Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Encinitas

We've collected top 10 mentioned free attractions in Encinitas from other articles such as Humphreys Half Moon Inn, Old Town Trolley Tours, Your North County.

Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Encinitas

La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove
4.8 (1188 ratings)4.5 (12342 ratings)
Popular with divers, this quaint beach houses permanent lifeguard stations, picnic tables & showers.
San Diego, CA 92037, USA
BeachOutdoor ActivitiesParks
Balboa Park
Balboa Park
4.8 (56270 ratings)4.5 (11675 ratings)
Sprawling outdoor destination is home to the city's renowned zoo, 17 museums, gardens & more.
San Diego, CA, USA
ParkFun & GamesHistory museumPlaygroundsGardens
Mentioned by Touropia
25 Top Tourist Attractions in San Diego
"It has plenty of green space, flora and fauna, naturally, but it also contain 15 museums, a carousel, miniature railroad, the renowned San Diego Zoo and the historic Old Globe Theatre, among other attractions. The list of museums include a couple of art museums while others are devoted to natural history, air and space, science and the famous Museum of Man. Numerous gardens are devoted to native plants, roses, cactus, a veterans memorial and a children’s garden."
Mentioned by LaJolla.com
San Diego Architecture
"Nothing had quite the same impact on our San Diego architecture as did the Spanish Colonial Style Confections in Balboa Park, which revived an enthusiastic interest in this type of Spanish-style architecture. Designed in 1915, this building is an exhilarating mélange of various architectural styles. While they may have been somewhat haphazardly thrown together, they still manage to attain striking visual harmony."
Mentioned by Anaheim 7 days itinerary
Sunny Fun One Week Southern California Itinerary + Disneyland
"It’s located in Balboa Park which also features a lot of great museums, such as the Science Center and Natural History Museum. If you have little kids you can also consider visiting the carousel and miniature railroad."
Torrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines State Reserve
4.8 (11036 ratings)4.5 (3514 ratings)
Acres of oceanside trails for exploring or exercising while spotting occasional dolphins or bobcats.
12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Nature preserveNature & ParksParkState parkNature & Wildlife AreasHiking Trails
Seaport Village
Seaport Village
4.6 (18125 ratings)4 (4366 ratings)
Waterside complex with shops, eateries, entertainment & relaxed grounds featuring fountains & ponds.
849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Shopping mallShoppingPiers & BoardwalksPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Maritime Museum of San Diego
4.7 (2737 ratings)4.5 (1598 ratings)
Waterfront venue showcasing many types of restored vintage ships & historical exhibits.
1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
MuseumSights & LandmarksHistorical landmarkMaritime museumOutdoor activity organiserShipsSpecialty Museums
Cesar Chavez Park
Cesar Chavez Park
4.4 (861 ratings)
Community green space with recreational pier, a soccer field, picnic & playground areas.
1449 Cesar E. Chavez Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Park
Mentioned by blog.frankiefoto.com
Frankie Foto » 15 Best Spots to Photograph San Diego
"Crosby Street Park is a tiny little park that just happens to have a pier that extends way out into San Diego Bay which allows you to get some cool shots of the Coronado Bridge that most people may not have seen. Along the pier there are tug boats and military ships in the yards being fixed so it can give you some pretty interesting pictures. The park has lots of parking and this place is almost always deserted so  you will probably have it all to yourself."
Meditation Gardens
Meditation Gardens
4.9 (540 ratings)5 (479 ratings)
These tranquil gardens at a meditation center feature koi ponds, benches & sweeping ocean views.
215 W K St, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA
Meditation centerNature & ParksGardens
St. Joseph Cathedral
St. Joseph Cathedral
4.8 (371 ratings)5 (9 ratings)
1535 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Catholic cathedralSights & LandmarksCathedralChurches & Cathedrals
Kit Carson Park
Kit Carson Park
4.6 (2024 ratings)4.5 (29 ratings)
Park with many hiking trails, 3 ponds & several sports fields, plus a 5-acre arboretum.
3333 Bear Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025, USA
ParkFun & GamesDisc golf coursePlaygroundsGardensNature & Wildlife AreasHiking Trails
Mentioned by lyft.com
Top 7 Most Visited Parks in Escondido
"The park was named after Christopher (Kit) Carson, the famous scout who guided Captain John C. Fremont over the Sierra Nevada Mountains during a government exploration expedition. The City of Escondido acquired the land for its largest regional park from the City of San Diego in 1967. Address:3333 Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025"
Lake Hodges
Lake Hodges
4.6 (213 ratings)4.5 (3 ratings)
Huge reservoir with barbecue areas & picnic tables, popular for kayaking, sailing & fishing.
San Diego, CA, USA
LakeNature & ParksBodies of Water

