11 Best Hotels in Encinitas San Diego

This is your sign to book a trip to Encinitas! Nestled in North County San Diego, this charming coastal town offers the perfect blend of a relaxed beach town vibe and coastal living. What makes us keep coming back? The world-class surfing, vibrant downtown, and stunning Pacific Ocean views are just a few of the reasons. But what we loved most during our visits was the accommodations. There’s something special about the hotels in Encinitas San Diego. The luxury resorts provided us with more than just fancy amenities, and even the budget-friendly options went the extra mile to enhance our stay. Read on to discover the best lodging options that capture the unique essence of this Southern California gem!

Brisa Pacifica Hotel Encinitas

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If you’re looking for the best hotels in Encinitas that don’t break the bank, take a look at the Brisa Pacifica Hotel Encinitas. One of the things we enjoyed the most was its location. Staying here, we were a mere 11-minute walk away from the beautiful Moonlight Beach. And if you’re traveling by car, you can take advantage of the hotel’s free parking.

Speaking of freebies, we also loved the complimentary continental breakfast. It was a great way to start our mornings without the extra expense of dining out. The outdoor pool was another thing that we liked, offering a refreshing spot to cool down after a day of exploring nearby attractions like the San Diego Botanic Garden and LEGOLAND California Resort.

The rooms here are simple but nothing short of cozy. We booked the King Room and appreciated the practical amenities that made our stay comfortable. We’re talking about the flat-screen TV, microwave, minifridge, and coffeemaker. If you’re a pet owner, feel free to bring your furry pal as this place is pet-friendly.

Moonlight Beach Motel

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When we first arrived at Moonlight Beach Motel, we could immediately feel the warmth of a family-owned establishment that has been welcoming guests since 1976. Nestled just two blocks from the stunning Moonlight Beach, this motel offers exactly what we were looking for – a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and coastal charm.

Our room was a revelation. We opted for the Deluxe Family Suite with multiple beds, which was spacious and well-appointed. The private balcony offered breathtaking views, and we could choose between ocean vistas or peaceful garden scenery. The kitchenette was another great addition, allowing us to prepare simple meals and store our beach snacks and cold drinks.

Mornings at the motel were a treat. Fresh, flaky danishes and hot coffee awaited us in the front office. We truly couldn’t ask for a better way to kick off our beach days. For anyone looking to experience the laid-back California beach lifestyle with all the comforts of home, we cannot recommend Moonlight Beach Motel highly enough.

Cardiff by the Sea Lodge

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The Cardiff by the Sea Lodge is only steps away from San Elijo State Beach, hence its name. This place is a dream come true for beach lovers like us. During our stay, we could easily spend our days soaking up the sun, building sandcastles, or taking long walks along the shore. But we didn’t always have to venture out to have fun.

One of our favorite spots at the hotel was the rooftop deck. The lush landscaping, comfortable seating areas, and panoramic ocean views created a serene and picturesque setting to relax. We also spent many evenings sipping on cocktails, watching the sunset, and stargazing. While the hotel may be on the smaller side, its boutique charm, awesome rooftop area, and personalized service more than made up for it.

The rooms at this lodge are fantastic. There are 17 guestrooms in total, and each has its own unique theme, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The attention to detail in the decor of our room was impressive, and we loved how it was designed to maximize natural light and ocean views. The complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast were added bonuses that made our stay even more enjoyable.

Twelve Senses Retreat

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Best Themed Rooms. The Twelve Senses Retreat is an intimate boutique bed & breakfast inspired by the four elements of nature. With only four guest rooms, each named after an elemental theme, the retreat offers an exclusive and deeply personal experience. We stayed in the Water Room, which immediately caught our attention with its blue hues and large, eco-friendly rain shower. We loved spending our spare time relaxing on the private balcony.

The interior design here is a testament to minimalist luxury, featuring furnishings by iconic designers like Philippe Starck. We often found ourselves lingering in the cozy library, appreciating the carefully selected pieces that create an atmosphere of refined comfort. Even the rooftop bar’s tiles tell a story of sustainability, having been crafted from repurposed ocean plastic waste.

Its location is somewhat tucked away, just a short drive from Moonlight Beach. While situated near a high school in a residential area, the retreat feels like a secluded oasis. The property’s history is fascinating as well. Previously the home of German owner Anke Bodack, it was sensitively rebuilt and expanded in 2019, transforming a personal space into a unique hospitality experience.

Kate Stanton Inn

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Best Service. For a charming B&B experience, you’ll want to spend your nights at Kate Stanton Inn. This is a luxurious B&B perched on a hill, meaning it provides you with stunning ocean views. Don’t worry about the location, though! While we were there, we could easily reach the pristine Moonlight Beach and Carlsbad State Beach on foot. Not to mention, the inn’s complimentary beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas made it easy for us to spend leisurely days by the sea.

