Thursday, June 11, 2009

The 7 Most Fun Activities To Do While You're In Encinitas California

By Terry Hunefeld

Encinitas has a different vibe than any of the other beach towns north of San Diego " but what is it that makes it so captivating, so special? Many feel its because Encinitas is still lost in time back in the 1960s when California was a much simpler place, and you can experience that feel by visiting the following must see places:

1. Take A Walk In A Rainforest

When you visit Quail Botanical Gardens, you can feel like youre thousands of miles away from California. Nearly thirty-five acres are dedicated to unique and rare plants from all around the world. Nature walks take you through hidden gardens, exotic bamboo groves, a tropical rainforest, Mediterranean climate landscapes and a cool children's garden. Its all lovely and peaceful here " a place to find butterflies, birds and even bunny rabbits hopping around. Quail Gardens is a place that everyone will enjoy.

2. Why Not Learn To Surf?

Famous Kahuna Bobs Surfing School has been training SoCal surfers for nearly 23 years. He taught me to surf in 1999. His entertaining and totally unique teaching methods put you right at ease when you are learning " and its a load of fun. The Kahuna is so good that the City of Encinitas awarded him the only surf-lesson license at the best beginner surfing beach in all of Encinitas (Beacons Beach) where waves almost always break perfectly for beginners and experts alike.

3. Why Not Become A Beach Boy (or Girl)?

World renown Swamis Beach was made famous in 1963 by the Beach Boys hit song Surfin USA. Only two blocks from downtown Encinitas on U.S. Highway 101, Swamis still draws the finest surfers in the world on a daily basis, making for wonderful watching from the cliffs above. A mammoth wooden staircase with built-in benches takes you down to the beach. The picnic tables along the cliff edge at the top are a breathtaking spot to sit and take in the sweeping views of the ocean and witness phenomenal surfing feats.

4. Take In A Talkie

Do you remember what the old-time movie theaters felt like? You can relive that experience by taking in a film at La Paloma Theatre. They offer a bit of everything from first-run movies to art movies (think Rocky Horror Picture Show) plus surfing and snowboarding film premieres. La Paloma was built in the 1920s and takes you back in time. Plus, the popcorn is to die for.

5. Ommmmm and Meditate At A Real Temple

Indias Swami Yogananda first visited Encinitas more than 60 years ago and built a temple that looks for all the world like youre in India. He built the temple on a spectacular setting " a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Swamis beliefs of love, peace and mediation still attract tens of thousands of followers all over the globe. The lush temple grounds " quiet gardens and lovely ponds " are open daily day to the public for no charge. Here is a special place to walk, breathe deeply, meditate and put life into perspective while the distant surf pounds the cliffs below you.

6. The Best Beach To Work On Your Tan

Moonlight Beach is one of the top five most popular beaches in San Diego and is only a block from downtown Encinitas. You wont find a better beach to work on your tan, go boogie-boarding, enjoy a picnic, play a pick-up game of volleyball, try your hand at surfing or body surfing, people-watch, work on reading that novel or simply relax. There is lots of parking, beach-gear rentals, clean bathrooms and showers, a great childrens playground and cute lunch shop.

7. Relax In Your Private Hot Tub And Watch The Sun Set

Ann Dunham is the hostess at the Inn at Moonlight Beach, a very romantic inn overlooking Moonlight Beach. Sunsets are perfect at Anns inn overlooking both the Pacific Ocean and the quaint beach town of Encinitas. Previous guest have called it a magical place of sand, sea, sun and surf and many anniversaries and honeymoons have taken place here. Be sure to ask Ann about the Penthouse Suite. Inn At Moonlight Beach, 105 N. Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas CA 92024

About the Author:

No comments: