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
$160
1 night at 3-star hotel
Encinitas in December
Estimated hotel price
$160
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 Phoenix and takes around 1h 25m.

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 Phoenix and takes around 1h 25m.

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.

Airports near Encinitas

SANSan Diego
LAXLos Angeles Los Angeles
SNASanta Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Airlines serving Encinitas

Lufthansa
Good (8,036 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,524 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,027 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,398 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,410 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,964 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,224 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,596 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,776 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (923 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,581 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,730 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,806 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,127 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,198 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,401 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (409 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,357 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,445 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,272 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Encinitas

Where to stay in Encinitas

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

Where to stay in popular areas of Encinitas

Most booked hotels in Encinitas

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Hampton Inn by Hilton Cardiff Beach Encinitas, CA
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 489 reviews)
$175+
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LEGOLAND California Resort And Castle Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 877 reviews)
$356+
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Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 28 reviews)
$555+
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Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas
2 stars
Excellent (8.2, 522 reviews)
$125+
View
Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1000 reviews)
$193+
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Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort and Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, 828 reviews)
$221+
View

Renting a car in Encinitas

Renting a car in Encinitas costs $36 per day, on average, or $72 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 41% cheaper than airport locations in Encinitas.

Expect to pay $4.81 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 $57.69 and $76.92. Compact (Nissan Versa or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Encinitas, while also 76% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Encinitas costs $36 per day, on average, or $72 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 41% cheaper than airport locations in Encinitas.

Expect to pay $4.81 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 $57.69 and $76.92. Compact (Nissan Versa or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Encinitas, while also 76% cheaper than other types, on average.

Find car rentals in Encinitas