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
$184
1 night at 3-star hotel
Encinitas in January
Estimated hotel price
$184
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 journey from Encinitas to Fullerton takes 0h 39m and costs around $14 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Woodland Hills, expect to pay about $14 for a 0h 47m trip. 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 Kyte and Sixt, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Encinitas, including Bus, FlixBus and Greyhound. From Bakersfield, the bus ride to Encinitas takes 110 miles and will cost you around $15. From Santa Barbara, the ticket costs about $66 for a journey of 120 miles.

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 journey from Encinitas to Fullerton takes 0h 39m and costs around $14 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Woodland Hills, expect to pay about $14 for a 0h 47m trip. 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 Kyte and Sixt, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Encinitas, including Bus, FlixBus and Greyhound. From Bakersfield, the bus ride to Encinitas takes 110 miles and will cost you around $15. From Santa Barbara, the ticket costs about $66 for a journey of 120 miles.

Airlines serving Encinitas

Lufthansa
Good (4,683 reviews)
KLM
Good (846 reviews)
SWISS
Good (952 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,608 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,258 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,585 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (488 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,601 reviews)
Air France
Good (979 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,110 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,436 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,975 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,980 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (227 reviews)
Finnair
Good (857 reviews)
LOT
Good (678 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (811 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (928 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,169 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (837 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Encinitas

Average rates range from around $665 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $570 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Encinitas

Most booked hotels in Encinitas

Hampton by Hilton Encinitas-Cardiff Beach Area
2 stars
Excellent (8.7, 393 reviews)
$186+
LEGOLAND California Resort And Castle Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (9.2, 15 reviews)
$425+
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
5 stars
Excellent (8.7, 34 reviews)
$570+
Holiday Inn Carlsbad - San Diego
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 668 reviews)
$167+
Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort and Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8, 445 reviews)
$292+
Lakehouse Hotel and Resort
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 23 reviews)
$194+

Renting a car in Encinitas

Renting a car in Encinitas costs $59 per day, on average, or $118 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, 23% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. Compact (Jeep Patriot or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Encinitas, while also 78% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Encinitas costs $59 per day, on average, or $118 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, 23% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. Compact (Jeep Patriot or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Encinitas, while also 78% cheaper than other types, on average.