San Diego family guide
Things to Do in Encinitas with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Encinitas on the map
📍 Where Encinitas is
Encinitas sits in San Diego, Southern California. Nearest major airport: San Diego Intl (~22 mi / 35 km). It's roughly 89 mi (143 km) from Downtown LA and 24 mi (38 km) from San Diego — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.
Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.
Things to do in Encinitas
Moonlight State Beach
Family-favorite cove beach with lifeguards, a playground, volleyball, fire pits, and easy facilities. The name dates back to early Encinitas residents who gathered here for moonlit picnics on the sand, and today it serves as headquarters for the city's year-round lifeguard service and Junior Lifeguard program. The coastal-themed playground includes climbing structures shaped like sails and surfboards.
Free; lot parkingSan Diego Botanic Garden
Thirty-seven acres and 4 miles of trails wind through 29 themed gardens with more than 5,000 plant species, including the nation's largest public bamboo collection. The West Coast's largest children's garden anchors the family experience, centered on Toni's Tree House — a multi-level structure with rope bridges, tunnels, and a spiral staircase.
~$18 adult / ~$10 childFamily attractions near Encinitas
The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from Encinitas.
San Elijo State Beach
A long bluff-backed beach with reliably gentle surf at the south end, which makes it one of the better North County beaches for young swimmers. Day-use lots fill by 10am in summer — arrive early, or park free along Coast Highway 101 and take the stairs down.
Day-use parking ~$10–15Cardiff State Beach
Mellow beach known for beginner surf, tide pools, and the famous "Cardiff Kook" statue nearby. The bronze sculpture, officially titled "Magic Carpet Ride," was installed near Cardiff Reef in 2007 and quickly earned its nickname from local surfers who mocked its awkward pose; it's since become a favorite target for costume pranks, dressed up as everything from Zorro to Uncle Sam. The beach sits flanked by San Elijo State Beach to the north.
Free beach; paid lotSeaside Market
An independent grocery known countywide for its marinated tri-tip, with a deli counter that makes the easiest beach picnic in North County. Order at the deli, then walk across Coast Highway to the sand rather than eating in the cramped lot.
Sandwiches ~$12–16Glen Park
A shaded neighborhood park a few blocks uphill from the beach with a playground, grass and restrooms — the reliable fallback when the coast turns windy. The shade here is real, which is rarer along this stretch than you'd think.
FreeCardiff Kook Statue
A bronze surfer on Coast Highway that locals have been unofficially costuming for years — dinosaurs, holiday outfits, whatever's current. It's a two-minute photo stop, not a destination; pull into the small lot on the east side rather than stopping on the shoulder.
FreeSan Elijo Lagoon Nature Center
A free nature center with hands-on lagoon exhibits and a second-floor deck looking over the wetland to the ocean, at the head of an easy flat loop trail. The lot holds about nineteen cars — before 10am on weekends or you'll be circling.
FreeFarmers markets in Encinitas
Encinitas Station Certified Farmers' Market
Evening market near the Encinitas train station with fresh produce, hot food, and a laid-back coastal vibe.
Leucadia Farmers Market
A laid-back coastal North County Sunday market with organic produce and family-friendly vibes.
Cardiff Farmers Market
A Saturday market on the bluff-top campus with local produce, prepared foods, and ocean breezes.
Festivals & annual events in Encinitas
What Encinitas is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Movie in the Park: Monster House (Cardiff)
The city's fall Movie in the Park shows the animated Monster House at Glen Park (2149 Orinda Dr) in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, with pre-show fun before dusk. Bring your own chairs, blankets and food. Tip: the movie starts at dusk, which is early in late October, so arrive around 5pm to claim grass.
Free
Safe Trick-or-Treat on Coast Highway 101
Downtown Encinitas merchants hand out candy along South Coast Highway 101 on Halloween evening, with live music in the courtyards.
Free
Encinitas Holiday Street Fair
The autumn counterpart to the spring fair, held each year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving across six blocks of South Coast Highway 101, two blocks from the beach. No tickets needed.
Free
Encinitas Holiday Parade
An evening holiday parade of floats and community groups down historic South Coast Highway 101 through downtown Encinitas.
