Encinitas is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in California and is known for its excellent surfing conditions that attract surfers from all over the world. But did you know that our beach town has also blossomed into a hotbed for the arts? Museums like the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) North, the San Diego Botanic Garden and Heritage Ranch are based in Encinitas and boast beautiful gardens, historical displays, unique galleries –and are some of the best hidden gems in Southern California.
Our Encinitas streets, parks, schools, libraries and buildings are absolutely overflowing with culture and creativity, with downtown hosting many life-sized murals by local artists hidden behind buildings and on nearly every street corner.
ICA North is our city’s dynamic laboratory of contemporary art and learning that houses masterpieces of contemporary art. Be sure and explore the ICA Sculpture Trail, perched on six acres overlooking the San Elijo Lagoon, featuring 11 site-specific installations inspired by the breathtaking coastal landscape that surrounds them.
The San Diego Botanic Garden is a 37-acre urban oasis located in Encinitas whose four miles of trails and 8,000 square foot glass conservatory display more than 5,300 plant species and varieties. During the summer, visitors can enjoy extended hours until 8 pm on select Thursday evenings beginning July 13 with the return of Summer Nights, featuring concerts and special presentations.
Next door you can check out the San Dieguito Heritage Museum, a local hidden gem founded in 1988 to collect, preserve and interpret the history of the San Dieguito River area, including the cities of Leucadia, Encinitas, Olivenhain, Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe. The museum is housed at the Heritage Ranch, a unique and rustic property in the city of Encinitas.
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.
