Encinitas, California

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Encinitas, California is a beach city in San Diego County, about 25 miles north of San Diego and located between Solana Beach and Carlsbad. It has around 62,000 residents (2020 census) and is made up of five communities: Old Encinitas, New Encinitas, Leucadia, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and Olivenhain.

History and name
The area was originally home to the Kumeyaay people. Explorer Gaspar de Portolá visited in 1769. The name Encinitas comes from the Spanish for “little oaks.” Encinitas was formed from several communities and incorporated as a city in 1986.

Where it sits and what it looks like
Encinitas sits on a rugged coastal area with bluffs and a low ridge that separates Old and New Encinitas. It is bordered by Batiquitos Lagoon to the north and San Elijo Lagoon to the south. The city covers about 20 square miles, mostly land.

Climate
The town has a mild, Mediterranean climate. Average daytime highs are around 72°F (22°C). Winters are cool and wet, summers are dry and warm. Rainfall is about 10 inches per year. In winter, marine layer fog is common, known locally as May Gray and June Gloom. Ocean water ranges roughly from 60°F in winter to the mid-60s to 70s in summer.

What to see and do
Encinitas is famous for its beaches, including Moonlight Beach and Swami’s, a well-known surf spot. The downtown area runs along Coast Highway 101 and is full of shops, restaurants, galleries, and the historic La Paloma Theatre. Other notable places include the Self-Realization Fellowship temple, Lux Art Institute, San Dieguito Heritage Museum, and the San Diego Botanic Garden.

Landmarks and fun
Two well-known local features are the Surfing Madonna mosaic on Encinitas Boulevard and the Cardiff Kook statue in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, a 16-foot bronze sculpture that has become a beloved local symbol. Encinitas 101 Main Street Association helps keep the downtown lively and authentic. Coaster trains stop at the Encinitas station for easy travel, and Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner used to stop here from 2013–2017.

Government
Encinitas is governed by a five-member city council and a mayor. The council elects a deputy mayor from among its members. Since 2014, the mayor has been elected directly by voters.

Demographics and economy
The city is mostly White with growing Asian and Latino communities. The 2023 median household income was about $150,500, with about 7% of the population below the poverty line. Many households are owner-occupied, and Encinitas offers a high quality of life with a strong local culture.