surfer, these beaches are also some of the best in the country for sunbathing, relaxing, walking or spending a beach day with the family
2. Take a surf lesson!
Live the life of a San Diegan for a day and enjoy the popular sport of surfing. There are many to choose from such as Concept Surf Shop, Progressive Surf Academy and Leucadia Surf School where you can get group lessons, quality equipment, good surf and exciting lessons from a lifelong surfer. Already able to Hang Ten? Then check-out Encinitas Surfboards, and Hansen Surfboards Annual Memorial Day Weekend Tent Sale to up your game and grab some merch.
3. Have a beach bonfire and BBQ!
Moonlight Beach is renowned for its family-friendly environment and is one of the few area beaches that has a picnic area with shaded tables, a playground with modern equipment, volleyball, lifeguard towers, easy parking and fire pits for evening gatherings. The well-maintained facilities, including restrooms and showers, ensure a comfortable family time. The snack bar and concession stand, open during spring and summer, offers a variety of food options, from breakfast sandwiches to tacos. There are also accessible parking spaces and beach access ramps, making it convenient for all visitors.
4. Take a scenic beach bike tour!
Biking is one of the best ways to explore and experience all that Encinitas has to offer. Cruise down the coast and discover your favorite spots along the way – from the laid-back vibe of Leucadia to the coastal charm of Cardiff. Highway 101 offers a bike-friendly route with stunning ocean views, local cafes, and plenty of beach access. Whether you are a resident or just visiting, biking is a fun, active and eco-friendly way to enjoy the beauty of the Encinitas coastline.
5. Eat, drink and shop by the beach!
The quaint downtown Encinitas shopping district is more than 100 years old. Today, the historic corridor along Highway 101 is home to sidewalk cafes, cute boutiques and shops, great restaurants and breweries. A few local favorites include Le Papagayo, Vigilucci’s Trattoria Italiana, Altier Manna, Fish 101 and Pannikin Coffee and Tea. Modern Times Brewery is fun stop with a full menu of delicious plant-based cuisine and over 30 taps of mind-bendingly tasty beverages. You can’t beat lunch at The Taco Stand, where tacos are made fresh to order on handmade corn tortillas, and there is no better way to end the day and watch the sunset with a cocktail overlooking the Pacific at Vaga Restaurant and Bar at the Alila Marea Beach Resort, a luxury hotel perched on a seaside bluff at Ponto State Beach.
Don’t forget, on Memorial Day, to be part of the National Moment of Remembrance by pausing for a moment of silence at 3 pm local time. Take one minute to remember those who have died serving our country so that we are able to enjoy our freedom and the ability to enjoy all that Encinitas has to offer.
Author: Laura Charlton
Laura is the owner of Laura Charlton PR, a boutique public relations firm based in the San Diego area. With extensive experience working within the music, travel, entertainment, non-profit, education and consumer lifestyle industries, and for companies such as Disney, Make-A-Wish and the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, Laura brings more than 25 years of experience in corporate and consumer public relations, media relations and public affairs to her clients.
