Donnie & Kym’s guidebook

Donnie & Kym
Donnie & Kym’s guidebook

Sightseeing

This is a constant work in progress & we recommend to also check Yelp as things change & everyone likes different things. We truly love where we live and really enjoy showing our guests where the "hidden gems" are (the Botanical Gardens and Fellowship Meditation gardens on the bluff above Swami's beach are 2!). We hope you enjoy our little beach town & the surrounding areas! Never hesitate to ask questions. .
You have to love a city that boasts growing ornamental plants as its main industry. In fact, the city is a leading grower of poinsettias. Encinitas, California, is also famous for being one of the best surfing and beach towns in the world. Only 25 miles north of San Diego, Encinitas has a distinct, quirky personality, attracting not only surfers that flock there for the city’s six miles of Pacific coast, but also visitors exploring the city’s great attractions, restaurants and shops.
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Encinitas
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You have to love a city that boasts growing ornamental plants as its main industry. In fact, the city is a leading grower of poinsettias. Encinitas, California, is also famous for being one of the best surfing and beach towns in the world. Only 25 miles north of San Diego, Encinitas has a distinct, quirky personality, attracting not only surfers that flock there for the city’s six miles of Pacific coast, but also visitors exploring the city’s great attractions, restaurants and shops.
Moonlight Beach starts where Encinitas Boulevard turns into B Street, and is one of the most popular beaches in Encinitas, both among locals and tourists. It is sandy and wide, great for kids and adults, and perfect for picnics, playing volleyballs, making sand castles, and much more. Moonlight Beach is an excellent swimming, snorkeling, and surfing beach, but it is also popular for surf fishing. The area boasts tennis courts and kids’ playgrounds, a space to rent beach gear, and a nice snack bar. The beach used to be very popular among locals for midnight picnics in the 1900s, which is how it became known as Moonlight Beach. You can still see people lighting bonfires and having late parties in the moonlight.
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Moonlight Beach
400 B St
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Moonlight Beach starts where Encinitas Boulevard turns into B Street, and is one of the most popular beaches in Encinitas, both among locals and tourists. It is sandy and wide, great for kids and adults, and perfect for picnics, playing volleyballs, making sand castles, and much more. Moonlight Beach is an excellent swimming, snorkeling, and surfing beach, but it is also popular for surf fishing. The area boasts tennis courts and kids’ playgrounds, a space to rent beach gear, and a nice snack bar. The beach used to be very popular among locals for midnight picnics in the 1900s, which is how it became known as Moonlight Beach. You can still see people lighting bonfires and having late parties in the moonlight.
As you stroll along four miles of trails, the San Diego Botanic Garden will amaze you with the diversity of its environments and the stunning plants that adapted to them – you’ll see everything from arid deserts to a tropical jungle and bamboo groves. The plants thrive, and you will enjoy different vistas, numerous flowering trees, majestic palms, and the largest bamboo collection in the country. The San Diego Botanic Garden is one of the best things to do in Encinitas, California. Garden plants are divided in many exhibits such as desert gardens, a tropical rainforest with a large waterfall, a succulent garden, a subtropical fruit garden and many others. One of the most popular is Hamilton Children’s Garden with three acres of playground space filled with plants kids can play with and tend, including Toni’s Tree House. The garden has more than 3000 species of plants.
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San Diego Botanic Garden
300 Quail Gardens Dr
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As you stroll along four miles of trails, the San Diego Botanic Garden will amaze you with the diversity of its environments and the stunning plants that adapted to them – you’ll see everything from arid deserts to a tropical jungle and bamboo groves. The plants thrive, and you will enjoy different vistas, numerous flowering trees, majestic palms, and the largest bamboo collection in the country. The San Diego Botanic Garden is one of the best things to do in Encinitas, California. Garden plants are divided in many exhibits such as desert gardens, a tropical rainforest with a large waterfall, a succulent garden, a subtropical fruit garden and many others. One of the most popular is Hamilton Children’s Garden with three acres of playground space filled with plants kids can play with and tend, including Toni’s Tree House. The garden has more than 3000 species of plants.
Whether you want to visit beautiful gardens on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, spend a few days at the Retreat, or simply browse at the Books & Gifts store, Self-Realization Fellowship Hermitage, Retreat & Meditation Gardens is an interesting place to visit. You can also take a walk to the SRF Temple in Encinitas, located just a few short blocks away from the Hermitage & Retreat Center. The temple is part of Self-Realization Fellowship, a non-profit spiritual organization founded in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda (author of Autobiography of a Yogi) to disseminate his teachings of Kriya Yoga, an ancient Indian spiritual science. For those interested in the spiritual activities at the SRF Temple, there is a program of lectures, meditation, Sunday School, and a range of other services. Just below the SRF Hermitage and Meditation Gardens is the popular Swami's Beach, one of the favorites among surfers.
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Self-Realization Fellowship Encinitas Temple
939 2nd St
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Whether you want to visit beautiful gardens on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, spend a few days at the Retreat, or simply browse at the Books & Gifts store, Self-Realization Fellowship Hermitage, Retreat & Meditation Gardens is an interesting place to visit. You can also take a walk to the SRF Temple in Encinitas, located just a few short blocks away from the Hermitage & Retreat Center. The temple is part of Self-Realization Fellowship, a non-profit spiritual organization founded in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda (author of Autobiography of a Yogi) to disseminate his teachings of Kriya Yoga, an ancient Indian spiritual science. For those interested in the spiritual activities at the SRF Temple, there is a program of lectures, meditation, Sunday School, and a range of other services. Just below the SRF Hermitage and Meditation Gardens is the popular Swami's Beach, one of the favorites among surfers.
