Locals Guide: Encinitas, California

San Diego as a whole is known as an ideal vacation destination and with over 70 Miles of coastline, beautiful beaches, and a temperate climate pretty much all year long it’s not hard to wonder why. 

Encinitas in particular has always been a haven for surfers, hippies, and anyone looking to slow down and enjoy some sunshine and a laid back vibe but for us it is simply home. This little beach town is where our journey as a brand first started, it’s our backyard, our community, our playground, and our inspiration. 

If you have some flexibility in your dates, check out the off season in Spring or later in the year towards September and October for what we call “locals Summer” when the water is warm and the beaches are quieter. 

Around Town

Ironsmith Coffee

Just as you enter Encinitas keep your eyes open for a little coffee shop on the corner called Ironsmith Coffee. For those who love to start their day with an amazing cup of coffee, a pastry, and an all around great vibe this is the place for you. Ironsmith takes great pride in the coffee they serve and they roast all of their beans in house. This little powerhouse of a coffee shop has started to gain some major recognition, winning awards and even being featured in some big publications like Gweneth Paltrow’s “Goop Guide”. 

Grandview Beach 

One of our favorite beaches and a local surf hotspot is Grandview Beach. The beach access is tucked away on a back street with plenty of parking and an epic palm tree lined walkway down to the beach. Take a minute to pause on your way down, breathe in that ocean air, and check out the classic California coastline that stretches for miles in both directions. 

Moonage Food Co.

For a quick bite to eat we recommend stopping by Moonage Food Co. Easily spotted from the 101 Coast highway by the artwork on the front gate, loved by locals, but still relatively unknown to tourists this food truck turned community hangout has some of the best tacos and burritos you’ll find. In their own words they are “Taking inspiration from international cuisine, California sun, some good ol’ rock-n-roll, and all the amazing people we’ve met along the way” and creating some fun new menu items that are hard not to love. 

Vuori Store 

A trip to Encinitas wouldn’t be complete without stopping by our Flagship Vuori store.This store was our first official store location, our community hub, and our launching pad for everything that Vuori would become and is still continuing to grow to be. Stop by for some new gear, hang out with our awesome staff, and see where all the magic started. 

Culture Brewing 

Right next door to our Vuori store is an awesome place to grab a cold drink at the end of the day. Culture Brewing’s space is modern, bright, open, airy, and welcoming. Created with the belief that people, art, community spaces, and beer can bring people together in unique and special ways, Culture often features local artists and serves up beer that anyone will love. 

Sunset 

Whatever you’re doing, wherever you are, do not miss a chance to catch the sunset while you’re here. You’ll notice that as the sun starts to go down everyone, including the locals, will start to wander towards the coast to watch the sun start to dip over the ocean. No matter how long you’ve lived here, no matter how many times you visit, nothing beats a Southern California coastal sunset. Take a minute to pause, slow down, and enjoy. We promise it will be nothing short of epic.

Tag @vuoriclothing with your favorite spots in Encinitas!

Written by: Kayla Pratson