ENCINITAS VACATION RENTALS, CALIFORNIA

Life in Encinitas is one long beach party; yet if revelry is not your idea of relaxation, you can meditate on the opulent Self Realization Retreat and Hermitage overlooking the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean or, experience the flower power of Encinitas, once known as the flower capital of the world. Be it flowers, beaches, or the modern plazas, Encinitas is a place where diversity rules and the travelers can commune with nature, make it their playground for recreation, or seek solace in its tranquility and peace.

Most rentals require an advance 50% security fee. Also, for most rentals, you have to pay the entire balance of your rent 30 days in advance. 50% of the rent is lost if you cancel your reservation 30 days in advance of arrival. There is an additional cleaning fee though the charges for the linen are included in the rent. Not all units are pet friendly so if you are planning to take your pet along check in advance if the rental you have in mind allows pets. There are rentals that accommodate pets but then there is an additional fee involved. Some rentals require a minimum of seven days stay during the high season and three nights during the low and mid season. The high season is May through September and during Christmas and New Year and the rate of the rentals tends to be the highest.

Encinitas or ‘the flower capital’ is one of the world’s largest suppliers of the exotic Poinsettias. The major attraction of this area is the Highway 101 Corridor that parallels the famous beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Then there is the Encinitas Marine Life Refuge, North County's only underwater park, the El Camino Real known as The Kings Highway and the Quail Botanical Gardens that are definitely worth exploring.

• Quail Botanical Gardens
• LEGOLAND®
• Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens and Hermitage
• San Dieguito Heritage Museum

San Elijo Lagoon on the southern terminus and Batiquitos Lagoon to the north, have made Encinitas a paradise for the outdoor enthusiasts. Surfing over the mightier waves, hiking through scenic trails or spotting rare species of birds is just the preview of what awaits you in this natural wonderland.

• Beach Activities
• Birdwatching
• Hiking
• Whale Watching

Encinitas Ranch Golf Course is a par-72 golf course spanning 6,812 yards and is famous for its spectacular ocean views and the challenging round of golf it offers. The course has nine fairways in the front while the nine at the back require you to play accurate tee shots for lower scores. In addition, a golf school (one to three-day classes) and private lessons are offered on the premises. Green fees are $44 Monday-Thursday; $50 Friday; $63 Saturday-Sunday. Advance reservations are generally required.

Festivals, fairs and events held throughout the year add color to the town of Encinitas and in particular the flower festivals, which have a way of bringing a smile to even the most discerning traveler.

• Encinitas Garden Festival
• Annual Encinitas Flower Celebration

Encinitas is the ultimate dining destination and there is nothing like settling down comfortably in a bar or pub after a hectic day of adventure to enjoy the live entertainment shows or the cuisine that is sure to tempt your taste buds. Stroll along the historic Coast Highway 101 and you’ll come across many sidewalk cafes, restaurants, and trattorias offering menus ranging from American, continental, Mexican and Asian.  Then there is the row of restaurants along the scenic Cardiff-by-the-Sea that feature ocean front dining complemented with a variety of white-water and lagoon views.

Dining at Vigilucci’s is like taking a mini trip to Italy. The place is famous for its authentic Italian cuisine and award winning wines. For seafood, check out the Aqua Blu, which specializes in seafood and Pacific Rim cuisine. The ever-changing menu has strong influences of the Asian and the seasonal freshness. Fresh seafood is also the specialty of Crab Catcher, which also offers spectacular views of the ocean in La Jolla. Come evening and most of the holiday crowd heads for Martini Ranch, a favorite hangout for live music, dancing and a plethora of martini choices. Belly Up is another favorite open to anyone who cares to walk in through the door. The regular bar nights is what attracts the visitors by the score. Indigo Joe's is a sports bar that is also worth checking out.

Shopping for souvenirs and essentials is a real treat in Encinitas with many dainty boutiques dotting the town. The there are the specialty shops that you can browse in downtown Encinitas; from herbal to international, you can find everything within a two-mile stretch of roadway. For essentials, go inland to El Camino Real but if you are looking for something unique head to Coast Highway Traders, a store with an attractive window display to draw in the shoppers. You’ll find here an interesting collection of jewelry, clothing, art, Mexican ceramics, Japanese prints, Malaysian and African woodcarvings and small home furnishings.

EnvironGentle is another store known for its friendly service and a collection of equally environment friendly consumer goods including clothes, shoes and yoga wear all made from the finest collection of soft hemp. The Rainbow Country, located on Highway 101, is a novelty store for music where you can shop for among others reggae, rock, and jazz collections. At the weekend Seaside Bazaar you’ll find vendors selling everything from sarongs to rugs, used books to jewelry. Browse through the handicrafts or stare through the mask while the melodies of the wind chimes entice you to be part of this weekend tradition.

The year round pleasant weather in Encinitas make it a 365 days holiday destination. However, if it is the flowers that entice you, the best time to visit is spring when the town is bathed in a riot of colors. For the bird watchers the best time is between mid-December and mid-March when you can spot a number of migratory birds. Summers are the time for the maximum revelry on the beaches and be prepared to face the holiday crowds. Winter is the time when you can commune with nature and take long solitary walks.  

Pacific Standard Time

The nearest airport is San Deigo International Airport and Encinitas is situated about 15 miles from San Diego and the other airport, though comparatively smaller is Palomar Airport in the nearby Carlsbad. From San Diego you would need to take Interstate 5 to reach Encinitas by car or you can even opt to travel by bus or rail as San Diego Metropolitan Transit System provides a comprehensive service throughout the Pacific Coast.