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 22m.

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 22m.

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
SNASanta Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Airlines serving Encinitas

Lufthansa
Good (8,049 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,527 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,031 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,394 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,408 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,968 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,230 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,598 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,799 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (926 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,729 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,579 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,812 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,150 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,197 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,405 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (411 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,452 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,365 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,275 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)
$179+
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LEGOLAND California Resort And Castle Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 877 reviews)
$360+
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Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 552 reviews)
$234+
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Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 28 reviews)
$558+
View
Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas
2 stars
Excellent (8.2, 522 reviews)
$134+
View
Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort and Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, 828 reviews)
$246+
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