During the winter when the swells are particularly good, surfers often put on quite a show at Swami’s Surf Beach, one of the area’s most popular and most famous beaches. The best spot to watch them is from the park on the cliff above the beach. This lovely park is the main entrance point for Swami Beach and has many benches in the shade, several picnic tables, and a well-tended shady lawn. From the park, a long and steep wooden staircase leads down to the beach, which has a lifeguard station. If the tide is not high, you can walk along the beach to San Elijo State Beach. If you are wondering what to do in Encinitas with kids, this is a great place to visit.
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Swami's Beach
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During the winter when the swells are particularly good, surfers often put on quite a show at Swami’s Surf Beach, one of the area’s most popular and most famous beaches. The best spot to watch them is from the park on the cliff above the beach. This lovely park is the main entrance point for Swami Beach and has many benches in the shade, several picnic tables, and a well-tended shady lawn. From the park, a long and steep wooden staircase leads down to the beach, which has a lifeguard station. If the tide is not high, you can walk along the beach to San Elijo State Beach. If you are wondering what to do in Encinitas with kids, this is a great place to visit.
The 1,000-acre San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is one of the county's largest remaining coastal wetlands. Visitors can explore seven miles of trails hosting a diversity of plants and animals, including: 6 plant communities, 300 species of plants, 26 mammal species, at least 23 species of fish, and more than 300 bird species. San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy naturalists offer guided weekend tours. County of San Diego Department of Parks & Recreation rangers operate the nature center, open daily, with exhibits about the cultural and natural features of the lagoon and its history. There are fun activities scheduled all the time, including Children’s Story Time, and nature-themed family days and festivals presented by the conservancy and the county – all educational and entertaining events for the entire family.
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San Elijo Lagoon
2710 Manchester Ave
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The 1,000-acre San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is one of the county's largest remaining coastal wetlands. Visitors can explore seven miles of trails hosting a diversity of plants and animals, including: 6 plant communities, 300 species of plants, 26 mammal species, at least 23 species of fish, and more than 300 bird species. San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy naturalists offer guided weekend tours. County of San Diego Department of Parks & Recreation rangers operate the nature center, open daily, with exhibits about the cultural and natural features of the lagoon and its history. There are fun activities scheduled all the time, including Children’s Story Time, and nature-themed family days and festivals presented by the conservancy and the county – all educational and entertaining events for the entire family.
Cardiff State Beach is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and is popular for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. There are many businesses where you can rent gear for surfing, kiteboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Visitors will also find a lot of people beachcombing and looking for valuable and interesting things – equipment can be rented for those looking to join in. Tide pools are located up and down the coast, and guided explorations are held throughout the year – more information can be found at the visitor center. Basic amenities such as lifeguards at intervals, bathrooms, and showers are available to all those looking for a fun day in the sun.
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Cardiff State Beach
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Cardiff State Beach is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and is popular for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. There are many businesses where you can rent gear for surfing, kiteboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Visitors will also find a lot of people beachcombing and looking for valuable and interesting things – equipment can be rented for those looking to join in. Tide pools are located up and down the coast, and guided explorations are held throughout the year – more information can be found at the visitor center. Basic amenities such as lifeguards at intervals, bathrooms, and showers are available to all those looking for a fun day in the sun.
Hitting a few rounds of golf has never been more picturesque than it is at the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course. The course is located on a sweep of bluffs with a spectacular view of the ocean. Golfers will appreciate the layout, five sets of tees, and the open fairways. For those just looking to spend a stress free day enjoying the outdoors, there is a 6,000 square foot clubhouse with a full bar, café, and adjoining patio. Beginners can partake in golf instructions and clinics taught by PGA and LPGA professionals. The golf course is managed y JC Resorts, who have managed and operated premium resorts and golf properties since 1971.
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Encinitas Ranch Golf Course
1275 Quail Gardens Dr
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Hitting a few rounds of golf has never been more picturesque than it is at the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course. The course is located on a sweep of bluffs with a spectacular view of the ocean. Golfers will appreciate the layout, five sets of tees, and the open fairways. For those just looking to spend a stress free day enjoying the outdoors, there is a 6,000 square foot clubhouse with a full bar, café, and adjoining patio. Beginners can partake in golf instructions and clinics taught by PGA and LPGA professionals. The golf course is managed y JC Resorts, who have managed and operated premium resorts and golf properties since 1971.
Lots of fun things to do and see in Carlsbad. Just taking a walk along the double boardwalk along the beach is wonderful. Head down Carlsbad Blvd. to State St. for a little shopping and lots of restaurants to choose from!
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Carlsbad Village
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Lots of fun things to do and see in Carlsbad. Just taking a walk along the double boardwalk along the beach is wonderful. Head down Carlsbad Blvd. to State St. for a little shopping and lots of restaurants to choose from!
Del Mar is a small beach town about 10 miles south of Encinitas. Called “the place where surf meets turf," Del Mar is famous for its beautiful beaches, world-known racetrack, the annual San Diego Fair and upscale living. If you plan to do some shopping...don't forget your credit cards that have the high limit! :-D
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Del Mar
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Del Mar is a small beach town about 10 miles south of Encinitas. Called “the place where surf meets turf," Del Mar is famous for its beautiful beaches, world-known racetrack, the annual San Diego Fair and upscale living. If you plan to do some shopping...don't forget your credit cards that have the high limit! :-D

