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EncinitasSource: City of EncinitasThis place called Encinitas sits on the coastline of the Pacific Ocean and is embraced by the Batiquitos Lagoon to the north and the San Elijo Lagoon to the south. The first inhabitants were Indians called the San Dieguitos, the La Jollans, and the Dieguenos. It was the Diegueno's group who were mission converts and helped to build the Spanish Missions. In 1669, the Governor of Baja California, Gaspar de Portola, led an expedition throughout the San Diego and Monterey areas. His mission was to build several "presidios," establishing a teaching base for schools and religion. When the expedition made its way through Encinitas on the El Camino Real, he named the area for the small oak trees on the surrounding hills. He named this area "Encina Canada," Spanish for "Hills of Live Oaks." The area changed governmental hands from Spain to Mexico and in the 1800-s the Mexican government issued land grants to ranchers who would establish settlements in the San Diego area and who were willing to be under Mexico's rule. Located along six miles of Pacific coastline in northern San Diego County, Encinitas has an approximate population of 60,000 and is characterized by coastal beaches, cliffs, flat-topped coastal areas, steep mesa bluffs and rolling hills. Our city was incorporated in 1986, drawing together the communities of New Encinitas, Old Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Olivenhain and Leucadia. There is a significant flower growing industry in the City and many people claim that Encinitas is the Flower Growing Capital. As the City has developed, it has grown up around the pre-existing flower growers. Quail Botanical Gardens is a beautiful oasis to visit with an Amazon Rainforest and the largest display of bamboo in the world. The gardens of the Self Realization Center are beautiful and sit overlooking the ocean in a serene garden-like setting. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy our new Encinitas Ranch Golf Course, a championship 18 hole par 72 course with panoramic ocean views. This public facility has five tees available and can be enjoyed by golfers of all abilities. Downtown 101 is a coastal shopping district over 100 years old featuring historic architecture, quaint shops, sidewalk cafes, and restaurants framed by beautiful flower baskets. The organization Downtown Encinitas Merchants Association (DEMA) is a great resource for information on business in Encinitas. The beaches in Encinitas are outstanding. There are many stretches of beach that lie between Cardiff-by-the-Sea and La Costa. The surfing is unbeatable and many surf contests are held throughout the year in Encinitas. The San Elijo Lagoon Reserve is the largest coastal wetland in San Diego County and is home to nearly 300 different bird species throughout the year. |
