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. Spend The Day In A Rainforest

Lovely Quail Botanical Gardens is less than a mile from the Pacific Ocean with more than 32 acres full of endangered and extraordinary plants from all around the world. Tours and nature walks each day take visitors down the wonderfully scenic trails (with killer views of the ocean!), through totally unique tropical gardens, arid desert gardens, enormous bamboo groves, California native plant gardens, a rainforest with its own waterfall, Mediterranean gardens, tropical fruit gardens and a unique children's garden. At once beautiful and serene, Quail Gardens is a place to spend an entire day simply enjoying nature in all its splendor.

2. Yes, You CAN Learn To Surf

Kahuna Bobs Surf School has been a local legend for nearly 25 years. His distinctive and engaging teaching style puts brand new surfers at ease during his group or private instruction. In 2009, the City awarded Kahuna Bob with an exclusive surf-lesson license at the best beginner surfing beach in Encinitas, Beacons Beach, where the waves break perfectly for beginning surfers.

3. Become A Beach Boy (or Beach Girl)

Swamis Beach became world-renown in 1963 when the Beach Boys recorded Surfin USA. More than 40 years later Swamis still attracts the worlds top surfers every day. Picnic tables placed along the cliff edge are a spectacular place to take in the all-encompassing view of the Pacific while watching the exceptional surfers and a huge wooden staircase will take you down to the beach to witness the surfing up close and personal.

4. Take In A Movie " At A Real-Life Movie House

If you wax nostalgic for a real old-time movie theater, take in a film at La Paloma Theatre, where they feature first-run hits, art movies and surf/skate/snowboard/music film premieres. Its THE place to see Rocky Horror Picture Show. La Paloma Theatre was built in 1928, and was one of the first theatres to show "Talkies" in 1927 with the Warner Brothers film "The Jazz Singer" starring Al Jolson.

5. Ommmmm and Meditate At A Real Temple

Swami Yogananda came to town in 1936 and built the Self-Realization Temple on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. His philosophy of love and introspection still attracts thousands of followers from around the world. The beautiful Self-Realization Fellowship grounds " lush gardens and Koi ponds " are open to the public each day. Here you can walk, meditate, breathe deeply and put life into perspective " the only sounds you might hear are singing birds and the pounding of the surf on the cliffs below.

6. Really Work On Your Tan

If your visit is anywhere between June and November, Moonlight Beach is by far the most popular beach in North County San Diego to work on that tan. A five minute walk from downtown Encinitas, this State Park (free admission) is the perfect place to simply relax and soak up some sun, have a picnic with your sweetie, get in a game of pickup volleyball, test your surfing skills, try boogie-boarding or body surfing, read your favorite novel, watch people people-watch or simply have fun and take it easy. You will find lots of free parking, a cool life-guard station, a beach-gear rental concession, great showers and restrooms, a nice childrens playground, trendy snack and lunch shop and beach fire-rings to enjoy bonfires in the evening.

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

The Inn at Moonlight Beach is a romantic little Inn perched on a hillside above Moonlight Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the quaint beach town. It's a magical place of sand, sea, sun and surf. 4 lovely ocean-view suites recall a French-European Seaside Inn with spotless private baths, wi-fi internet, refrigerator and Cable TV. All this, yet prices are $50 - $75 less than other Bed & Breakfast Inns in San Diego. Inquire about the Penthouse Suite with its own private balcony and very private hot tub overlooking Pacific Ocean sunsets.