San Diego family guide
Things to Do in Encinitas with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated June 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
📍 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.
Free; lot parking
San Diego Botanic Garden
Thirty-seven acres of themed gardens plus a large children's garden with a treehouse and play areas.
~$18 adult / ~$10 childFarmers 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.
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.
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
Lifestyle boutique in a 1930s bungalow with apparel, home decor, and Rob Machado surfboards.
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.
Seasonal & outdoors near Encinitas
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Encinitas.
More San Diego family guides
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.