Things to Do in Encinitas, California: Don't Miss This North County San Diego Gem
San Diego is an enormous county. In fact, it's around 4,500 mi.². I just Googled that. I definitely didn't know that off the top of my head. In North County San Diego alone, there's Del Mar, Escondido, Oceanside, Solana Beach, & more cities. Looking for best things to do in Encinitas? Drive Coast Highway 101 or head to Swami's Beach, Moonlight State Beach, San Diego Botanic Garden, or Encinitas Historical Society. There's a lot you can do. Keep reading!
I enjoy international travel as much as the next person. I visited Spain, Germany, Mexico, & Norway, which proved more than ever that small moments matter, no matter where you are. You have to supplement those getaways with something budget-friendly, something local. At the end of the day, I'm a San Diego lifestyle blogger at heart! There's always something exciting to do in San Diego.
You might also want to read my blog post Encinitas Coffee Shops: Searching for the Best Coffee in Town where I list all the coffee shops in Encinitas all in one place.
Things to Do in Encinitas CA - North County, San Diego
Restaurants, Coffee Shops, What to See: Things to Do in Oceanside, California
Whether you like coffee drinks or walks by the beach, there are plenty of things to do in Encinitas, California. Read this guide for Encinitas points of interest whether you're a North County San Diego local or an out-of-town visitor!
Hanging out at the Moonlight Beach overlook with a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean |
Head to Encinitas Beaches
Encinitas is a beachside town with miles of trails, there are a lot of beaches in this part of North County San Diego! Moonlight State Beach is one of my favorite places to relax, it even has a snack bar. Play volleyball with your friends or dip your toes in the water. Moonlight Beach is beautiful & I've seen some of the best sunsets of my life there. Want other beach options? Check out Cardiff State Beach, San Elijo State Beach, or Swami's State Beach. Again, heaps of beaches & best things to do in Encinitas. Moonlight Beach is a personal favorite of mine, snack bar is cool, but bathrooms can get messy. You can surf or just stare at the ocean! You'll find one of the best views in Encinitas!Related reading: Carlsbad Coffee Shops - Searching for the Best Coffee in Carlsbad, California
What is Encinitas famous for? How much does it cost to live in Encinitas?
Go Downtown
The bustling streets of Encinitas await. Watch a film at La Paloma Theater, which opened in 1928. Moonlight Beach is right there too. There are even things to do in Encinitas with kids. Go to any beach! Moonlight Beach or the tide pools. Stroll along the coast & you'll realize why Encinitas is such a great place. It's popular for a reason.
Grab a cup of coffee
The city of Encinitas has no shortage of coffee shops. Head to Pannikin Coffee & Tea for a coffee & a muffin. Their muffins are enormous & perfect for sharing. I love the Aztec Mocha from Lofty Coffee Co.; it has a spicy kick thanks to the cayenne. There's also Better Buzz Coffee Roasters, Ironsmith Coffee Roasters, Coffee Coffee, Philz Coffee, & a few other spots.
Related reading: 40+ Things To Do In Conejo Valley, California
In awe of the view from the Self-Realization Fellowship Encinitas Temple |
Spend Time in a Garden
The Self-Realization Fellowship Encinitas Temple is one of my favorite spots in North County San Diego because it has some remarkable views. Relax in the peaceful Self Realization Fellowship meditation gardens. Stare at the majestic koi swimming in their ponds. Look out at the vast Pacific Ocean. It's free to enter but donations are welcome. If you want to spend some time in nature with over 4,000 types of plants, visit the San Diego Botanic Garden. The Self Realization Fellowship meditation gardens are certainly worth a visit if you're in Encinitas CA, Southern California!Support Local & Buy Souvenirs
Stroll Downtown Encinitas Main Street for all the cool retail stores & businesses. Caravan West is a bohemian paradise with baskets, blankets, books, & more. Check out Moon Shadow Boutique for bohemian fashion & vintage home accessories. Crystals, hair salons, home decor, kids boutiques, men's clothing, stationery, swimwear, women's clothing, there are local Encinitas, Southern California options for any gift or souvenir need. Downtown Encinitas has a lot of spunky shops!
