North County’s Encinitas is rich with incredible dining, exclusive hotels and stunning natural beauty.
Select rooms at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas feature fire pits on the patio; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
At this adult-centered escape, revel in serenity with ocean-view suites, botanic spa treatments at Spa Alila, romantic dinners at the farm-to-table VAGA Restaurant & Bar and drinks afterward at The Pocket, an epic surf-inspired hangout.
Embark on an eco-conscious retreat at this intimate five-suite getaway. Enhance your stay with an afternoon herbal tea time, on-site biodynamic farming, a hands-on wellness lab, plus holistic healing treatments so you can depart relaxed and renewed.
The dining room at Herb & Sea; PHOTO BY DUSTIN BAILEY
East Coast culinary traditions and modern Californian sensibility define Herb & Sea, serving raw bar classics, succulent steaks, pasta and nostalgic desserts—think warm chocolate lava cake and a rich butterscotch budino.
The salmon hand roll at Temaki Bar; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
San Diego native chef Jojo Ruiz is elevating the sushi game, creating flavorful temaki—meaning “hand roll” in Japanese—with warm rice and fresh fish that is always sourced sustainably.
Cozy into The Cottage’s charming eatery for unforgettable service and a decadent brunch of buttermilk coffee cake, brioche French toast, pork belly Benedict and thick-cut Millionaire Bacon Skewers.
From day to night, step inside this jungle-chic lounge for a curated cocktail—like the gin-tinged No. 3—and a few orders of the highly addictive truffle fries topped with Parmigiano Reggiano.
Dine seaside at Cardiff’s Chart House, right off the 101 Highway. The stunning Pacific views complement plates of kimchee calamari, macadamia-crusted mahi mahi and the highly recommended hot chocolate lava cake.
Toast with glasses of natural wine over yellowtail sashimi or chipotle chicken tinga at this eccentric Mexican-style brasserie, a balanced blend of tradition and innovation.
There’s no better dinner backdrop than the beach. Enjoy a robust menu of seafood favorites, sushi and steak, plus a gluten-free and vegetarian menu at Pacific Coast Grill. Don’t forget the tempura banana split!
At Death by Tequila, pair your pours with rich birria tacos or butter-poached lobster empanadas for the ultimate feast.
The Bale Treatment Room at Four Moons Spa; PHOTO BY SHAWN KALLIO
Rooted in holistic healing, Four Moons Spa offers naturopathic medicine, traditional spa treatments and transformative exercises that hone in on divine energy in each layer of our being. Spend the day trying one of the many services, or relax in the serenity of the courtyard.
The hillside exterior of ICA San Diego; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
The Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego presents a dynamic platform, allowing onlookers to learn, challenge and ultimately shape the future. Catch one of the museum’s current exhibitions, such as Superflex: Beyond the End of the World, emphasizing interspecies living.
Visit the Canary Islands Garden at San Diego Botanic Garden. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
With 37 acres highlighting over 5,000 plant species, the San Diego Botanic Garden is a seaside sanctuary for those looking to get lost among the greenery or learn something new through the many on-site education and wellness classes.
Whether you’re ready to paddle out into the waves or relax along the shore, this south-end surf staple welcomes the public to enjoy its steep bluffs and stunning beauty all day long.
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