Neighborhoods to Know and Go: Encinitas, California

Encinitas, CA is a sleepy surf community a half-hour north of San Diego. Walk around the small downtown that centers around South Coast Highway 101, and the seemingly mandatory bathing-suit-and-flip-flops dress code tells you that this is a beach town. And that's why people come here�for the six gorgeous miles of Pacific coastline in North County (northern San Diego County).

You won't be overwhelmed by tourist attractions in Encinitas. There's not much here as far as shopping, mostly just tchotchke shops. This is a place to visit so you can kick back and enjoy the view. But between the sand, surf and picturesque places to unwind, you'll have plenty to do.

What to Do

· Hit the Beach
There are 11 beaches in Encinitas. You'll spot most of the crowd swimming and tanning at Moonlight State Beach at the foot of Encinitas Boulevard and all of the other beaches that dot the area. But you'll see only serious surfers at Swami's Beach, at the south end of the Self-Realization Fellowship Hermitage and Meditation Gardens, to catch the amazing waves that swell high here.

· Self-Realization Fellowship Hermitage and Meditation Gardens
The grounds of this temple provide the most beautiful views in the city. The pretty gardens are perched high on a bluff overlooking the water. The peaceful, quiet atmosphere and amazing view draws people here to meditate, read or just snap photos. The temple opens its grounds to all, so you can wander around, just keep it down to be respectful to those who are meditating outdoors.

· San Diego Botanic Garden
These gardens are another relaxing and gorgeous spot. Walk the trails in the 35-acre grounds and stop at the bamboo garden to see the nation's largest collection of bamboo, the Mexican Garden to see the plant people (see above), and to cool off and chill out, visit the shady Tropical Rain Forest with its waterfall and pools. Kids will love the Hamilton Children's Garden, which has an authentic tree house.

Where to Eat and Drink

· E Street Cafe
If you plan on doing some early-morning surfing, stop by E Street Cafe for some organic coffee. The airy cafe is only several blocks from D Street Beach, where you can bring your java and admire the view from the wooden observation deck leading to the sand.

· East Village Asian Diner
After spending the day hitting the water, you'll be famished. Come to this cute dinner that serves Asian fusion comfort food. The hearty rice bowls are tasty, like the above sweet and sour chili shrimp bowl with peas, onion, bell peppers and zucchini. Then get a pint of Sapporo or some sake and kick back and watch Asian flicks like Shaolin Soccer on the flat-screen televisions.

[Photos: Jennifer Kester]

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