Encinitas Points of Interest

San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas

(760) 436-3036, www.sdbgarden.org

The Botanic Garden offers a wonderful selection of green life in a pleasing setting for the whole family to enjoy. Nature trails wind through a lush environment with all types of California native plants and exotic species from around the world. You can get lost in the many themes of this 28 acre Garden. There are zones representing Northern and Southern California wildflowers, an Australian zone (with Kangaroos), a Desert Garden (no cacti? see our article here) and one of the most loved, the Shakespeare garden that has all types of plants mentioned in his written works. All these gardens and more are right in the middle of Encinitas.

The San Diego Botanic Garden is open everyday except Christmas Day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cost for adults is $7; students, seniors (62+) and active military with ID, $4 and children (3-12) are $3.

Moonlight State Beach, Encinitas

(760) 753-5093, www.moonlightstatebeach.org

Moonlight State Beach is located one mile south of Encinitas. It is well known for being a beautiful place to watch the sun set over the ocean along with its two mile stretch of sand for surfing or just playing. There are also open grassy areas with picnic tables where you can enjoy a barbeque, free of charge.

Be aware that the beach closes nightly at 10:00 p.m. and reopens around 5:00 am (except on holiday weekends). There is no alcohol allowed on the beach or in the parking lot during the summer months. If you are planning on camping,

be sure to call ahead of time because reservations must be made through the park manager at (760) 753-5091. Year around lifeguard hours are 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., but during the summer months they extend their hours until 8:00 p.m.

The Moonlight State Beach cost is $15 per vehicle for day use; overnight camping is $25 per night (includes two vehicles). Annual passes are available at the park office and can save you some money in the long run if you plan on visiting several times throughout the year.