Local recommendations
Eat
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101 Diner
Great no frills breakfast spot. Try the Eggs Benedict or Florentine—their Hollandaise sauce is the best! They’ve also got an amazing açai bowl.
552 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
(760) 753-2123 -
Best Pizza & Brew
Salads, Sandwiches, Hot Pizza and (16) Cold Craft Brews, dog friendly patio. Best White and BBQ Chicken pizza along with a Caesar Salad are must tries, but also check out the specials.
102 Aberdeen Drive, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
(760) 436-7000
bestpizzaandbrew.com -
Bier Garden
32 beers on tap, a retro cocktail menu, and California coastal cuisine in the heart of Encinitas.
641 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
(760) 632-2437
biergardenencinitas.com -
Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria
Wood-fired pies, Italian appetizers, wine & a rustic-chic space.
897 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
(760) 634-7671 -
Bump Coffee
Freshly roasted organic coffee and small batch organic cold brew. Try the empanadas!
126 Aberdeen Dr, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
(760) 420-4021
drinkbumpcoffee.com -
Buona Forchetta
Charming Italian establishment serving wood-fired pizza, pastas, and wine.
250 N. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
(760) 704-8070
buonaforchettasd.com -
Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream
Fresh-made everyday.
90 N. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
(760) 230-6948 -
Claire's on Cedros
Cafe and bakery specializing in fresh, homemade, California-style comfort food as well as a variety of homemade breads, pastries and desserts. Family friendly and dog friendly. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, and Friday and Saturday for dinner.
246 N. Cedros Ave, Solana Beach
(858) 259-8597 -
The Crack Shack
Fun spot for chicken & egg dishes with stylish outdoor seating, a full bar & bocce court.
407 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas
(760) 230-2968
crackshack.com -
The Confessional by The Lost Abbey
Beer. Just beer. 18 taps of craft beer and an ocean breeze. Walking distance from the bungalows, and you can grab a slice from East Coast Pizza next door if you’re hungry to bring in and enjoy.
2007 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
lostabbey.com -
Death by Tequila
Modern Baja restaurant and tequila bar serving healthy Mexican-inspired food.
569 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
(760) 782-2240
deathbytequila.com -
Duckfoot Brewing
Great beer selection. Dog-friendly!
978 N. Coast Hwy 101, Leucadia
(760) 707-6817
saintarcherbrewery.com -
East Coast Pizza
This place should actually be called “Better than East Coast Pizza”. Delicious hand tossed NY style pizza specializing in pizza-by-the-slice, with approximately 12 different pie selections daily. Less than a 3 minute walk, but can also be delivered right to your door!
2015 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
(760) 944-1599 -
Fish 101
Sustainably-caught local fish served in a beachy-casual atmosphere.
2101 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
(760) 230-10211468 N. Coast Hwy 101, Leucadia
(760) 943-6221 -
GOODONYA Organic Eatery
100% organic eats for any time of day. Vegetarian- and vegan-friendly.
1051 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
(858) 264-8550
goodonyaorganic.com -
Haggo's Organic Taco
Local organic Mexican eatery. Simple and delicious.
1302 N. Coast Highway 101, Leucadia
(760) 753-6000
haggosorganictaco.com -
Herb & Sea
Seafood restaurant from Top Chef Brian Malarkey.
527 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
(760) 704-8300
herbandsea.com -
Ironsmith Coffee Roasters
Cool, modern spot featuring choice, house-roasted coffee & espresso along with baked goods.
458 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
ironsmithcoffee.com -
Juanita’s Taco Shop
Authentic Mexican eats in a no-frills establishment. Their Carne Asada Burritos are delicious!
290 N. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
(760) 943-9612 -
Ki’s
Local, organic, casual dining serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Check out their “Mexican Mondays” Taco Bar—a great value for $9.
2591 S. Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
(760) 436-5236
kisrestaurant.com -
Leucadia Donut Shoppe
Shh! This place may be even better than VG’s… Get there early, they sell out!
1604 N. Coast Hwy 101, Leucadia
(760) 942-8981 -
Lofty Coffee Co.
Locally-owned, quality-driven coffee company offering crafted coffee and natural food.
90 N. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
97 N. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
132 S. Cedros Ave, Solana Beach
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Lotus Cafe & Juice Bar
Healthy eating establishment with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
765 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
(760) 479-1977
lotuscafeandjuicebar.com -
Lourdes Mexican Food
Great fast Mexican food. Chicken soup is their speciality.
2113 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
(760) 230-2610 -
Modern Times Far West Lounge
Featuring a full menu of staggeringly delicious plant-based cuisine and over 30 taps.
