Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Encinitas travel guide

Encinitas Tourism | Encinitas Guide

You're Going to Love Encinitas

With a population of 59,518, Encinitas is a must-see destination in California, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Encinitas deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Encinitas

If you’re looking for affordable options, Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff (2526 South Coast Hwy) and Herb & Sea (131 W D St) are great picks.

When to visit Encinitas

Encinitas in December
Estimated hotel price
$188
1 night at 3-star hotel
Encinitas in December
Estimated hotel price
$188
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Encinitas

Plane

When flying to Encinitas, you’ll arrive at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar (CLD), which is located 6 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Encinitas include United Airlines, American Airlines and Porter Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Encinitas departs from San Francisco and takes around 1h 28m.

Car

Another option to get to Encinitas is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 92 miles from Encinitas. You’ll find branches of Ace and Priceless, among others, in Los Angeles.

Plane

When flying to Encinitas, you’ll arrive at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar (CLD), which is located 6 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Encinitas include United Airlines, American Airlines and Porter Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Encinitas departs from San Francisco and takes around 1h 28m.

Car

Another option to get to Encinitas is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 92 miles from Encinitas. You’ll find branches of Ace and Priceless, among others, in Los Angeles.

Airlines serving Encinitas

Lufthansa
Good (8,174 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,552 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,147 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,464 reviews)
SWISS
Good (2,022 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,483 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,266 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,632 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (951 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,737 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,058 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,638 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,912 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,212 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,422 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,499 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,426 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (431 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,436 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,354 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Encinitas

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach and Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas.

Where to stay in popular areas of Encinitas

Most booked hotels in Encinitas

Best Western Premier Hotel Del Mar
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, 938 reviews)
$143+
Hampton Inn by Hilton Cardiff Beach Encinitas, CA
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 494 reviews)
$179+
Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 545 reviews)
$239+
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 29 reviews)
$578+
Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort and Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, 842 reviews)
$241+
Lakehouse Resort
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, 492 reviews)
$151+

Renting a car in Encinitas

Renting a car in Encinitas costs $36 per day, on average, or $71 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 27% cheaper than airport locations in Encinitas.

Expect to pay $4.35 per gallon in Encinitas (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $52.24 and $69.65. Compact (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Encinitas, while also 60% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Encinitas costs $36 per day, on average, or $71 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 27% cheaper than airport locations in Encinitas.

Expect to pay $4.35 per gallon in Encinitas (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $52.24 and $69.65. Compact (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Encinitas, while also 60% cheaper than other types, on average.