8 HIDDEN GEMS IN ENCINITAS
Encinitas is one of San Diego's coastal neighborhoods with a great love and appreciation for color, creativity and nature. I have have stumbled upon so many wonderful pockets while exploring out here. Here is our list of our favorite hidden gems in Encinitas!
HIDDEN GEMS IN ENCINITAS:
1. Cal Pacific Orchid Farm
Visit the largest orchid nursery in San Diego County! One of their offerings they are most popular for is their orchid boarding. That’s right, they have their very own orchid hotel! For those that have a sick plant or one that hasn’t bloomed in awhile, they will plant-sit your orchid for as long as you wish, slowly nursing it back to optimal health.
2. Cottonwood Creek at Moonlight Beach
Cottonwood Creek is an extremely short adventure (or possibly long if you enjoy tennis), but it’s a fun hidden gem nonetheless. Beyond the sweet little pond and lush natural landscaping, there is a secret tennis court tucked in here! I was really taken back by it because it just doesn’t fit in with the spot in my opinion! That makes it that more special though!
3. Dave's Rock Garden
Frustrated with an empty lot next to his house that was constantly filled with trash, Encinitas resident Dave Dean decided to take matters into his own hands. Since 2015, Dean has worked tirelessly to transform this coastal plot of land from a neglected dirt lot into a work of art.
Today the garden is thriving, with every inch being filled with sweet messages and colorful paintings. Make sure to pay attention to all the tiny details because they are what makes this garden so special. Dave’s Rock Garden isn’t the only neighborhood in town which is bedazzled head to toe in art.
TIP: If you're enjoying this post, make sure to check out our article on Hidden Gems in Los Angeles next!
4. Encinitas Hippie Homes
Many years back I was tipped off to these legendary hippie homes in Encinitas where artists lived and painted their houses in bright colors and added beauty across every inch of the exterior. I had even seen photos which further proved they existed! It took many years to finally figure out where they were and they definitely did not disappoint!
The coolest home in this park, in my opinion, was the mosaic house shown below. It was literally covered from head to toe both inside AND outside with mosaic artwork.
5. Encinitas Neighborhood Walk
For those that are interested in learning more about the neighborhoods in Encinitas, we've put together a page of neighborhood walks in this town! I've compiled my favorite photos to show just how fun and unique this town is!
6. Inn at Moonlight Beach
The Inn at Moonlight Beach is the dreamiest hotel I have ever visited. The blend of wellness, nature and hospitality is seamlessly incorporated throughout the entire facility. In fact, they were the first awarded WELL™ Certified hotel in the world!
Be prepared for a very intimate stay, with only 5 suites offered throughout the property. The Inn’s intention is to nourish you from the inside out and to leave with a increase in one’s awareness.
7. Hermitage Self-Realization Garden
I have been visiting the Self-Realization Gardens for years now. Although it is a lot more popular than ever, and there are many other healing spaces in San Diego to visit, I still love to take friends who’ve never been here before. The coastal views are breath-taking and I love exploring Encinitas while out in this area.
7. San Diego Botanic Garden
The San Diego Botanic Garden offers four miles of garden trails, enjoy restful vistas, flowering trees, majestic palms, and the nation’s largest bamboo collection. Thanks to our mild climate, plants from all over the world thrive here.
Our diverse topography provides a variety of microclimates giving the visitor a sensation of going from a desert environment to a tropical rainforest, all within 37 acres.
8. Heritage Ranch Museum
The Heritage Ranch is home to the San Dieguito Heritage Museum which was founded in 1988. The museum’s goal is to help preserve the history of Leucadia, Encinitas, Olivenhain, Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, and Rancho Santa Fe.
You will get the opportunity to explore several historic homesteads, view ancient artifacts from the Kumeyaay and see old belongings once owned by early pioneers.
Maria Olah
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