Free
The Nutcracker (Encinitas Ballet)
The city's Encinitas Ballet dancers perform The Nutcracker at the San Dieguito Academy Performing Arts Center (800 Santa Fe Dr). The 1pm shows suit younger children better than the 5pm. Tip: buy tickets ahead and arrive 30 minutes early since seating for these community productions fills.
Ticketed (see ticket page)
Cardiff Dog Days of Summer
A dog-focused community festival at Encinitas Community Park with rescue and adoption groups, dog contests, dachshund and corgi races, food trucks and live music. 2026 was the 21st year.
2026 edition (Aug 2) has passed; 2027 date not yet posted
Encinitas Spring Street Fair
A two-day fair from the Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association that closes six blocks of South Coast Highway 101 for craft and food vendors, live entertainment and a kids area.
2026 event has passed (Apr 25-26); 2027 dates not yet published
LeucadiART Walk
A juried outdoor art show along Coast Highway 101 in Leucadia with over 100 artists, live demos, music and kids' activities. In its 20th year in 2026.
Encinitas 40th Anniversary Celebration (80s Day)
The city celebrates its 40th birthday with an 80s-themed day: a sandcastle exhibition at Moonlight Beach, a chalk art party (12-3:30pm) and screen printing at Pacific View Arts Center, an 80s line dance session, a live band and an outdoor movie. Wear 80s attire. Tip: kids can join the chalk art party at Pacific View; park downtown early since Moonlight Beach lots fill.
Local restaurants in Encinitas
City Tacos
Craft tacos with local, seasonal ingredients and creative veg/seafood options — casual and easy for a quick family bite.
Juanita's Taco Shop
Tiny 'locals only' taco shop famous for California burritos and fish tacos.
Vigilucci's Trattoria Italiana
Made-from-scratch pasta trattoria, an Encinitas mainstay for three decades.
Swami's Cafe
Family-run casual breakfast steps from the surf with acai bowls and breakfast burritos.
Pavlo's Tacos
Encinitas neighborhood taco shop beloved for big burritos and rolled-taco plates.
The Taco Stand
Tijuana-style tacos with handmade corn tortillas, al pastor, and Baja fish at standout quality-to-price. Fast-casual and easy with kids.
Jorge's Mexicatessen
Hidden gem for Mexico City-style comfort food like caldo de pollo.
Necessity
Roasts its own coffee and serves pastries and pizzas near Moonlight Beach, a tucked-away neighborhood gem.
Local shops in Encinitas
Magical Child
Family-owned since 1995 on Coast Hwy 101, stocking timeless wooden toys and eco art supplies.
Queen Eileen's
Beloved coastal gift shop for everything from gag gifts to fancy gift baskets.
Salt Culture
In a 1930s beach bungalow, founded by surf legend Rob Machado, mixing high-end apparel with boards he shapes himself.
Grounded
Organic-modern home furnishings, decor, and thoughtful gifts in The Lumberyard on 101.
Coast Highway Trading
Collective of ~20 local artisans and jewelers selling handmade art, jewelry, and home goods.
Lou's Records
North County's legendary independent record store stocking vinyl, CDs, and players.
Encinitas Surfboards
One of the last core independent surf shops, with boards, wetsuits, and accessories.
The Aloha Bungalow
Tiny boutique on Vulcan Ave for small gifts and locally sourced items.
Hansen's
A longtime local favorite on Coast Highway 101 for surf, snow, and skate gear.
Artifact Books
A locally owned bookshop in the 101 corridor.
SoulScape Gift & Bookstore
"Gifts & books for the Modern Mystic" with crystals, books, journals, and incense; about 21 years in business.
Seasonal & outdoors near Encinitas
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Encinitas.
More San Diego family guides
Encinitas family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Encinitas with kids?
Family favorites in and around Encinitas include Moonlight State Beach and San Diego Botanic Garden. Our guide lists 2 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Encinitas?
Yes — free family spots near Encinitas include Moonlight State Beach. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Encinitas?
Local, family-friendly spots in Encinitas include City Tacos, Juanita's Taco Shop, Vigilucci's Trattoria Italiana and Swami's Cafe, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Encinitas guide cover?
Our Encinitas family guide includes 2 things to do, 8 local eats, 11 local shops and 3 farmers markets — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Encinitas
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Encinitas on one map — then book on your favorite site.