Related reading: Things To Do in Torrance, California
A coffee & giant muffin from Pannikin Coffee & Tea is one of my favorite things to do in Encinitas |
Drive Historic Highway 101
Spend the day along Highway 101 driving along the beach. Go on a drive after spending time at the San Diego Botanic Garden or at the meditation gardens. Drive North County. U.S. Highway 101 runs through the states of California, Oregon, & Washington. Highway 101 is the longest highway in California. Drive down a piece of history in Encinitas. Downtown Encinitas Main Street is conveniently located on Highway 101; park your car then shop some of the local boutiques & stores.Eat Delicious Food at Encinitas Restaurants
Spend a day at the beach savoring the waves then head to a place to eat. Get a burrito or tacos or anything - you're in a beach city after all. Surf by day then visit a taco shop for a great meal. Go to the nature center or Coast Hwy 101 Encinitas.Fresh fish, tasty vegetarian food, gluten-free options, raw & organic desserts, Downtown Encinitas has restaurants food for all your needs! My other personal favorite restaurants in the city of Encinitas: pastries from St. Tropez Bakery & Bistro ♥ hot & prepared foods from Lazy Acres Natural Market ♥ Machacha Breakfast Burrito from Mozy Cafe (two eggs, jack cheese, & soy chorizo instead of turkey) ♥ organic, fresh options from GOODONYA like the Breakfast Veggie Bowl ♥ EVE Encinitas for all things vegan ♥ Home & Away Encinitas has affordable food & a beautiful space with hand-painted art
Drink Craft Beer at Encinitas Breweries
San Diego County has over 150+ breweries; it's one of the best place to find beer, so it's no surprise that the city of Encinitas has a few craft beer options. Saint Archer Brewing Co. has happy hour from 4-6 pm Monday through Friday - get $2 off a pint. Enjoy plant-based food & a full food menu (in addition to a full craft beer list, obviously). Sip on Thorn Brewing Co. at Home & Away Encinitas. Modern Times Far West Lounge. Culture Brewing Co. always features artists on their walls, so they're kind of like an art gallery with beer. North County has dozens of beer options.How About Cocktails?
Sip on a sexy cocktail at any number of cool Downtown Encinitas CA spots. In addition to a full food & craft beer menu, Bread & Barley has a number of signature cocktails (like the Leucadia Sunrise made with vodka, lemon, lavender, elderflower, cucumber), brunch cocktails, & classics. The Roxy is another classic go-to on Encinitas Main Street. Home & Away Encinitas has some tasty cocktails. Solterra Winery and Kitchen for wine!From La Paloma Theater to the farmers market, Encinitas is open to the public with plenty to offer. What are your favorite things to do in Encinitas? Do you like Moonlight Beach & Highway 101? Would you go surfing? Have you been to Self Realization Fellowship gardens?
Other places to visit in San Diego: La Jolla, Solana Beach, San Elijo Lagoon, anywhere on El Camino Real. Diego, California is a large county & it would take a long time to explore the whole place but you can have fun trying. Enjoy your visit & experience the best has to offer.
Did I miss something? Leave a comment with your 3 favorite things to do in Encinitas.
Have you visited Encinitas CA or North County San Diego? Do you like to explore your own city? :]
Prosource Acupressure Mat and Pillow: Do Acupressure Mats Actually Work?
Sometimes I casually lie down on a bed of needles to release tight muscles & relieve stress. What the hell am I babbling about? Does it help with shoulders or back pain? What about neck and back pain? What about using an acupressure mat for feet or other areas of the body? How many minutes do you stay on it? Do acupressure mats really work? How do you acupressure your feet? Which is the best acupressure mat? Pain sucks, so let's do what we can to keep it at bay. Do you have problems like that also? You don't have to be in pain forever. Acupressure mats might be useful. Get familiar with what the spike mats can do.
This magical invention is called an acupressure mat & acupressure pillow. The acupressure mat and pillow set only cost $20. It's spectacular! You can buy it from Amazon & you totally need a mat in your life. Keep reading to find out all about what it does, how to use it, & where to buy one. I bought the ProSource acupressure mat.
What Does an Acupressure Mat Do? Do acupressure mats really work?
Choose a surface to put it on, whether it's the floor or your chair, couch, against the wall. The harder the surface, the more pressure you'll feel. Acupressure mats are basically a bed of nails. At its core, an acupressure mat is a self-applied acupuncture device. You can lay on it, roll on it, sit on it, stand on it, stretch on it. The spiky bits on the mat hit your acupressure points to assist in any back or neck and shoulders pain. You can use it for your feet, legs, arms, & various areas of the body. You use your own weight of your body to heal your body. I've been using the acupressure mat and pillow for over a year, so I developed an understanding of how to use the spike mat & how it benefits me. I use it frequently, especially when my back acts up. Acupressure mats are pretty cool.Some best-selling mats available on Amazon:
INTEY Acupressure Mat and Pillow Massage Set Ideal for Back/Neck Pain Relief & Muscle Relaxation, Sleep Aid with Carrying Bags - click here to view it on Amazon.
At Home Back and Neck Pain Relief - Acupressure Mat and Neck Pillow Set - Stress and Sciatic Pain for Optimal Health and Wellness - click here to view it on Amazon.
Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set - Stress Reliever - Muscle Relaxant - Free Tote Bag - Acupressure Mat and Neck Pillow Set. Comes in a Carry Box with Handle for Storage and Travel - click here to view it on Amazon.
ProSourceFit Acupressure Mat - Find it on Amazon.
Related reading: Why Fresh Mint Tea is My Holy Grail
* Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.
Acupuncture mats are the hot new thing, well not so new, but you get the point. It helps your body feel looser & aids in pain relief via the pressure points. I bought the acupressure mat and pillow set since it was so affordable. Have you tried an acupuncture mat for lower back and neck and shoulders pain relief? Afterward, it feels like someone gave you a massage or foot rub. You get to feel body relief & that is a wonderful feeling.