470 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
(760) 452-4304
moderntimesbeer.com -
Moto Deli
Modern hangout serving innovative sandwiches & craft beer in laid-back digs with a patio.
190 N. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
(760) 505-6422
motodeli.com -
Pacific Coast Grill
Oceanfront dining with “Pacific Coast” cuisine. Reservations required for a great table at sunset (we recommend booking a table 45 minutes before sunset!).
2526 S. Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
(760) 479-0721
pacificcoastgrill.com -
Philz Coffee
Laid-back chain specializes in custom-blended coffees, plus teas, specialty drinks & pastries.
1060 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
(760) 230-6880
philzcoffee.com -
Pipes Cafe
Fuel up with a breakfast burrito at this local hangout.
121 Liverpool Dr, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
(760) 632-0056
pipescafe.com -
Plant Power Fast Food
Classic fast food joint, hold the meat and dairy. 100% plant-based burgers, sandwiches, etc.
411 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas
(760) 452-2352
plantpowerfastfood.com -
Plumeria Vegetarian Encinitas
Vegetarian Thai culinary experience.
527 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
(760) 487-1488
plumeriaon101.com -
Q’ero
Peruvian inspired cuisine. Try the empanadas, ceviche, and sangria!
564 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
(760) 753-9050
qerorestaurant.com -
Rose Hill Purveyors
Wonderful local spot for coffee and tea.
111 Chesterfield Dr #115, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
(858) 622-0000
zumbarcoffee.com -
Sambazon Açai Cafe
Yummy açai bowls and smoothies.
2031 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
(760) 230-2380
sambazon.com -
The Taco Stand
Traditional Mexican fare includes made-to-order tortillas & guacamole in casual indoor/outdoor digs.
642 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
(760) 230-2061
letstaco.com -
Union Kitchen & Tap
Great spot on the 101 to mix with the locals. Serving New American food, local craft beer, unique small vintage wines and handcrafted cocktails. Weekend brunch available.
1108 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
(760) 230-2337
localunion101.com -
URBN Pizza
Coal-fired, hand-crafted pies and salad.
764 S. Coast Hwy, Encinitas
(760) 943-8620
urbnencinitas.com -
Valentina
Neighborhood bistro and wine bar with a casual atmosphere.
810 N. Coast Hwy 101, Leucadia
(760) 943-6686
restaurantvalentina.com -
VG Donut & Bakery
Where the locals get their donuts. Must have the Chocolate Glazed. Can be crowded on the weekends in the morning.
106 Aberdeen Dr, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
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Waverly Restaurant & Lounge
Hip restaurant lounge featuring elevated cafe fare and specialty cocktails.
2005 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
(760) 230-1682
thewaverly.com
Visit
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Belly Up Tavern
Fantastic spot for live music!
143 S. Cedros Ave, Solana Beach
bellyup.com -
Cardiff Kook
Locals lovingly dress up the 16-foot bronze surfer sculpture, dubbed the Cardiff Kook, for any and every occasion. The Kook’s been transformed into Cupid, threatened by a giant fake spider, and attacked by a papier-mâché shark.
Chesterfield Dr at S. Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
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Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas
Movie theaters with reclining leather seats, high-end eats, cocktails & waiter service.
Carlsbad —
Plaza Paseo Real, 6941 El Camino Real
La Costa Town Square, 3434 Via MercatoDel Mar —
Del Mar Highlands Town Center, 12905 El Camino Real -
ICA North
Formerly Lux Art Institute, this beautiful property houses a gallery, education space, and artist-in-residence accommodations, all nestled in the hillside.
1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas
icasandiego.org -
La Paloma Theatre
Step back in time in this charming vintage movie theatre.
471 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
(760) 436-7469
lapalomatheatre.com -
Self-Realization Fellowship Retreat Hermitage & Meditation Gardens
Just north of Cardiff you’ll find one of San Diego County's most distinctive sanctuaries. Here you can escape into gorgeous blufftop gardens laced with a waterfall and a koi pond. An overlook offers a commanding coastal view, and beneath the gardens is Swami's, the legendary surf site. Free. Closed Mondays.
215 K St, Encinitas
(760) 753-2888
yogananda.org
Hike / Swim / Surf
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San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
Boardwalks on the north side take you along the estuary, while the south side has a more extensive trail system. Free guided walks are offered the second Saturday of every month.
Nature Center at 2710 Manchester Ave, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
(760) 436-3944
sdparks.org -
San Elijo State Beach
Great walking beach at low tide. It's home to a blufftop campground and Pipes, one of the county's best surf breaks. Parking $8, camping from $25.