One of the things we appreciated the most was the inn’s personalized service. It was evident in the daily gourmet breakfast and the delightful afternoon reception featuring tea, wine, and cheese. We were truly pampered. The community-shared patio, with its sweeping ocean vistas, was “the” spot for us to unwind and socialize with other guests.

There are only 4 spacious guestrooms here, and each is thoughtfully appointed with modern amenities. Think of complimentary Wi-Fi, a comfortable work desk, plush bathrobes, and a refrigerator. We booked the Deluxe Double Room, and it didn’t take long for us to feel at home. Our favorite part? The private patio!

Hampton by Hilton Encinitas-Cardiff Beach Area

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Up next on this list is the Hampton by Hilton Encinitas-Cardiff Beach Area. This is a modest hotel nestled within a residential neighborhood just off I-5. Its convenient location, a short drive from both the serene San Diego Botanic Garden and the sun-kissed Cardiff State Beach, made it an ideal base for our coastal getaway.

Our King Room was a comfortable and functional space, equipped with a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, a coffeemaker, a minifridge, and other standard in-room amenities you can think of. Meanwhile, the addition of a sofabed provided flexibility for our group.

The hotel offered a range of amenities to enhance our stay. We enjoyed relaxing by the outdoor pool and unwinding in the hot tub. And whenever we wanted to maintain our fitness routine, the 24-hour fitness center was a convenient option. Moreover, breakfast and parking were included, adding value to our overall experience. While the hotel may not be the most luxurious option, it offers a clean, comfortable, and affordable stay in a prime location.

The Encinitan Hotel & Suites

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Nestled just off Interstate 5, we found The Encinitan Hotel & Suites to be a perfectly positioned home base for exploring the beautiful Encinitas area. With a mere 7-minute walk to the Pacific Ocean beach, we were thrilled by the hotel’s convenient location. The proximity to San Diego Botanical Gardens and the relatively short drive to LEGOLAND California Resort also made our stay both relaxing and adventure-friendly. (Psst! Check out these best hotels near LEGOLAND San Diego, too!)

Our room called the Enci King, was simply furnished but comfortable and big, with a welcoming balcony that gave us an extra space to enjoy. We also loved the little conveniences like the minifridge and coffeemaker, which made our mornings easier and our snack situation more convenient. For travelers looking for a bit more space or planning a longer stay, check out the two-bedroom suites with kitchens and whirlpool tubs.

The complimentary continental breakfast at this hotel was a definite highlight for us. We could fuel up before heading out to explore the local attractions. And when we didn’t head out, we would take a dip in the outdoor pool. If you’re wondering, there’s a gym and business center, too. Finally, parking is free!

Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas

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Best Resort. The Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is nothing short of spectacular. Overlooking the rugged South Ponto Beach, the resort immediately caught our attention with its impressive architecture that seamlessly blends luxury with coastal California aesthetics. Despite the hotel’s substantial size with nearly 130 guest rooms, it maintains an intimate, boutique hotel feel that makes you feel both pampered and relaxed.

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We booked the King Room and it was everything we wished for and more. It boasted a breathtaking garden view, a 65-inch wall-mounted television, a coffee and tea service from local favorite Lofty Coffee, and a well-stocked mini bar. Meanwhile, the private balcony with a firepit was our favorite spot for evening relaxation.

The hotel amenities were exceptional, too. We loved spending time by the swimming pool, watching the waves crash below, and enjoying the stunning panoramic views. The resort offers two distinct dining experiences that cater to our different moods. VAGA restaurant provided an elegant fine dining experience, while The Pocket offered a more laid-back, surf-inspired atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious tacos and craft cocktails. And for the ultimate self-pampering, the hotel’s luxury spa was our go-to.

For more similar accommodations, take a look at these best all-inclusive resorts in San Diego, California.

Leucadia Beach Inn

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There’s no way we could skip the Leucadia Beach Inn, one of the best hotels in Encinitas California. This is a charming hotel steeped in history. It was originally built in 1920, which is a long time ago. However, this classic hacienda-style building has been thoughtfully renovated, and we were pleased to find the modern comforts while still being able to enjoy its modern character.

The rooms here are spacious and well-appointed, with standard amenities like free Wi-Fi and air conditioning as well as some extras like a well-equipped kitchenette. Our Deluxe King Room offered a serene view of the garden, which allowed us to feel at peace no matter what time it was.

One of the standout features of the Leucadia Beach Inn is its warm welcome to furry friends. As dog owners, we appreciated the provided pet beds, food, and water bowls. The hotel’s prime location near stunning beaches like Grandview and Beacons also made it easy for us to explore the beautiful coastline.

