Encinitas, California-The arched sign above traffic on Coast Highway 101 says "ENCINITAS". Translated as Hill of Live Oaks, this seaside city got its Spanish name from Gaspar de Portola who explored the region in 1769. But to the residents of the San Diego North County beach destination, Encinitas means other things. To some it is Leucadia, home to numerous surfing beaches. Each is marked with a carved wooden sign announcing you have arrived at D Street or Grandview surfing beach. To others, Moonlight Beach rings a bell when they think of Encintas. Some associate it with Swami's another famous surfing spot in town. And for residents of the places that comprise Encinitas, it may be Cardiff-by-the-Sea or Olivenhain.

Whatever you think of when you visit, do make a trip and explore Encinitas. The surfing culture looms large, but there's also a great attraction called the San Diego Botanic Garden (used to be Quail Botanical Garden.) They claim to have the largest living bamboo collection in the U.S. For old-timers, you may remember Encinitas was once known for the miles of poinsettia fields that were a mass of red flowers visible from Interstate 5 during this time of year. Whatever Encinitas does or doesn't mean, it has some nice beaches, great cafes, and is one of our favorite coastal spots in Southern California. Go check it out!