The Best Photo Spots in Encinitas, California

The charming beach town of Encinitas is best known for its surf, quaint shops, and coffeehouses. I recently learned botanists refer to Encinitas as “the flower capital of the world” because of its incredible gardens, and nurseries, and is home to the San Diego Botanic Garden, the world’s leading poinsettia grower. If you get off the freeway at Poinsettia, you’ve gone too far and will find yourself in neighboring Carlsbad. I recently spent a full day in North County, San Diego uncovering The Best Photo Spots in Encinitas, California.

Best Photo Spots in Encinitas #1: Dave’s Rock Garden

This unofficial art exhibit in Encinitas always puts a smile on my face. Here, visitors write messages or draw images on rocks to represent their personal stories, pray for people, or leave a fun image on a rock.

Address: 200-298 B St. Encinitas, California 92024
Hours: Open 24/7
Pro Tip: Go at sunset for the perfect photo op.

Best Photo Spots in Encinitas #2: Just Peachy Market

This family-owned and operated spot doesn’t only serve as a cute spot for fruit-filled photos. Just Peachy Market features all local products and produce, so you know your food is of the highest quality and locally grown.

Address: 1354 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Hours: Monday – Friday 7 am-8 pm / Saturday 7 am-7 pm / Sunday 7 am-6 pm
Pro Tip: Their hours are subject to change, so check their Instagram for up-to-date hours.

Best Photo Spots in Encinitas #3: Encinitas Boathouses

Wedged between the cute houses of Encinitas, you’ll find two large boats that never made it to sea. According to the Encinitas Historical Society, the boats are currently being rented out as homes, but once the loan is paid off, the boats will be turned into a small museum.

Address: 390 W F St, Encinitas, CA 92024
Hours: Saturdays 10:00 am-4:00 pm, except Public Holidays
Pro Tip: Visit The Boathouses as part of a Guided Downtown Walking Tour which starts at 10:00 a.m. every third Saturday from September to July.

Best Photo Spots in Encinitas #4: Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens

The Encinitas Te m ple is a branch of the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), an international religious organization. Even if you don’t follow a religious organization, this place serves as a great spot to relax, meditate, and enjoy the view.

Address: 215 W. K Street (between 2nd and 3rd Streets) Encinitas, CA 92024
Hours: Open Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Closed Monday
Closure dates: 7/4, 9/5, 11/24, 12/17, 12/23, 12/25
Pro Tip: Six-hour meditation is held Saturday morning – usually the 4th Saturday of the month

Best Photo Spots in Encinitas #5: The Lumberyard

This center offers restaurants, shops, and spas, making it a one-stop shop for shopping, dining, and hanging out. My favorite spot to take lifestyle photos is in the center space with all the tables and chairs. Depending on where you sit, the stores make a nice backdrop.

Address: 701-1031 S. Coast Highway 101 Encinitas, CA 92024
Hours: Varies by tenant
Pro Tip: No matter your plans, always leave room for dessert at Jo Jo’s Creamery.

Best Photos Spots in Encinitas #6: Necessity Coffee

Tucked behind the main road, Necessity Coffee offers delicious coffee and teas. This little pink hole in the wall is a true Encinitas gem.

Address: 102 2nd St, Encinitas, CA 92024
Hours: Daily 7 am-2 pm
Pro Tip: Visit the Ceramics Studio next door to enjoy coffee and an activity.

Best Photo Spots in Encinitas #7: Leucadia Donut Shoppe

Leucadia Donut Shoppe : Encinitas Photo Spots

The locals know this is one of the best spots in town for donuts. The outside offers a great photo spot, but the inside offers delicious donuts that won’t break the bank like other specialty donut places in town.

Address: 1604 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 5 am – 1 pm
Pro Tip: Get in line early for fresh donuts before they sell out.

Best Photo Spots in Encinitas #8: GP Diner

This gem is a must-visit in Encinitas to eat and take photos. The wall behind the building offers a cool Encinitas mural, while the diner itself provides multiple spots to take old-school diner and food-featured photos.

Address: 608 S Coast Hwy 101 / Encinitas, CA 92024
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 10:30 am – 9:00 pm, Friday, 10:30 am – 11:00 pm, Saturday, 8:30 am – 11:00 pm, and Sunday, 8:30 am – 8:30 pm
Pro Tip: Grab Pizza from Gelati & Pecati with a group. They give you two squares per flavor, so you can swap and try different toppings between friends.

Best Photo Spots in Encinitas #9: Hamburger Hut

Hamburger Hut’s paint job and outdoor decor make it the perfect spot to take photos. It gives off that vintage Palm Springs vibe and the perfect contrast for this all-black look.

Address: 576 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 11 am – 9 pm, Friday – Saturday, 11 am -10 pm
Pro Tip: After shooting, head inside for a burger and cocktail.

Best Photo Spots in Encinitas #10: Encinitas Fire Station 1

This might be my favorite photo spot. The exterior of the Fire Station is reminiscent of a mid-century Palm Springs home with the architecture. PS: my favorite bougainvillea arch is right down the street!

Address: 415 2nd St, Encinitas, CA 92024
Pro Tip: While facing the Fire Station, walk down the street to the right to catch this pretty bougainvillea arch.