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We found 2,200 vacation rentals â enter your dates for availability
Discover a selection of 2,000 vacation rentals in Encinitas that are perfect for your trip. Whether youâre traveling with friends, family, or even pets, Vrbo vacation homes have the best amenities for hanging out with the people that matter most, including swimming pools and WiFi. Prices start at $100 per night, and houses and condos are popular options for a stay in Encinitas. Either way, you'll find a rental for everyone's needs.
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Destination guide
Redefining small town perfection in sandy Cardiff
Resting comfortably along the Pacific Ocean, laid-back Cardiff is known for its wide sandy beaches and some of the most renowned surfing in the world. Part of the city of Encinitas, the seaside community reportedly got its unexpected name from the founder's Welsh wife (homesick, perhaps?). That famous San Diego vibe meets small town life in this picturesque seaside community on historic Highway 101, where the surf culture hasn't changed since the 1950s. With a Cardiff vacation rental, the Pacific is your playground. Life doesn't get much better than this.
Things to do
Get a taste of classic California on historic Highway 101
A Cardiff vacation rental is the perfect place for soaking up the local culture. Swing by the Cardiff Kook bronze surfer statue and see how the locals have dressed him up today. The San Dieguito Heritage Museum serves up local history, and the Lux Art Institute offers plenty of visual stimulation. For some fresh air, head to the San Diego Botanic Garden or the Sal Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. Find your Zen in the meditation gardens at the Self-Realization Fellowship Encinitas Temple, or catch a flick at the 1920s La Paloma Theatre. Midnight picnics and bonfires at Moonlight Beach are a must.
Activities
It may not be Wales, but there are whales
The town is also called Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and you'll quickly see why. Life undeniably revolves around the ocean. Catch a wave with some of surfing's best in the world, particularly at The Reef, Pipes, and Swami's (good enough to merit mention in the Beach Boys Classic "Surfin' USA"). Try your hand at paddleboarding, snorkeling, or spearfishing, or just work on that tan, whale watch, and catch an amazing sunset. When the tide goes out, join the locals in exploring the fascinating tidal pools. Cardiff is also a prime spot for oceanfront camping, local festivals, and farmer's markets.
Weather
Discover that endless summer the Beach Boys loved so much
Leave the winter blues behind. Highs will be in the 60s and 70s all year long at your Cardiff vacation rental. The moderate temps are perfect for experiencing those famous ocean waves (water temps range from 60 to 70 degrees, too). In the coldest months of January and February, you might see overnight lows in the mid-40s, but you don't need to worry about seeing any snow. Ocean storms can bring rains from December to April. The rest of the year is generally dry, though May and June can see those famous Pacific fogs.
Natural features
Pondering the pounding surf of the Pacific
Maybe it's the cliffs that inspired the name. While they might not be as big as the ones in Wales, they still make for a great place to look out over the broad sandy beach, crashing waves, and spectacular sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. The consistent shape of the waves is what makes the area so popular with surfers. You have to pass a handful of lagoons before you can get inland from the beaches. Low tide exposes a flat, rocky reef and fascinating tidal pools.
How to get there
Transportation to and around Encinitas
The nearest airport is in Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar), located 4.7 mi (7.6 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you might consider flying into San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field), which is 18.5 mi (29.7 km) away.
How many vacation rentals are available around Encinitas?
Our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 2,200 vacation rentals around Encinitas. From 1,142 house rentals to 936 condo and apartment rentals, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends.