Sunday 17 February 2013

Things Not To Miss While Vacationing In Encinitas

By Terry Hunefeld


Just what is it about Encinitas that makes it so fascinating, so special? Yes, its a gorgeous little beach town, but what makes it so very different from other beach towns in San Diego county? The answer is, in part, the fact that Encinitas is still lost in time " back in the 1960s " when California was a simpler place. But you can still experience some of that feel by visiting the following must see places:

1. Where Else In California Can You 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. Yes, You CAN 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 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. Become A Beach Boy (or Girl)

World renown Swamis Beach was put on the map by the Beach Boys in 1963 when they sang about Surfin USA. Nearly fifty years later, Swamis draws the best surfers on the planet, making for exciting entertainment when watching them from above. An enormous staircase takes you down to the beach if you want to be closer, while picnic tables and benches up-top near the cliff edge give you an eagles view of 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 here 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. Work On Your Tan

The most popular beach in all of North County San Diego is Moonlight Beach, just two blocks from downtown - its a wonderful spot to soak up sun, enjoy a picnic, play volleyball, surf, boogie-board, body surf, read a book, watch other people people-watch or simply take it easy. Its a state park complete with plenty of parking, fine life guard stations, beach-gear rentals, showers, playground, snack and lunch shop and even fire-rings on the beach where you and your friends can enjoy bonfires late into the night.

7. Top It All Off By In A Private Hot Tub Overlooking The Ocean

The Inn at Moonlight Beach is a romantic Bed and Breakfast Inn overlooking the Pacific Ocean. No other B&B Inn is so close to the beach. The lovely rooms and suites remind you of a French-European Seaside Inn. The Penthouse Suite has a private balcony over-looking the Pacific Ocean with its own very private hot tub making for spectacular romantic sunsets.




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