Encinitas is a beach city in the North County area of San Diego County, California. Located within Southern California, it is approximately 25 miles north of San Diego and about 95 miles south of Los Angeles.

Encinitas is a Spanish name meaning "little oaks". The city was incorporated in 1986 from the communities of historic Encinitas, new Encinitas (Village Park, etc.), Leucadia, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and Olivenhain. The communities retain their identities and distinctive flavors.

Encinitas has a very mild, Mediterranean climate. Average daily high temperature is 72 °F. Temperatures below 40 °F and above 85 °F are rare. Average rainfall is about 10 inches per year. The wet season lasts during the winter and spring, when temperatures are usually cool. Average daytime temperatures hit 65F in winter and spring, when rain and marine layer (fog) are common (May Gray/June Gloom). