Encinitas is a world-renowned Southern California destination, celebrated for its vibrant culture, natural beauty, and rich history.

Highlights on the coast include surfing and swimming at such beaches as Beacon’s, StoneSteps, Moonlight, Swami’s, and Cardiff; sampling the eclectic eateries or windowshopping historic storefronts along Coast Highway 101; visiting the quiet fountain and mural of the Christian Science Garden or the exquisite path of flowers and trees leading to the koi pond of the Self-Realization Fellowship’s Meditation Gardens. Art lovers explore the murals, sidewalk mosaics, and galleries of the Civic Arts Corridor, the many ceramics and paintings at the Public Library, seasonal Leucadia ArtWalks and Encinitas Art Nights, and classes at the Pacific View Arts Center, which is steps away from the 1883 Schoolhouse, home to the Encinitas Historical Society, and two blocks from the 1929 Boathouses, forever landlocked but built from remnant planks of a dance pavilion on Moonlight Beach.

A bit inland you will find the Coastal Roots Farm, San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center, San Diego Botanic Garden, San Dieguito Heritage Ranch and Museum, Indian Head trails, Institute of Contemporary Art North, and the 1894-95 Olivenhain Meeting House. And everywhere you will come upon public art, some 900 works created by Encinitans in 40+ media, including mosaics, stained glass, ceramics, fence paintings, fanciful mailboxes, illustrated bookbooks and miniature galleries, wildflower transformer boxes, driftwood carvings, sculptures in bronze, steel, acrylic, and titanium.

Free guided downtown tours are offered by the Historical Society at 10:00 AM on the third Saturday of each month, excluding August. These alternate between tours north and south of the Schoolhouse. Contact us to arrange a private tour for individuals or groups. Under the guidance of its archivist, Hillel Schwartz, the EHS has also been compiling a full inventory of public art in Encinitas. Soon, in collaboration with Visit Encinitas and a design group at MiraCosta College, there will be walking and cycling tours of this art.

To explore at your own pace, install the Otocast app on your smartphone by clicking the green icon or Google Play link. Otocast guides you through Encinitas with GPS-triggered insights, photos, and audio commentary at each point of interest.

Google Play

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Donations

The EHS relies on grants, bequests, and donations to fulfill its mission.

We have 501(c)3 status, so all donations are tax-deductible; receipts will be issued for all forms of payment.

Donate at your convenience:

a) Point your camera at the QR code to pay with credit card, Venmo, CashApp, Apple Pay, PayPal, etc.

b) Click this line to donate with credit card, Venmo, CashApp, Apple Pay, PayPal, etc.

c) Mail a check payable to the Encinitas Historical Society, and addressed – 1883 Schoolhouse, Re: Donation, 390 West F Street, Encinitas CA 92024. Please provide your email address and phone number.

d) Visit our Schoolhouse and be amazed by our racks of thematic gifts!