You're in Southern California, driving down the 5, top down, ocean on your right. About twenty miles north of San Diego, you pull off the freeway and head into a town full of surfers, breakfast burritos, outdoor cafes, and beaches so beautiful they will freeze you in the sand. Welcome to Encinitas, California. As you take a drive along the 101, you pass a million bikers out for their daily workout. Coffee shops and flip flops are a couple things you will find a lot of in this town. People here live the casual life. They take walks, smile a lot, lay on the beach, keep active outdoors, talk to strangers, and for the most part, enjoy life. How couldn't you when you live in one of the most beautiful places in the world?
It doesn't matter what time of year you visit, Encinitas is always breathtaking. With skies of neon blue and palm trees and grass in the most stunning shades of green, it's almost as if the sun has set this town on fire. Stop by one of the many cafes and treat yourself. The doors are usually always open. One stop, Swami's Cafe, sits with its patio feet away from passing cars and bikers on the 101. Here you can get a ridiculous breakfast or lunch of organic and natural foods while watching surf videos while you wait in line to order. Afterwards, head across the street to the Java Hut for a satisfying blend of fruit smoothies. With your smoothie in hand, take a walk through the nearby Self Realization Gardens to experience some of the most beautiful flowers and ocean views in all of Encinitas.
Before the sun goes down for the day, stop by the Pannikin for a cup of joe. You won't be able to miss this place. The Pannikin is an old yellow train station that has been turned into a coffee and tea shop. You will find local artwork hanging on the walls and people reading outside on the patio. Once you have your cup, take a stroll a few blocks west and watch one of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever experience.
This is only a taste of what you will find here in Encinitas, so stop by and explore for yourself the fresh ocean air, the wonderful people, and the beach cafes. Keep in mind though, you won't want to leave.
