A Love Letter to My Local Favorites: A Travel Like a Local Guide to Encinitas & Leucadia, CA
If you’ve ever fallen for a place because of the way it feels, you’ll understand why Encinitas and Leucadia have my heart. This little pocket of North County San Diego is where sun-soaked mornings blend into salty ocean breezes, and small-town charm shows up in the form of weathered picnic tables, friendly baristas who know your order, and taco shells fried fresh just for you.
This isn’t a list of “Top 10 tourist attractions.” It’s the places I take my friends when they visit — the spots that make everyday life here feel like something special. Think farmers market mornings, tacos after the beach, gelato before an old movie, and pizza under the heat lamps with the ocean just down the street.
Here’s my local guide — part love letter, part itinerary — to eating, sipping, and exploring like you actually live here.
1. Farmers Markets & Farm Stands
There’s something grounding about starting the week (or ending it) at a farmers market. The colors, the smells, the samples — they’re like a little reset button.
Carlsbad Wednesday Market – This market is large and lively. It’s the perfect way to reset and restock midweek.
Leucadia Sunday Farmers Market – Held at an elementary school, this one is pure community vibes. My son and I grab something delicious from one of the hot food vendors, eat it while he plays on the school playground, then wander the aisles for our favorite produce, fresh eggs, and local honey.
Coastal Roots Farm Stand – More than a place to buy veggies, it’s a mission-driven farm that gives back to the community and teaches about sustainable agriculture. Their non-profit provides thousands of pounds of food to those in need. Check their website you can see what activities they are hosting on the farm, such as a film or and opportunity to learn about their farming practices.
Insider tip: Go early for the best produce, or closer to closing for deals.
2. Sweet Treats & Perfect Sips
I have a few non-negotiables when it comes to coffee and dessert around here, and they’re all worth a detour.
Gelato 101 – This is the spot for the best dirty chai latte in town. If you’ve never had a dirty chai before, make your first one from here — trust me. And yes, the gelato is phenomenal (my go-to is something tropical). Bonus? It’s right across the street from La Paloma Theater, a gloriously old-school movie theater from the 80s that plays everything from E.T. and Star Wars to international surf films. I’ve been known to take my gelato and chai inside, mix it with my movie popcorn, and watch with my son for a full-on nostalgic experience.
JoJo’s Creamery – A must if you love ice cream with a side of whimsy. Their scoops come with a freshly baked cookie, and they do salty-sweet like nobody’s business.
Lofty Coffee – Always strong, never bitter. Their flat white is perfection. Inside tip, ask for a Mozec if you want a twist on a classic mocha. Sometimes I’ll grab one before heading to the farmers market or for a morning beach walk. Their breakfast and lunch options are solid as well. Can’t go wrong.
3. Tacos Worth the Detour
North County does tacos right, and I have my rotation locked in. More often than not, the shops right next to the gas station have the best offerings. Trust me!
Cancun at the Berri Brothers Gas Station – I’m addicted to their Crunchy Shredded Beef Tacos. The crunch on their tacos is next-level. They fresh fry each tortilla, so it’s nothing like those mass-produced shells from Taco Bell. The meat reminds me of Cuban Ropa Vieja. Incredibly flavorful. I like to eat the cruncy tacos at the restaurant so the shell doesn’t get soggy.
Agave (also in a gas station) – Birria dreams come true here. Don’t skip the lard-cooked beans either! This is to-go only. There is no seating at the restaurant. Fun tip- the gas station has an interesting assortment of global candies. You’ll find Kit-Kats from Japan, Gummy candies from Sweden and Cadbury chocolate from Europe.
Serrano’s in the Lazy Acres Plaza – Dollar-ish street style al pastor and fish tacos that are perfect for grabbing on your way to Moonlight Beach. These are our go to tacos when we have a crowd of kids to feed.
Lourdes Mexican Food – Their veggie burrito is legendary, and their chicken soup is worth crossing town for. I’ve made it a point to try all the veggie burritos in the hood and this one is my favorite.
4. Pizza & Burger Nights
Whether it’s date night or a post-beach quick bite, these are my tried-and-true picks.
Corner Pizza – Feels very Leucadia in the best way. Weathered picnic tables, ocean breeze, heat lamps for chilly nights, and sometimes a DJ to set the vibe. Their cheese pizza is hands-down the best in town — and that’s coming from an East Coaster who knows her pizza. The cheese-to-sauce ratio is perfection. The sausage pizza is our second favorite, and we always order the Caesar salad with thick, garlicky dressing. Bonus points for their curated wine selection.
Hamburger Hut – A parent’s dream. There’s a Pac-Man machine for the kids, a large patio with lawn games, and a menu that makes everyone happy. My son can play while I enjoy a cocktail — it’s basically magic.
5. Moonlight Beach: The Local Playground
Moonlight Beach isn’t just a place to swim — it’s a hub. There are swings and slides for the kids, grassy spots for picnics, fire pits for s’mores nights, and a volleyball net for when you’re feeling competitive. The parking is easy (a small miracle in California beach towns), and it’s the perfect place to bring your taco haul from Serrano’s or your coffee from Lofty.
6. How to “Travel Like a Local” in Encinitas & Leucadia
Walk the Coast Highway – Start at one end and let yourself drift in and out of boutiques, cafes, and little surf shops.
Time your farmers market trips – Early for the best selection, later for bargains and a more laid-back crowd.
Pair your food stops with beach time – Almost everything here is within a few minutes of the ocean.
Why I Love Supporting Local
Part of the magic here is that most of these spots are small businesses run by people who live in the community. Every coffee, taco, and market purchase keeps that small-town charm alive. And honestly? The memories — post-beach pizza nights, Sunday market playground hangs, gelato-and-a-movie dates with my son — are worth every penny.
Market day essentials I love: [tote bag], [reusable water bottle], [favorite sunscreen].
FAQ
Q: Can I do all of this in one day?
A: You could, but I wouldn’t. Part of the charm is slowing down and letting yourself enjoy each spot.
Q: Is Encinitas walkable?
A: Parts of it are — especially along Coast Highway — but to hop between neighborhoods, you’ll want a car or bike.
Q: Are these spots kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely. Between the playgrounds, beach, and casual restaurants, it’s an easy place to explore with little ones.