Place the mat on the floor. The spikes stimulate pressure points along the areas of the body. People stay on them for a range of time, from just a few minutes to 30 minutes and up.
I chose the grey acupressure mat & pillow set. Chic. Timeless. It goes with the grey rug I bought from Target. But the acupressure mats are available in a delightful range of colors like black, blue, green, pink, purple, & orange. Which color would you pick?
It helps relieve pain in my right shoulder blade from an injury I got in college. It relaxes my muscles in a way nothing else has (other than the equipment my physical therapist used during my semester of rehabilitation. The acupressure mat & pillow set turned out to be one of my favorite Amazon purchases of all time. So worth it. Use it again & again for only $19.99. Worth it for lower back pain. Don't forget that this also comes with an acupressure neck pillow, not only the mat. Your neck could get some relief also.
What are the acupressure mat benefits? Do acupressure mats actually work?
Do acupressure mats do anything? I roll out my spike mat, lie down on it, then roll gently side to side to help release tension in my upper back pain. Essentially, you relax on this “bed of needles” to massage various pressure points on your body. The little spikes can potentially help you self-massage, relieve stress, tension, or pain. It might even help you fall asleep.It helps relieve pain in my right shoulder blade from an injury I got in college. It relaxes my muscles in a way nothing else has (other than the equipment my physical therapist used during my semester of rehabilitation. The acupressure mat & pillow set turned out to be one of my favorite Amazon purchases of all time. So worth it. Use it again & again for only $19.99. Worth it for lower back pain. Don't forget that this also comes with an acupressure neck pillow, not only the mat. Your neck could get some relief also.
It truly feels so good on my back; the pain goes away for a bit. If you're skeptical about acupressure mats, they aren't magical but they are useful. Use the mat for yourself or buy one for a loved one. Actually, as you get used to it, people love using an acupressure mat for relaxation because it ends up being kind of comfortable once you lay on top of that for a while. You can find different angles and pressures.
How long should you lay on acupressure mat?
You can place them out on the floor, on the chair, against a wall. You can use it every day or you may never use it if you keep it hidden away in your garage or closet. Minutes are up to you. On average, I use my mat once per week but you could easily utilize it more frequently, if not every day. You can do 10 Minutes or lay on it for 30 minutes.I like to leave it in the living room area so it's easily accessible with other fitness gear. If you are new to the whole experience, just try it out for a little bit. Make sure you're wearing clothes so you build up a tolerance & get a feel it. Once you have a grasp of the pain level, you can approach with bare skin so you can feel the full effect. If you want to try bare skin first, that's fine too.
That said, mine is well preserved with no stains or anything. The mat & acupressure pillow both have removable covers also. Spot wash & you're ready to go.
Using It For Your Feet: How do you acupressure your feet?
It feels great on your feet too. If you stand directly on your feet you'll be applying maximum pressure of all your bodyweight. Use one foot at a time to apply pressure to work on tender areas or increase blood flow. It feels like a foot massage. You can check out a reflexology foot map to see which pain points go with what.
ProSource Acupressure Mat
So you might be interested now & wondering what are the best acupressure mats out there? There are so many mats & acupressure brands out there, so take things into account as you decide what to buy! Use the mat every day or weekly.
I bought my spike mat on Amazon from a brand called ProSourceFit. Made from 100% thick cotton & plant-based eco-foam, the ProSource acupressure mat has 6,210 acupressure points & the neck acupressure pillow has 1,782 acupressure points. That's a lot of spikes!!
When my shoulder acts out, I use the acupressure mat because of its benefits relieve some tension. I messed up my shoulder in college & had to do physical therapy for a semester to curb the pain. It truly makes the area feel better, relaxed, relieved. Buy an acupressure mat & pillow set only $19.99, available on Amazon. Grab one for a friend; it makes a great gift!! It may be plastic but it is effective. Your health is important.
The spike mat is lightweight making it suitable for travel or rolling up & carrying in a beach bag or something like that. It's a great product to help you have a relaxing experience.
This is an affordable relaxation treatment product. Do some research & search for what other users say about products like this. Read customer reviews or top product reviews to see what others say.
Have you tried acupressure therapy? What body pain do you have - neck and shoulders? back? feet? someplace else? How many minutes do you stay on? Use the mat to see if it helps. I definitely recommend getting one to help stretch or ease pain in areas of the body. Once you get used to the feeling, it's comfortable.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
POPULAR TOPICS
Beauty
beer
California
California Things to Do
Carlsbad
Coachella
Copenhagen
Del Mar
easy vegetarian recipe
Europe
fashion
food
France
Germany
Halloween
healthy vegetarian recipe
London
Mexico
music
music festival style
Netherlands
Oceanside
Paris
Portland
press trip
San Diego
self-employment
social media marketing
travel
USA Travel
vegetarian