Labor Day in Encinitas: Local’s Guide
Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to slow down and savor everything Encinitas has to offer. While visitors often flock to the big beaches and busy restaurants, locals know the best way to celebrate is by mixing a little adventure, a lot of relaxation, and plenty of good food! Whether you’re visiting for the long weekend or just looking for new ideas, here’s your insider’s guide to spending Labor Day in Encinitas.
Start with the Beaches Locals Love
Encinitas has miles of coastline, and every beach has its own personality.
- Moonlight State Beach – The classic choice with volleyball courts, playgrounds, and lifeguards. Great for families who want all the amenities in one spot.
- Stone Steps – A neighborhood favorite that feels more private, with long sandy stretches perfect for morning walks.
- D Street Beach – Popular with surfers, this spot has a fun, laid-back vibe and fewer crowds than Moonlight (access is south of Moonlight Beach).
- Grandview & Beacon’s in Leucadia – Both offer a tucked-away, locals-only feel with epic surf and stunning bluffs.
Looking for the best beach for your vibe? Check out our Insider’s Guide: Beaches for Everybody to find your go-to coastal spot.
Step Into Nature
Beyond the sand, Encinitas is home to some incredible coastal nature spots.
- San Elijo Lagoon Trails – A peaceful network of boardwalks and paths where you’ll spot wildlife and enjoy lagoon views.
- San Diego Botanic Garden – Stroll through 37 acres of tropical and desert gardens, a true hidden treasure.
- Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens – Small but stunning, with koi ponds, lush greenery, and some of the best ocean views in town. (Closed Mondays – so enjoy Saturday and Sunday!)
Celebrate the Local Way
Labor Day in Encinitas is about simple pleasures and community traditions.
- Courtyard Rhythms Downtown – Enjoy live music in the Lumberyard Courtyard from 5PM-8PM Friday and Saturday —bring takeout, sit back, and enjoy the evening.
- BBQ at Moonlight Beach – Locals know to grab a grill and picnic table early or skip the prep and pick up Cardiff Seaside Market’s famous tri-tip (“Cardiff Crack”) sandwiches or burritos from Pipes Café for the perfect beach feast.
- Pedal Through Encinitas’ Vibrant Art Scene – Grab your bike (or rent one from Charlie’s Electric Bike) and discover Encinitas’s creative side. From colorful surf-inspired murals in Leucadia to artsy wall pieces downtown, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the holiday at a slower pace while soaking in the local culture.
- More Fun Insider Ideas – Check out our “Hello Encinitas” video series at https://visitencinitasca.com/hello-encinitas/.
Eat Like a Local
Encinitas is packed with neighborhood favorites. Here are a few stops that locals swear by:
- Pannikin Coffee & Tea – A local institution for coffee in a converted train station. Best enjoyed with avocado toast or a giant muffin.
- Coffee Coffee (Leucadia) – For a more surfy vibe and locally roasted beans.
- Fish 101 (Leucadia) – Casual, fresh, and consistently a local favorite for fish tacos or poke.
- The Taco Stand (downtown) – Some of the best authentic tacos in town—expect a line, but worth the wait.
- Dinner with a View: Vaga at Alila Marea Resort for a coastal fine-dining experience.
- New & Noteworthy: Leu Leu in Leucadia, the latest from celebrated chef Claudette Zepeda.
- Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream – A sweet way to cool down after a day in the sun.
A Sample Labor Day Itinerary
Want to spend the day like a true Encinitas local? Try this flow:
- Morning: Watch surfers at Swami’s or walk the sand at Stone Steps. Grab coffee at Lofty or Pannikin.
- Midday: Explore San Elijo Lagoon trails or wander the Botanic Garden.
- Afternoon: Set up camp at Cardiff State Beach with burritos from Pipes or Cardiff Crack sandwiches from Seaside Market.
- Evening: Catch Courtyard Rhythms live music in the Lumberyard downtown and grab take-out from one of the many delicious restaurants nearby.
- Sunset: End with Cali Cream’s ice cream and a stroll to the beach again to catch the “green flash.”
For even more happenings around town, be sure to check out our full Events Calendar under the “Things to Do” tab on the Visit Encinitas homepage. There’s always something going on!
Encinitas – where summer never ends.
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.
