Just what is it about Encinitas California that makes it so fascinating, so special? Yes, its a gorgeous little beach town, but what makes it so very different from other beach towns in San Diego county? The answer is, in part, the fact that Encinitas is still lost in time ” back in the 1960s ” when California was a simpler place. But you can still experience some of that feel by visiting the following must see places:

1. Spend The Day In A Rainforest

Quail Botanical Gardens consists of more than 30 acres dedicated to the conservation of endangered and rare plants from around the world. Every day tours and nature walks take visitors down scenic trails, through unique gardens, desert gardens, rare bamboo groves, native plant gardens, a tropical rainforest, climate landscapes of the Mediterranean, a succulent garden, a tropical fruit garden and a one-of-a-kind children’s garden. The Gardens are a lovely and peaceful ” a place where you can see myriad butterflies, birds and an occasional rabbit hopping across your path. Here you will find a special place where you can easily spend an entire day simply enjoying the nature and all its beauty ” a garden that everyone will enjoy.

2. Yes, You CAN Learn To Surf

Famous Kahuna Bobs Surfing School has been training SoCal surfers for nearly 23 years. He taught me to surf in 1999. His entertaining and totally unique teaching methods put you right at ease when you are learning ” and its a load of fun. The Kahuna is so good that the City of Encinitas awarded him the only surf-lesson license at the best beginner surfing beach in all of Encinitas (Beacons Beach) where waves almost always break perfectly for beginners and experts alike.

3. Become A Beach Boy (or Beach Girl)

Swamis Beach became world-renown in 1963 when the Beach Boys recorded Surfin USA. More than 40 years later Swamis still attracts the worlds top surfers every day. Picnic tables placed along the cliff edge are a spectacular place to take in the all-encompassing view of the Pacific while watching the exceptional surfers and a huge wooden staircase will take you down to the beach to witness the surfing up close and personal.

4. Take In A Talkie

If you wax nostalgic for a real old-time movie theater, take in a film at La Paloma Theatre, where they feature first-run hits, art movies and surf/skate/snowboard/music film premieres. Its THE place to see Rocky Horror Picture Show. La Paloma Theatre was built in 1928, and was one of the first theatres to show “Talkies” in 1927 with the Warner Brothers film “The Jazz Singer” starring Al Jolson.

5. Meditate At A Temple

Swami Yoganandas philosophy of love and introspection has attracted tens of thousands of worshipers and followers from all around the world ever since he came to Encinitas in 1936 and built the Self-Realization Temple on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The serene and gorgeous grounds with lush gardens and quiet Koi ponds are open free-of-charge to you every day where you can breathe deeply, relax and meditate to the sound of the pounding surf far below.

6. Work On Your Tan

The most popular beach in all of North County San Diego is Moonlight Beach, just two blocks from downtown Encinitas ” its a wonderful spot to soak up sun, enjoy a picnic, play volleyball, surf, boogie-board, body surf, read a book, watch other people people-watch or simply take it easy. Its a state park complete with plenty of parking, fine life guard stations, beach-gear rentals, showers, playground, snack and lunch shop and even fire-rings on the beach where you and your friends can enjoy bonfires late into the night.

7. Relax In Your Private Hot Tub And Watch The Sun Set

Ann Dunham is the hostess at the Inn at Moonlight Beach, a very romantic inn overlooking Moonlight Beach. Sunsets are perfect at Anns inn overlooking both the Pacific Ocean and the quaint beach town of Encinitas. Previous guest have called it a magical place of sand, sea, sun and surf and many anniversaries and honeymoons have taken place here. Be sure to ask Ann about the Penthouse Suite. Inn At Moonlight Beach, 105 N. Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas CA 92024