Where to Stay in Encinitas, By a Local (Best Places & Areas)

3 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Encinitas

In the past decade, Encinitas has evolved from a simple San Diego beach town to a desirable modern suburb full of innovation, sustainability, and entertainment.

Specifically, Old Encinitas, Leucadia, and Cardiff are the top 3 neighborhoods that bring out the vibrancy of this town. Let’s break it down:

Old Encinitas

👉 Best Area For Entertainment | ✨ Best Old Encinitas Hotels: Inn at Moonlight Beach • Best Western • Moonlight Beach Motel

Old Encinitas is full of rich history, surf culture, and artistic shops that line the streets. This area is super pedestrian friendly, and it’s easy to walk between the restaurants and bars or access the public transit system. If you’re living or staying on this side of town, you’ll never get bored being in the heart of so many things to do in Encinitas.

There are a ton of downtown Encinitas hotels for various budgets including the Inn at Moonlight, the Best Western Encinitas Inn, and the Moonlight Beach Motel.

Pros of Staying in Old Encinitas Neighborhood:

• Great location for beach town hopping
• Historical location with all the entertainment
• Pleasant stroll to the ocean and coastal trails
• Highly accessible to an oceanview public transit system 
• Easy to walk the downtown strip of great restaurants and bars

Cons of Staying in Old Encinitas Neighborhood:

• Parking can be tricky on the weekends 
• Party scene noise
• Dogs not allowed on the beach
• Close to train tracks 
• Crowded beach

Leucadia

👉 Best Area For Local Experiences | ✨ Best Leucadia Hotels: Alila Marea • Surfhouse • Leucadia Beach Inn

Leucadia is a local gem just a 30-minute walk from Moonlight beach, and is known for its coffee shops, farmers market, and quiet laid-back feel.

Both travelers and locals alike can enjoy the view at the Alila Marea, one of the most popular hotels equipped with an oceanfront restaurant and bar. However, you can always stay at one of the more affordable hotels in the area, too.

Leucadia is also home to top-notch surfing beaches like Beacon’s Beach and Grandview and is one of the best things to do in San Diego.

Pros of Staying in Leucadia Neighborhood:

• Local hotspot for coffee shops
• Great surfing and less crowded beaches
• Leucadia farmers market
• Sleep well in the quieter part of Encinitas 

Cons of Staying in Leucadia Neighborhood:

• Farther walk to downtown Encinitas
• Hotels can be pricey
• Parking can be slim
• Close to train tracks 

Cardiff-by-the-Sea

👉 Best Area For Nature | ✨ Best Cardiff Hotels: Cardiff by the Sea Lodge • Hampton Inn

Cardiff-by-the-sea is my favorite Encinitas spot. It is not exactly within walking distance to downtown but only a 10-minute drive from Moonlight beach. It’s a great spot to stay if you’re an outdoorsy type, as it’s close to hiking trails, parks, and a lagoon. It’s also adjacent to the next beach town, Solana Beach, and not too far from the elegant Del Mar beach town. 

Of all the North County San Diego towns, it is very central. If you want to feel like a local, say hi to the Cardiff Kook Statue and his magic carpet ride in front of San Elijo State Beach. 

Pros of Staying in Cardiff Neighborhood:

• Delicious oceanfront restaurants 
• Dogs allowed on the beach
• Has the best beach town grocery store, Seaside Market
• Close to a lagoon, parks, trails, and hiking  

Cons of Staying in Cardiff Neighborhood:

• You’ll want a rental car to get around 
• More spread out neighborhood
• The campground makes beach parking slim

Tips for Staying in Encinitas

Don’t Skip Seashell Hunting

If you have an affinity for collecting seashells, then Cardiff Beach in Encinitas is home to some of the best. This is a great activity for couples or the whole family. During low tide, you’re bound to find some treasures!

Make Restaurant Reservations in Advance

Encinitas restaurants can get busy, especially on the weekends. The wait time will probably be too long at restaurants on prime weekends if you just show up, so I recommend booking your dinner reservations in advance.

Don’t Skip Off-Season

If you’re wondering when to visit this area of California, then read on.

Most people don’t realize an Encinitas winter is actually a great time to visit for cheaper accommodation rates without sacrificing the sunshine. Whether you’re visiting Encinitas proper or looking for somewhere to stay in the greater San Diego area, don’t skip out on visiting in winter.

Swami’s Lookout

Looking for the best spot to watch the sunset in Encinitas? Then drive over to the hill on Cornish Drive and Sante Fe Drive for an incredible view. Many folks come here to hang out and picnic in their cars, and I have to admit it’s one of the best viewpoints in town.

Parking 

Given its proximity to some of the best things to do in San Diego, Encinitas has increased in popularity in the last few years. Unfortunately, this means that parking is a lot harder to find when the city is busy.

Your best bet is the Encinitas Coaster Station parking lot – it’s just a block from the main strip. 

FAQs About Where to Stay in Encinitas

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Thanks for reading my guide to where to stay in Encinitas! Up next, check out this article on the best San Diego beaches.