Food scene

The Leucadia Farmers Market is a wonderful place to spend the day, and they are open every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. There are over 75 vendors at this certified market, which offers everything from fresh flowers and plants to meats and baked goods. Visitors will find specialty foods like beef, seafood, marinades, pastas, and sauces, etc. A number of bakery vendors have stalls at the market with freshly baked muffins, cupcakes, cakes, and pies. The market has a large food court and covered dining area for those wanting to grab a meal. Children will have a wonderful time – there’s a playground where they can play, and balloon twisting and face painting are usually available. On certain days the market invites live bands to come and perform.
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Leucadia Farmers Market
185 Union St
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The Leucadia Farmers Market is a wonderful place to spend the day, and they are open every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. There are over 75 vendors at this certified market, which offers everything from fresh flowers and plants to meats and baked goods. Visitors will find specialty foods like beef, seafood, marinades, pastas, and sauces, etc. A number of bakery vendors have stalls at the market with freshly baked muffins, cupcakes, cakes, and pies. The market has a large food court and covered dining area for those wanting to grab a meal. Children will have a wonderful time – there’s a playground where they can play, and balloon twisting and face painting are usually available. On certain days the market invites live bands to come and perform.
The Bier Garden of Encinitas is a great place to hang out with friends after work or after a day on the beach. You can perch on a vivid green stool in front of 32 tap handles offering some of the best craft beer from Southern California. The menu is designed to work well with beer, and it is unique, very SoCal, and satisfying whether you go for a full dinner or choose a bunch of small plates such as skewers with chicken thighs marinated in peanut sauce or short rib corn nachos with mango salsa and tomato soaked in Bier cheese sauce and chipotle aioli and served with tortilla chips. You also might want to sample their very interesting Bloody Mary menu. They come with beer chasers.
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The Bier Garden of Encinitas
641 S Coast Hwy 101
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The Bier Garden of Encinitas is a great place to hang out with friends after work or after a day on the beach. You can perch on a vivid green stool in front of 32 tap handles offering some of the best craft beer from Southern California. The menu is designed to work well with beer, and it is unique, very SoCal, and satisfying whether you go for a full dinner or choose a bunch of small plates such as skewers with chicken thighs marinated in peanut sauce or short rib corn nachos with mango salsa and tomato soaked in Bier cheese sauce and chipotle aioli and served with tortilla chips. You also might want to sample their very interesting Bloody Mary menu. They come with beer chasers.
Union Kitchen and Tap is a large rustic tavern with a massive bar, long communal tables, brick walls, and very comfortable seating. The space encourages you to hang out with friends over one of their many craft beers or small plates of New American cuisine with Southern touches. Executive Chef Michael Lina is a wizard with shared plates that include delights such as Thai Coconut Mussels or Octopus Lyonnaise. The menu is huge and changes seasonally. Union has a nice wine selection and a range of imaginative cocktails. Dogs are allowed on their small patio, and there is even a special menu for man’s best friend.
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Union Kitchen & Tap
1108 S Coast Hwy 101
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Union Kitchen and Tap is a large rustic tavern with a massive bar, long communal tables, brick walls, and very comfortable seating. The space encourages you to hang out with friends over one of their many craft beers or small plates of New American cuisine with Southern touches. Executive Chef Michael Lina is a wizard with shared plates that include delights such as Thai Coconut Mussels or Octopus Lyonnaise. The menu is huge and changes seasonally. Union has a nice wine selection and a range of imaginative cocktails. Dogs are allowed on their small patio, and there is even a special menu for man’s best friend.
Never had a bad meal at Le Papagayo! They have live music almost every night, plenty of seating indoor and out. Big variety of food on the menu and great cocktails!
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Le Papagayo
1002 N Coast Hwy 101
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Never had a bad meal at Le Papagayo! They have live music almost every night, plenty of seating indoor and out. Big variety of food on the menu and great cocktails!