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The SouthwestBlend.com guide to the events, attractions, shops, services, dining, lodging and visitor information for Encinitas, California. |
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About Encinitas Encinitas was
founded over 100 years ago. The first inhabitants were three Indian tribes
- the San Dieguitos, the La Jollans and the Diequenos. The Diequenos were
mission converts and assisted in the establishment of Spanish Missions.
Gaspar de Portola, who was the Governor of Baja California in 1669, led an
expedition through the San Diego and Monterey areas. He wanted to build
many presidios thus creating a base for schools and religion. The
expedition made its way through Encinitas on the El Camino Real and
because of the oak trees on the surrounding hills, he named the area
Encina Canada (spanish for Hills of Live Oaks). The area eventually gave
way to Mexican rule and in the 1800s, the Mexican Government gave land
grants to ranchers who would establish settlements in the San Diego area,
under Mexico’s rule. In 1881, the first American to settle here was
Jabez Pitcher. In 1870, English spiritualists named their settlement -
Leucadia - after one of the Greek Isles (meaning ‘Isle of Paradise’ or
‘Place of Shelter’). The streets were named after Greek gods and
mythical figures. Cardiff was founded in 1875 by the Mackinnon family and
the town was established by J. Frank Cullen in 1909. It is named after
Cardiff, Wales. In 1884, a group of Germans founded Olivenhain. The old
Olivenhain Meeting Hall is still used today for social events and
meetings. The Historical Boat Houses are on 726 and 732 Third Street. Built by Miles Kellog as two homes, they were never intended for the water. They were built out of salvaged wood from two historic buildings that were demolished in 1928 - The Moonlight Beach Dance Parlor and the third floor of the first Encinitas Hotel. The Boat Houses are equipped with a mariner’s wheel and chart desk in the pilot house, a gallery, portholes, cabins and a rudder. These are now residences. The Paul Ecke Poinsettia Ranch grows 90 % of the Poinsettias grown in Encinitas. The ranch, founded in 1923, is located on Saxony Drive. Take the Nursery Hoppers Tour - there are many nurseries and gardens in Encinitas - hence the name ‘Flower Capital’. The Ranch is closed to the public except for on special occasions - call the Encinitas Visitor Center for updated information (760) 753-6041. Quail Botanical Gardens is home to the largest bamboo collection in the United States. Quail Botanical Gardens boasts an extraordinary collection of plants from all over the world. They have a gift store, children’s garden and are popular for their events such as the Bamboo Sale and their fall Plant Sale. It is also the perfect setting for a garden wedding, reception or special occasion. Tel: (760) 436-3036 or visit them on-line at www.qbgardens.com The San Dieguito Heritage Museum was founded in 1988 and is temporarily located at 561 S. Vulcan Ave. (760) 632-9711. They are open Weds.- Sat. from 10 am - 3 pm and are available by appointment. They currently feature a Kumeyaay Indian wicki-up and grinding stones, Mexican Rancheros costumes, an Olivenhain furnished shanty, and changing exhibits of old fashioned toys and artifacts. They also have a collection of over 8000 historic photos.-Explore local history through exhibits and collections dating from Pre-historic times to the present. Open to the public. Group tours also welcome. Tel: (760) 6329711. La Paloma Theatre. In the 1920s movie stars discovered Encinitas as a seaside oasis. Some moved to Encinitas and built homes here such as Bessie Love and Charlie Chaplin. Aubrey Austin, president of the Santa Monica Savings Bank, financed the construction of the La Paloma Theatre which opened it’s doors on Feb.11, 1928. It is said to be the first ‘talking’ theatre in the rural United States. The theatre doors are still open for local events and of course for movies. It is located on Coast Highway 101. The Self-Realization Fellowship. Enjoy the peace and beauty of this spiritual retreat. Explore their tranquil meditation gardens with fish ponds, resting areas and an exquisite view of the Pacific Ocean. The gardens are open from Tues.- Sat. from 9 am - 5 pm and are located on 939 Second Street. The Seaside Bazaar on Coast Highway 101 - near the La Paloma Theater, is a colorful outdoor flea market. It is only open on weekends and is a great place to buy art/craft items. 101 Artists Colony promotes local art and weekly events on the cultural aspect of this area. Stop by and enjoy their ever changing exhibits or listen to a poetry reading. (760) 632-0696. Leucadia Farmers Market: Every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm near the beach on the interior grounds of Paul Ecke Elementary School.
Farmers Market every Friday from 2:00pm - 5:00pm in the lumberyard
Shopping Center (the southern end). Flowers, vegetables, breads and fish
are available at our farmers market in historic downtown Encinitas.
Articles about Encinitas
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Downtown
Encinitas Main Street Association at (760) 943-1950 ,on-line at 
The Encinitas
Chamber and Visitor
Center - Visit our Visitors Center for area information, maps, events,
and discounted tickets to Legoland, Encinitas souvenirs and clothing line. 138
Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA (800) 953-6041
Leucadia-Encinitas Hwy 101
MainStreet Associaton, (760) 436-2320,