 Encinitas (link is to virtual tour with music) has a reputation for a number of things - surfing (Swami's Beach, at the far south end of town bordering Cardiff, is probably the best known surfer's beach on the Southern California Coast - SEE PHOTO BELOW RIGHT) and growing flowers (roses, for example, and especially poinsettias). Encinitas is located about 25 miles north of San Diego along the coast.
 Like other coastal towns in the San Diego area, the weather is terrific, and residents and vacationers alike can enjoy the beaches and other activities year round.
Moonlight Beach is perhaps the most popular all-around beach (surfing, bathing, watching, volleyball, cooking, kite flying, drum circling), at the end of Encinitas Boulevard and bordering the downtown area. Love beaches? Then take a tour of some local beaches along the north coast. Downtown Encinitas, along the Coast Highway (Route 101) south of Encinitas Boulevard is a treasure trove of shops, restaurants and services, and just a 5 minute walk to the beaches. So both residents and tourists can have the best of several worlds - wonderful beaches, shops to wile away the lazy afternoons, and numerous places to dine, from the most casual and take out, to more upscale. There are several places that offer dining outdoors as well, to take advantage of the weather and enjoy town life. There is plenty of room to stroll with wide sidewalks; the Coaster, a local train, has a train stop just 1 block away. This is NOT a complete list of all there is to enjoy, simply because there is so much crammed into the several-block downtown area along the Coast Highway. But you will have a feel for the diversity of retail establishments, restaurants (just a handful of all that is available) and services at your beck and call. The Downtown Encinitas Mainstreet Association has a great website with a wealth of information about the area, too.  
RESTAURANTS (no particular order): Vigilucci's - part of a chain of 7 eateries along the coast, with outdoor dining; Italian Ogata Japanese Restaurant Via Italia Trattoria - Italian, obviously, also with outdoor dining; much more than pizza 101 Diner Encinitas Café Siamese Basil - Thai restaurant Tastes - a wine bar, restaurant and retail store, for a total wine experience D Street Bar and Grill Angelo's Burgers Meritage RETAIL STORES, SERVICES, SALONS: Queen Eileen's - fun gifts, cards and much more Gardenology - garden shop with pottery, things for your garden and so much more Divinity Salon and Boutique Book Tales - tiny bookstore with a 30-year history Green Heights Teak and Treasures - home and garden Encinitas Bicycle Retailer Coast Highway Traders - Artisans and Importers Detour Salon Detour - The Shop - jewelry; hair, body and skin products, etc. They now have an on-line store. Flashbacks Cash for Clothes - link is for the main store in San Diego. Off Track Gallery - art from numerous local artists La Paloma Movie Theatre - a landmark in Encinitas for almost 80 years Plan a trip to spend the day, or an afternoon and evening, exploring downtown Encinitas - its shops and restaurants, and perhaps take in a movie at the historic La Paloma Theatre. Parking is available along the main drag, in several small lots (free) - one behind the Vigilucci's at the corner of D Street and the 101, and on the side streets. If you are looking for homes for sale in Encinitas, this is a good area to know about for many of your shopping needs. Other major shopping areas in town for groceries and other day-to-day stuff can be found further east along El Camino Real (between Encinitas Boulevard and Leucadia). | 
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