Best Buffet (Seafood, Chinese, etc) in Encinitas

Natsumi Sushi & Seafood Buffet
Natsumi Sushi & Seafood Buffet
4.2 (1033 ratings)
Modern spot for all-you-can eat sushi, Japanese entrees, poke bowls, Chinese dishes & Mongolian BBQ.
7040 Miramar Rd, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
Sushi restaurantBuffet restaurantJapanese restaurantSeafood restaurant
Bricks Family Restaurant
Bricks Family Restaurant
4.1 (256 ratings)
Colorful eatery in the Legoland Hotel with a playful vibe & buffet offerings for breakfast & dinner.
5885 The Crossings Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
Buffet restaurantRestaurant
Mentioned by Trip101
Top 10 Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Carlsbad, California - Updated 2021
"Conveniently located at the LEGOLAND Hotel, this colorful eatery is made to attract the kids and young-at-heart. If you’re lucky, you might even spot LEGOLAND Hotel Heroes (character mascots) — superb for photo-taking opportunities. Open daily for breakfast, they also offer dinner buffets and “Just for Kids Buffet” as well."
Fasia Buffet
Fasia Buffet
3.9 (507 ratings)
1323 E Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
Buffet restaurant

Top Best French Restaurants in Encinitas

Bistro du Marché by Tapenade
Bistro du Marché by Tapenade
4.6 (188 ratings)
Classic French bistro fare by chef Jean-Michel Didot in a welcoming, art deco–inspired space.
7437 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
French restaurant
Mentioned by Fodor’s Travel
Top Restaurants in San Diego
"Bringing Paris to La Jolla, acclaimed chef Jean Michel Diot unveils bistronomie cuisine, a culinary concept that blends bistro favorites with...Read More"
Mentioned by restaurantji.com
The 30 Best Restaurants in La Jolla, CA
"I have been coming here for 15 years, but hadn't been back since Covid. Have been twice in the last couple of weeks, and it's even better than..."
Mister A's
Mister A's
4.6 (1295 ratings)
Bay & skyline views draw diners to this elegant eatery, serving French-hued American cooking.
2550 Fifth Ave 12th floor, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
RestaurantAmerican restaurantFrench restaurant
Mentioned by VacationIdea
12 Must-Try Lunch & Dessert Spots in San Diego
"The centrally located, award-winning Bertrand at Mister A’s penthouse restaurant offers fine American cuisine and spectacular views of San Diego, including the skyline, bay, Balboa Park, Coronado, Point Loma, and the zoo. Relish in the amazing flavors of the classic lobster bisque, steak tartare, or gourmet beer-battered fish and chips. French restaurateur, Bertrand Hug, bought Mister A’s in 2000 and invited Chef de Cuisine, Stephane Voitzwinkler, to create simplistic, yet delectable dishes with European influences made from seasonally available, locally-sourced ingredients."
Mentioned by Spend Life Traveling
10 of the Best Rooftop Bars in San Diego, California
"Or rooftop restaurant I should say because Mister A’s is more a restaurant than a bar. Mister A’s has more of a classy, fine dining atmosphere. It’s perfect for date night and if you are looking for a restaurant with a view this is definitely the place to be."
Mentioned by JustLuxe
Best Restaurants in San Diego
"With roots as a jacket-required dinner room, Bertrand's has since turned to a more casual atmosphere while continuing to provide one of the best penthouse restaurant experiences in California.[Learn more]"
Mimi's Cafe
Mimi's Cafe
4.3 (1295 ratings)
Casual chain restaurant serving French & American staples in a rustic-inspired setting.
5180 Mission Center Rd, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
BistroBakeryBarBreakfast restaurantBrunch restaurantCafeCatererFrench restaurantTakeout RestaurantWine bar

Top Best American Restaurants in Encinitas

Bluewater Grill
Bluewater Grill
4.4 (1038 ratings)
Local chain serving a wide variety of seafood dishes in a relaxed, nautically themed space.
417 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
Seafood restaurantAmerican restaurantBarSeafood market
Huddle
Huddle
4.5 (252 ratings)
Cozy, unpretentious neighborhood diner with an old-school vibe & menu of American comfort classics.
4023 Goldfinch St, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
American restaurant
The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory
4.2 (1173 ratings)
American chain restaurant offering sizable portions from a vast menu including signature cheesecake
200 E Via Rancho Pkwy Ste 370, Escondido, CA 92025, USA
RestaurantAmerican restaurantDessert restaurantTakeout Restaurant

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Encinitas

4.7 (203 reviews)
Park Hyatt Aviara
Hotel
$695 /night
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Modern Coastal Home - 1 Mile to Beach and Town!
House
$295 /night
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SBTC 128 condo
Apartment
$375 /night
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