Surfhouse

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Best for Surfers. Nestled just a block away from the legendary Beacon’s Beach, Surfhouse will put you right where you want to be. We were perfectly positioned to catch some of the most breathtaking Southern California sunsets we’ve ever seen. Thanks to the hotel’s location along Highway 101, we were also just steps away from an impressive selection of restaurants and nightlife, more than making up for the lack of on-site dining.

The intimate eight-room property offers a unique twist, as each room is named after famous local surf breaks, creating an immediate connection to the area’s rich surfing heritage. The local artists’ work adorning the walls makes each space more authentic. While our room was compact, we appreciated the thoughtful amenities. Speaking of which, the hotel also offers a relaxing cabana area and an outdoor shower for post-beach cleanup.

As one of the best hotels in Encinitas on the beach, Surfhouse offers complete surf packages, including board rentals, gear, and lessons for all skill levels. For guests seeking variety, the hotel’s 3-night Surf & Golf package offers an incredible blend of activities. Even if surfing isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to enjoy. We found the complimentary beach cruisers perfect for exploring the coastline, and the option to join beachfront yoga classes adds a peaceful dimension to the stay.

Speaking of which, make sure to also check out these best beaches in California!

Inn at Moonlight Beach

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Most Relaxing. The Inn at Moonlight Beach had countless ways to blow our minds away. This is a wellness retreat disguised as a luxury accommodation. As the world’s first WELL-certified hotel, it’s clear that every detail is designed to enhance your well-being. During our stay, we couldn’t resist trying some of the life-changing spa treatments. We also loved the Wellness Lab, which offered us a unique opportunity to participate in workshops. We learned how to create our own Moonlight Stones.

The service was pretty much flawless, too. After hours of flight, we couldn’t help but feel exhausted. However, upon arrival, we were given the hotel’s much-loved Organic Wellness Tea. It was truly refreshing. Plus, we also received some healthy snacks. And speaking of food, we also enjoyed the Healthy Start Breakfast Basket, brimming with local artisanal treats.

Among all of the rooms, we decided to spend our nights in the Studio with a garden view. The serene ambiance of our studio suite was top-notch. We also had a private deck that offered direct access to the garden. Our favorite, though, was the yoga deck and meditation area. Accompanied by the ocean view, we were able to relax for as long as we wanted to.

“From its welcome drinks to its amenities, everything about Inn at Moonlight Beach was flawless. We can’t wait to return!”

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Our Verdict!

Of course, different people have different needs and preferences. The list of the best hotels in Encinitas San Diego above was made to cater to a wide variety of travelers. However, if you still need help choosing the right hotel, take a look at our picks below. We’ve categorized some of the hotels based on the following criteria.

• Best Relaxing: Inn at Moonlight Beach
• Best for Surfers: Surfhouse
• Best Resort: Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
• Best Service: Kate Stanton Inn
• Best Themed Rooms: Twelve Senses Retreat

Where to Stay in Encinitas

So, which part of Encinitas should you call home? The first area we want to recommend is Moonlight Beach. It’s a vibrant and bustling seaside haven in Encinitas, offering a lively atmosphere perfect for beach lovers. With its wide expanse of golden sands, gentle waves, and stunning coastal views, it’s a popular destination for sunbathers, surfers, and families alike. The beach’s central location provides easy access to a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, making it a convenient and exciting place to stay.

There’s also Leucadia. Leucadia is a charming and picturesque coastal town in Encinitas, offering a more residential and quiet atmosphere compared to other areas. With its quaint shops, art galleries, and trendy restaurants, Leucadia provides a unique and sophisticated experience. The town’s slower pace and family-friendly environment make it an ideal choice for those seeking a relaxing and peaceful getaway.

Swami’s is a more laid-back and bohemian neighborhood in Encinitas, known for its beautiful beaches, spiritual community, and relaxed vibe. Surfers flock to the iconic Swami’s surf break, while yoga enthusiasts and spiritual seekers are drawn to the Self-Realization Fellowship. The area offers a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a slower pace and a connection with nature.

Why is Encinitas famous?

Encinitas is famous for its stunning beaches, particularly for surfing, and its vibrant spiritual community.

Is Encinitas worth visiting?

Yes, Encinitas is definitely worth visiting. It’s a charming coastal town with beautiful beaches, a laid-back atmosphere, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like surfing and hiking.

Is it better to stay in Carlsbad or Encinitas?

It depends on your preferences. Encinitas offers a more laid-back, bohemian vibe with beautiful beaches and a charming downtown, while Carlsbad provides a wider range of attractions and a more family-friendly atmosphere.