Encinitas is actually composed of five areas, Leucadia (north coastal), Old Encinitas (mid coastal), Cardiff by the Sea (south coastal), New Encinitas (around El Camino Real and Encinitas Blvd.) and Olivenhain (semi rural in the east part of the city).  I consider Old Encinitas to be the heart of the city, featuring a downtown walking district on historic 101, a beautiful library with magnificent views of the coastline, many award winning restaurants and interesting shops for browsing.  Downtown comes alive in the summer when classic cars converge on the third Thursday of the month, June through September, with local bands providing entertainment.  Moonlight Beach at the west end of Encinitas Blvd. is the destination for sun worshipers, surfers and sand volleyball enthusiasts. 

New Encinitas is composed of detached homes, condominiums and apartments and features everything from local businesses, banks and medical offices to big box stores.  The primary shopping zone is located along El Camino Real with plenty of fast food options as well.  A portion of the area is blocked off for the very popular October Fest annually.  Many award winning restaurants and one of my favorites, Sage Grill, is located in New Encinitas as well as a great french pastry shop - Isabelle Brien's Cafe.  A must see when visiting Encinitas is San Diego (formerly Quail) Botanical Gardens with an amazing collection of plants and trees, a children's garden, and a delightful way to spend an hour or two.  For more information on these places and Encinitas go to www.ci.encinitas.ca.us, www.encinitaschamber.com, www.encinitas101.com, www.sdbgarden.com, www.sagegrill.com and www.ibcafe.com.  Don't forget to check out my Community Links page for more ideas of what to do in North County.