Encinitas

Most visitors come for the surf. Swamis works in almost any condition, but check the swell direction: north and west swells are best. An extreme low tide uncovers tide pools at Swamis. The nearest NOAA tide station is La Jolla, down the coast, so check its low-tide times before you go.

The town sits on bluffs above its beaches and has turned out top surfers for decades. Learn at Cardiff or Moonlight, and move up to Swamis when you're ready.

Beaches and breaks:

• Swamis — The town's best-known break. The waves are consistent and powerful, so it suits intermediate and advanced surfers.
• Cardiff Reef (The Park) — At the south end of Encinitas, with lefts and rights that suit beginners on smaller days.
• Moonlight Beach — The main beach, with volleyball courts, a playground and the sunset crowd on the bluffs above (see below).
• Beacon's Beach and Grandview Beach — Two smaller beaches in Leucadia, at the base of the bluffs. Park on top and take the trail or the stairs down; Grandview is just north of Beacon's.

Away from the water, Leucadia, the north end of town, has the shops along Highway 101. Coast Highway 101 is flat with bike lanes, and you can rent bikes in town. The San Diego Botanic Garden covers 37 acres. Yoga studios are easy to find, Lotus Sun Studios among them, and some hold classes on the beach in the morning. For a beach picnic, Ridge's Market has sandwiches, craft beer and supplies.