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, Q'ero (564 S. Coast Highway 101) and Solterra Winery and Kitchen (934 North Coast Hwy 101) are great picks.

When to visit Encinitas

Encinitas in January
Estimated hotel price
$210
1 night at 3-star hotel
Encinitas in January
Estimated hotel price
$210
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. The shortest domestic flight to Encinitas departs from San Francisco and takes around 1h 27m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Encinitas. The train station in Encinitas is called Encinitas, and is located 0.7 miles from the city center.

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 Midway and Ace, 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. The shortest domestic flight to Encinitas departs from San Francisco and takes around 1h 27m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Encinitas. The train station in Encinitas is called Encinitas, and is located 0.7 miles from the city center.

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 Midway and Ace, among others, in Los Angeles.

Airports near Encinitas

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

Airlines serving Encinitas

Lufthansa
Good (7,462 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,399 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,446 reviews)
Delta
Good (7,969 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,766 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,995 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,983 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,970 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,467 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,370 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,644 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (853 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,261 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,529 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,272 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,129 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,020 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,049 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,332 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,377 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Encinitas

Where to stay in Encinitas

Average rates range from around $637 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $452 and up for a 5-star experience. 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

See all
Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa
5 stars
Excellent (10, 26 reviews)
$1,195+
View
Lakehouse Hotel And Resort
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 465 reviews)
$113+
View
LEGOLAND California Resort And Castle Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 785 reviews)
$283+
View
Hampton Inn by Hilton Cardiff Beach Encinitas, CA
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 457 reviews)
$137+
View
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
5 stars
Excellent (8.6, 25 reviews)
$452+
View
Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort and Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, 818 reviews)
$213+
View

Renting a car in Encinitas

Renting a car in Encinitas costs $38 per day, on average, or $77 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 25% cheaper than airport locations in Encinitas.

Expect to pay $3.48 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 $41.79 and $55.72. The most frequently booked car type in Encinitas is Premium (RAM Pickup or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Mitsubishi Mirage or similar) are, on average, 76% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Encinitas costs $38 per day, on average, or $77 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 25% cheaper than airport locations in Encinitas.

Expect to pay $3.48 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 $41.79 and $55.72. The most frequently booked car type in Encinitas is Premium (RAM Pickup or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Mitsubishi Mirage or similar) are, on average, 76% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Find car rentals in Encinitas

Encinitas Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Encinitas city guide for the best Encinitas travel tips. To help you organize your Encinitas trip ideas, this Encinitas visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.