Introduction
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 Las Vegas and takes around 1h 15m.

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 Las Vegas and takes around 1h 15m.

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 (7,409 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,385 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,361 reviews)
Delta
Good (7,960 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,731 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,968 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,929 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,937 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,469 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,334 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,624 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (850 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,139 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,484 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,114 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,250 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (359 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (10,883 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,323 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (993 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 $446 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, 27 reviews)
$1,138+
View
Lakehouse Hotel And Resort
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 461 reviews)
$146+
View
LEGOLAND California Resort And Castle Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 763 reviews)
$282+
View
Hampton Inn by Hilton Cardiff Beach Encinitas, CA
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 453 reviews)
$144+
View
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, 24 reviews)
$446+
View
Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort and Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8, 815 reviews)
$232+
View

Renting a car in Encinitas

Renting a car in Encinitas costs $56 per day, on average, or $111 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 11% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.52 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 $42.25 and $56.33. The most frequently booked car type in Encinitas is Full-size (Nissan Pathfinder 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 $56 per day, on average, or $111 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 11% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.52 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 $42.25 and $56.33. The most frequently booked car type in Encinitas is Full-size (Nissan Pathfinder 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.