Where better to kick of your Memorial Day activities than in California’s gem, the City of Encinitas! The beachside oasis takes the beach seriously, and with six miles of Pacific Ocean coastline to its name, the small community is a beautiful reminder of the historic Highway 101 beach culture that has thrived since the mid-1900s. It’s no surprise that the City of Encinitas was named as one of the best surf towns in the world. Whether you live in Encinitas or are visiting, you’ll want to check out these top 5 activities while you’re in town.

Kick off the start of summer and go to the beach! Some of the best beaches in Encinitas include legendary surfing hotspots like Beacon’s, Grandview, Stone Steps, Moonlight State Beach, and Swami’s. Even if you aren’t a surfer, these beaches are also some of the best in the country for sunbathing, relaxing, or spending a beach day with the family.

2. Take a surf lesson! Live the life of a San Diegan for a day and enjoy the popular sport of surfing. There are many to choose from such as Concept Surf Shop and Eli Howard where you can get group lessons, quality equipment, good surf and exciting lessons from a lifelong surfer. Already able to Hang Ten? Then check-out Encinitas Surfboards and Hansen Surfboards Annual Memorial Day Weekend Tent Sale to up your game and grab some merch.

3. Have a beach bonfire and BBQ! Moonlight Beach is one of the few area beaches that has picnic tables, bonfires, a playground, volleyball, lifeguard towers, easy parking and no stair access that creates a perfect family-oriented trip to the beach. A recent 6 million dollar renovation presents clean bathrooms, an additional 10,000 square feet of sandy area, and a new concession stand.

4. Take a scenic beach bike tour! The perfect way to explore and experience all Encinitas has to offer is to bike your way down the coast and discover your favorite spots along the way. Encinitas BCycle is an all-electric bike share program that launched in January 2022 with 65 e-bikes and 125 docks around the city, with more to come. Most of the stations are situated along scenic Highway 101 in what’s known as Old Encinitas, with stations everywhere from Leucadia to Cardiff. With close connections to the commuter train and city bus services, BCycle provides a fun and active alternative to explore the coast for residents and visitors alike.

5. Eat, drink and shop by the beach! The quaint downtown Encinitas shopping district is more than 100 years old. Today, the historic corridor along Highway 101 is home to sidewalk cafes, cute boutiques and shops, great restaurants and breweries. A few local favorites include Le Papagayo, Vigilucci’s Trattoria Italiana, Solterra Winery and Kitchen Fish 101 and Pannikin Coffee and Tea. Modern Times Brewery is fun stop with a full menu of delicious plant-based cuisine and over 30 taps of mind-bendingly tasty beverages. You can’t beat lunch at The Taco Stand, where tacos are made fresh to order on handmade corn tortillas, and there is no better way to end the day and watch the sunset with a cocktail overlooking the Pacific at Vaga Restaurant and Bar at the Alila Marea Beach Resort, a luxury hotel perched on a seaside bluff at Ponto State Beach.

Don’t forget, on Memorial Day, to be part of the National Moment of Remembrance by pausing for a moment of silence at 3 pm local time. Take one minute to remember those who have died serving our country so that we are able to enjoy our freedom and the ability to enjoy all that Encinitas has to offer.

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN ENCINITAS OVER MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND