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Encinitas History

The vibrant city now known as Encinitas was named "Encina Canada" by the Governor of Baja, Gaspar de Portola, in 1669.  The name means “Hills of Live Oaks," in Spanish.  The different sub areas of Encinitas were named later.  Olivenhain, which means, "Olive Groves," in German, was settled by, of course, German immigrants. Cardiff by the Sea was named by English settlers after an area in Wales.  Leucadia was named by English Spiritualists after an island in Greece.  It means, “Isle of Paradise,” or “Place of Shelter.”  The neighborhoods of this area were named after the Greek Gods.  Thus you have Neptune, Hygeia, etc. as long streets running through Coastal Encinitas. Prior to this Mexican and European history, the Native Americans who called this area their home were the La Jollans, the Dieguenos, and the San Dieguitos.

Encinitas is bordered on the North by the Batiquitos Lagoon and the San Elijo Lagoon to the South.  These beautiful Lagoon areas are home to over 300 bird Species!  The beautiful flower gardens of Quail Gardens and the Self-Realization Center are some of my favorite areas to explore and relax in.  Some claim Encinitas to be the Flower Capital of the World and Quail Gardens is testament to this claim.  The Self-Realization Center was founded by Yoganandas and has a tropical meditation garden overlooking the crashing waves.  There are koi ponds and waterfalls throughout which make this garden a very special and relaxing place.

The City of Encinitas includes the communities of Old Encinitas (coastal), New Encinitas, Olivenhain, Cardiff by the Sea, and Leucadia. 

West of the Hwy 5

The coastal areas of Encinitas provide the unique combination of beaches and walking districts.  Encinitas has the surf culture similar to Cardiff by the Sea, its neighbor to the south.  But it also has some of the best restaurants in North County, mostly right along the Hwy 101.  Encinitas has a rich beach town history and culture.  It is also the home of the classic auto shows of North County.  If there is one town along California’s Pacific Coast Highway 101, where Old Woody owners and fans come out to every year, it’s Encinitas.  Often, the show will be coordinated with the “Taste of Encinitas.”  This event is where up to 110 restaurants in the walking district of Hwy 101 turn out their specialty dish to residents and guests.  It’s an opportunity to go from restaurant to restaurant to taste what they are known for.  You can go to your favorite spots or try some that you’ve never been to but have always wanted to.  The restaurants of this area are not to be missed.  Primarily an Italian food district, Coastal Encinitas offers some of the best in San Diego.  A couple of my favorites... Vigilucci's and Villa Italia!  There is also contemparary american food found at Sbicca as well as very good Sushi and a couple of good wine bars as well; Gaphneys and Tastes.  Being a wine lover, I am at these wine bars frequently, tasting what's new and worth adding to my collection.  Rounding these out are plenty of great coffee shops, Starbucks as well as local, surf shops and everything in between.

East of the Hwy 5

Encinitas has come a long way. A larger coastal town, Encinitas has a large East area as well as a vibrant and exciting Coastal area.  Inland, it offers some older neighborhoods with large lot sizes.  Olivenhain offers equestrian and rural living. There is a large retail district found in Inland Encinitas with everything from restaurants and cafés of every flavor, to home improvement stores and even a Home Depot.  The area is called the Forum and truly was designed to provide absolutely everything a resident could ever need.  Coming west toward central Encinitas, Encinitas Ranch Golf Course is a gorgeous setting with wide open fairways and stunning Pacific Ocean views.  The course is surrounded by one of my favorite newer Encinitas neighborhoods.  Encinitas Ranch offers large homes of 3 to 7 bedrooms with stunning Golf Course and Ocean views.  This area is also home to the famous Quail Botanical Gardens.

News:  There is going to be a condo resort/spa going in across the way.  This will have a 180 degree view restaurant on top that is being compared with the Montage in Laguna.  Next to that will be a high end shopping center with top notch stores and another restaurant. The Lofts at Moonlight Beach are close to completion.  This mix of retail and residential units is going to be spectacular! There will be an exterior facelift of the Sea Bluff condo complex in North Coastal Encinitas sometime within the next 3 years.  The siding will be cement and will improve the look of the buildings.  The assessment is thought to be somewhere between $40,000 and $50,000, but is yet unknown.

*For additional information call Guy Bahringer @ 858 229 5908.   

• Sandpiper Point: a 33 unit Complex built in 1978 located at 369 West I Street, Encinitas, 92024.
• Seabluffe: a 255 unit Complex built in 1975 located at 1733 Aldersgate Rd, Encinitas, 92024.
• Pacific Panorama: a 19 unit Complex built in 1980 located at 940 Sealane Drive, Encinitas, 92024.
• Haciendas de la Playa: a 99 unit Complex built in 1984 located at 354 Playa Blanca, Encinitas, 92024.
• Santalina: a 56 unit Complex built in 2001 located at 7485 Seashell Court, Carlsbad, 92011.
• Encinitas Real: a 142 unit Complex built in 1981 located at 1406 Flair Encinitas Dr, Encinitas, 92024.
• Cypress Cove: a 9 unit Complex built in 1979 located at 510 4th Street, Encinitas, 92024.
• Pacific Serena: a 360 unit Complex built in 1971 located at 195 Rosebay Drive, Encinitas, 92024.
• Coast Point: a 32 unit Complex built in 1989 located at 552 Orpheus Ave, Encinitas, 92024.
• Encinitas Village: a 71 unit Complex built in 1987 located at 494 Summer View Circle, Encinitas, 92024.
• Rosebay Falls: a 55 unit Complex built in 1980 located at 155 Rosebay Drive, Encinitas, 92024.
• Saxony: a 138 unit Complex built in 1998 located at 565 Sweet Pea Place, Encinitas, 92024.
• West Hampton Cove: a 120 unit Complex built in 1985 located at 237 Mangano Circle, Encinitas, 92024.
• High Country Villas: a 546 unit Complex built in 1975 located at 1958 Irisdale Ct, Encinitas, 92024.
• Pacific Pines: a 184 unit Complex built in 1998 located at 1810 South El Camino Real, Encinitas, 92024.
• Regal View: a 114 unit Complex built in 1974 located at 401 Requeza St, Encinitas, 92024.
• Encinitas Duplex: a unit Complex built in located at Encinitas, CA 92024.
• Village Park: a 184 unit Complex built in 1970's located at 2029 Countryhaven Ct, Encinitas, 92024.
• Sea Lane: a 12 unit Complex built in 1984 located at 920 Sealane Drive, Encinitas, 92024.
• Neptune Cove: a 9 unit Complex built in 1986 located at Neptune Ave.