Located approximately 25 miles north of San Diego and about 95 miles south of Los Angeles, Encinitas has been recognized by national publications as one of the most desirable cities in the Nation to live in. A large city with a laid back, beachy vibe, high-end taste and style that epitomizes Southern California cool. This is a city that takes it's health seriously, and offers a plethora of outdoor and pet-friendly activities.
Pet Friendly Activities in Encinitas
Location: 459 South Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas
This open-air market is the perfect place to take your pooch to spend the afternoon exploring vendor stalls, listening to music or grabbing a latte at the coffee bar.
Location: You can download a map of the trail here
Open to hikers, equestrians, bicyclists and dogs on leashes, this trail offers sceanic views while in the heart of Encinitas. Don't forget to have your pup on current flea and tick prevention before you go!
Location: 425 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024
Located in the Encinitas Community Park, this approximately 2-acre dog park features areas for small dogs, timid or first time dogs, and a large lawn open to all.
Location: 3200 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014
Nine months of the year, dogs are allowed along the entire two plus mile stretch of beach in addition to the City’s two major parks, Seagrove Park and Powerhouse Park. Be sure to check the Del Mar Dog Beach website for dog beach schedule and rules.
Location: The beach is located one mile south of Cardiff on Old Highway 101
Cardiff State Beach is a dog-friendly beach on the San Diego Coast. Fido can join you on the sand, as long as they are on a leash under 6 feet. The beach is open every day from 6am to sunset.
Pet Friendly Restaurants in Encinitas
Location: 288 N El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA, 92024
A favorite of Dr. Michele Drake, Naked Cafe offers a variety of breakfast options and a number of infused dishes as well as smooties, juices, coffee, and teas. Dog-friendly tables are provided so you can enjoy a brunch with your favorite furry friend.
Location: 806 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA, 92024
A family-run restaurant serving burgers, tacos, pizza, and more while featuring two dog-friendly patios.
Location: 510 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA, 92024
Pannikin Coffee & Tea offers an impressive selection of teas and java, along with upbeat music and tasty food, and both you and your pup are welcome!
Location: 531 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA, 92024
Encinitas Cafe offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner at great prices, a casual ambiance, and dog-friendly sidewalk tables.
Location: 120 W I St, Encinitas, CA, 92024
Potato Shack Cafe serves hearty breakfast food and classic lunch favorites in a cozy setting with dog-friendly outdoor tables.
Location: 1456 Encinitas Blvd. Encinitas, CA, 92024
A brewery tasting room with a rotating selection of craft beer sourced from breweries in San Diego County and Southern Califorina. And the best part: you can bring your dog!
Location: 148 Aberdeen Drive, Cardiff By The Sea, CA, 92007
Serving their original pizza recipe and a variety of American, Mexican, and Italian dishes for over 50 years, this resturant is pet friendly and perfect for a delicious meal.
Recommended Pet Services in Encinitas
The Drake Center for Veterinary Care
Location: 195 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024
The Drake Center for Veterinary Care is a full-service AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital. Featuring a variety of pet services such as high-quality pet medical care, dentistry, boarding services, bathing, and more, The Drake Center is dedicated “to providing the best medical and surgical care in a compassionate environment for our patients and unsurpassed service for our clients.”
Contact: Cathy Mayer
Phone: (760) 917-5976 Email: [email protected]
Offering both private and group dog training classes in Escondido, Encinitas & San Diego, CA.
Contact: Nicole Andrews
Phone: (760) 487-5866 Email: [email protected]
Using only positive reinforcement, K9connection will teach you how to understand and read your dog’s behavior so you can work cooperatively as a team and enhance the relationship between you and your dog.
Pet Stores and Supplies in Encinitas
Location: 123 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024
Providing fresh, healthy, and unique food items and pet products.
Location: 1034 N El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024
Located just down the way from The Drake Center and features a wide assortment of pet food, toys, and other pet products.
Location: 453 Encinitas Blvd, Encinintas, CA 92024
Providing pet food and products for all of your furry loved ones.
Location: 227 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Collars, comfy beds, soft toys, carriers, and more, Muttropolis is the one-stop-shop for all your dog needs.
Pet Friendly Events in Encinitas
When: September
For over 20 years, the Encinitas Oktoberfest has been a staple in the Encinitas community. Featuring great food and brews, live entertainment, and local vendors, this outdoor event is pet friendly.
Paw Walk in the Park hosted by RCHS
When: February
Taking place at the San Diego Botanic Garden in benefit of Rancho Coastal Humane Society, this 5k event is the only day of the year where dogs are allowed in the San Diego Botanic Garden. Featuring dog-related vendors, contests and more, this event is the perfect way to spend a day with your pup.
When: August
This free event features over 100 dog-related vendors, rescue groups, pet adoption agencies, and a carefully curated “Maker’s Market Row”. Activities include dog contests, live music, kids activities, beer & wine garden, food trucks, and more.
Encinitas Demographics & Economic Data
Encinitas, California's estimated population is 63,184 according to the most recent United States census estimates. The population density is 3358.76 people/mi² (1296.82 people/km²), with a household density of 540.22 people/km² (1399.18 people/mi²). You can find more in-depth demographics and econimic data here.
Important Organizations in Encinitas
A local non-profit dedicated to training and matching service dogs for families and their children with Autism. The Drake Center has been involved in supporting Good Dog! for over 7 years and has fundraised thousands of dollars through events and the generousity of our clients.
Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and care of homeless companion animals, the rehabilitation of wildlife and the promotion of humane education through community outreach.
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a unique, private non-profit organization in San Diego County that has been committed to the philosophy of people helping animals and animals helping people for over 40 years.
History of Encinitas
In the year 1669, Gaspar de Portola named the area of Encinitas "Encina CAnada", meaning "hills of live oaks" in spanish. In 1881, Jabez Pitcher filed a claim for 160 acres where the Encinitas Civic Center is now located. In 1870 English spiritualists settled in North Encinitas and named it Leucadia. In 1875 the McKinnon family settled in the Cardiff area and in 1909, J. Frank Cullen bought a big part of San Elijo, established streets and lots and named it "Cardiff-by-the-Sea". Today, Encinitas consists of five communities with very distinct personalities. “Historic Encinitas” is the stretch of Highway 101 that runs parallel to the beaches and ocean. “New Encinitas” centers on El Camino Real. Lovely homes dot the hillside in “Cardiff-by-the-Sea”. “Leucadia” is famous for its giant eucalyptus trees along Coast Highway and “Olivenhain” offers some incredible open horse country, pastures, and a rural vibe just minutes from the Ocean.
Pet Laws in Encinitas
Being a responsible pet-owning resident of Encinitas and abiding by San Diego County Animal Laws helps ensure that your pet is not distruptive to your neighbors. You can find more information on San Diego Animal Laws here.
The Drake Center has been a stable of the community and the top go-to-resource for local pet care for over 20 years. Located on the east side of El Camino Real, half way between Encinitas Blvd and Mountain Vista.