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The city of Encinitas is comprised of four distinct communities;
Olivenhain and Leucadia | |
| Although incorporated in 1986, each district is unique with distinct, rich histories and each is diverse with its own culture. With 62,000 residents, Encinitas, Spanish for "little live oaks," isn't the tiny train station it was in 1881. Once renowned as the flower capital of the world, Encinitas traces its roots to the floriculture industry of the mid 1920's. Remnants of floriculture are still visible on the hills east of I-5 with the rows of old greenhouses. |
| The city proved to be home to one of the most fascinating flower farms in the area, the Paul Ecke Poinsettia Ranch, the world's largest grower of poinsettias. Paul Ecke III and his father have rececently been immortalized at Disney's new California Adventure in a display entitled, "California Farmers". |
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"Old" Encinitas, along Highway 101, is a favorite spot for shopping and dining. Its many surf shops,
boutiques and coffee houses make for a great day of sightseeing. The north end of town is a throwback
to the 1950's with its avenue of storefronts. To the south, the Old Market and the Lumberyard offer a
sophisticated collection of specialty shops and restaurants. At Moonlight Beach, in July and August, there are the "Concerts by the Sea" series which are much enjoyed by visitors as well as our locals. |
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Nature lovers will want to visit the city's wildlife sanctuaries and
the Quail Botanical Gardens. Tranquil, quiet and meditative are words
that describe a walk through The Self Realization Fellowship
Temple (or Swamis as the locals call it) and its garden. The gentle souls
at the Temple also host a very popular, safe Halloween Festival every October. A new addition graced Encinitas a couple of years ago with the grand opening of the 175-acre Encinitas Ranch Public Golf Course. It is a par 72 course and accommodates golfers of varying abilities and offers twilight discounts and a weekday walking option. There are ocean views from almost every green. | |
| On the southern border of Encinitas lies Cardiff-by-the-Sea, known for some of the country's most breathtaking ocean views. Named for the town of Cardiff, Wales, by J. Frank Cullen for his wife's native land, most of the streets still bear Scottish, English and Irish names. | |
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Once a lazy enclave of seafront bungalows, today Cardiff is primarily a bedroom community consisting of homes,
duplexes, apartments and condominiums. One of the highlights in Cardiff is Restaurant Row
situated along old Highway 101. Noted for the diversity of establishments, this
stretch is one of the few spots along the coast that offers both lovely ocean views and beach-front dining.
Although Cardiff is now a part of the city of Encinitas, the seaside community strives to maintain its own community identity. Cardiff hosts major surf tournament at Seaside Reef and the town council sponsors "I Love Cardiff Days," an event which includes a parade, an arts and crafts fair and Kid's Day at Glen Park. | |
| Bordering the south side of Cardiff, rests the magnificent San Elijo Lagoon. It is a favorite spot for locals and visitors for its trails and natural beauty. One can often see the Great Blue Heron, Black-necked Stilt and Klldeer and depending on the season, the lagoon is visited by more than 200 species of birds throughout the year. |
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Farther north is the thriving, funky beach community of Leucadia.
Named for a Greek island ("place of shelter, isle of paradise") by English spiritualists seeking religious freedom
who settled in 1870, ordinary is an unfamiliar adjective in describing Leucadia. The area maintains a Bohemian ambiance in the midst of rapid development from its surrounding neighbors. |
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| An old-world feeling fills the air. Towering old eucalyptus and cypress trees line the commercial district along Highway 101. The businesses are quaint and include surf shops, antique stores, restaurants and motels. Given its origin, it's not surprising that health and spiritualism are important issues in this community. |
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A little to the east is the community of Olivenhain established in 1884 by a small group of German immigrants who founded the "Colony Olivenhain." The Olivenhain Meeting hall is still used for social events and community meetings, just as it was in the days of the German colonists. No longer a stage stop, Olivenhain is a peaceful community zoned for horses with trails and a busy but relaxed lifestyle. | |
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A "no lights" and "no sidewalks" policy prevails continuing the ambiance and simplicity of country living. 4-H Clubs are extremely active as are scouting groups and the community holds its Annual Pit BBQ in June at the Olivenhain Town Hall. |
| From the miles of unspoiled beaches to the relaxed atmosphere of downtown, the huge eucalypti lining the Coast Highway in Leucadia, the poinsettia fields of Ecke Ranch and the ranches of Olivenhain, Encinitas provides variety and a high quality of life residents and visitors alike have come to expect. |
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Prudential California Rancho Santa Fe Village Office 6119 La Granada / P.O. Box 2708 Rancho Santa Fe CA 92067
Office: (858) 756-5600
E-Mail:
ken@crosbyandhewitt.com |