North of Chesterfield Dr along S. Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
(760) 753-5091
parks.ca.gov -
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a day-use park with hiking trails, and home of our nation's rarest pine tree: Pinus torreyana. Picnics are permitted on the beach only. No food or drinks (other than water) are permitted in the Reserve (i.e., the mesa above the beach and the Extension). There is no place in the park to buy food or drinks. Hikers are advised to bring and carry drinking water on the trails—especially in the summertime.
12600 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla
torreypine.org
Shop — Grocery and food
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Farmers’ Markets
Encinitas — Wednesdays 5-8 pm (May - Sept), 4-7 PM (Oct - April)
620 Vulcan (corner of Vulcan and E St. in the parking lot of the Pacific Station Amtrak Coaster stop)Del Mar — Saturday: 1 - 4 pm
1050 Camino Del Mar (between 10th & 11th Streets)Solana Beach — Sundays 1 pm - 5 pm
410 S. Cedros AveLeucadia — Sundays 10 am -2 pm
Paul Ecke Elementary, 185 Union St (cross street Vulcan) -
Seaside Market
Wonderful family-owned neighborhood market with gourmet offerings, an awesome deli and home of the famous “Cardiff Crack” Burgundy Tri-Tip.
2087 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
7am - 10pm -
Lazy Acres
Organic grocery store with health & beauty products, a bakery, juice bar, deli & prepared foods.
150 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas
7am - 10pm -
Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's is a privately held specialty grocery store.
115 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas
8am - 9pm -
Costco Wholesale
Costco Wholesale Corporation is a members-only warehouse club that provides a wide selection of merchandise. Note: You can buy alcohol without a membership.
951 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad
10am - 8:30pm, Sat-Sun 10am - 6pm
Shop — Boutique stores and soft goods
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Fowlers Boutique
Fantastic little shop offering men’s and women’s clothing and accessories.
2029 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
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Sea + Wander Boutique
SEA + WANDER is a community oriented concept shop, balancing a mix of city edge with beach vibe.
154 Aberdeen Dr, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
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Patagonia Cardiff
The company's first surf-specific shop is in one of Cardiff's oldest buildings.
2185 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
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Iron Cross Surfboards
Family-owned and operated surf shop in Cardiff. Surfboard and wetsuit rentals available.
2107 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
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Hansen’s Surfboards
Family-owned surf shop offering men’s, women’s, and kid’s surf clothing, surf gear, snow gear, and accessories.
1105 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
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Bing Surfboards
Classic California heritage surf shop.
802 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
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Seaweed & Gravel
New and vintage apparel, weird and wonderful surfboards, customs and vintage motorcycles, boots, bonsai, jewelry, art, and much much more.
1144 N. Coast Hwy 101 #1, Encinitas
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Cedros Avenue
Fab stores, good eats, and a Sunday farmers' market. Start in the design district, known for its furniture and housewares shops, on the street's south end.
Solana Beach
Dog-friendly
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Off-leash areas
Carlsbad —
Ann D. L’Heureux Memorial Dog Park (2700 Carlsbad Village Dr)
Bressi Ranch Dog Park (2565 Dogwood Rd)
Alga Norte Community Park Dog Park (6565 Alicante Rd)
Encinitas —
Village Park Trail and Off-Leash Area (between Encinitas Boulevard and Mountain Vista along El Camino Real)
Maggie Houlihan Memorial Dog Park (425 Santa Fe Dr.)
Trail Segment 72 (1679 Mountain Vista Dr.)
Del Mar —
Del Mar Dog Beach* (29th St. to Solana Beach Border)
*This one’s technically not all off-leash, but it’s one of the best dog hangouts in the area. According to the City of Del Mar, “dogs must be leashed June 16th through Labor Day,” and “dogs able to run under voice control of owner from the day after Labor Day through June 15th.”
Carmel Valley —
Torrey Hills Dog Park / Dirty Dogs Dog Park (4639 Carmel Mountain Rd.)
Escondido —
Mayflower Dog Park (3420 Valley Center Rd.)
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Dog-friendly establishments
Many local businesses welcome dogs on their premises! Here are a few we’ve found to be dog-friendly, but remember to always double-check with the staff!
Besta Wan Pizza
Best Pizza & Brew
Biergarden
Claire’s on Cedros
The Crack Shack
East Coast Pizza
French Corner
Haggo’s Organic Taco
Lofty Coffee Co.
The Confessional by the Lost Abbey
Moto Deli
The Taco Stand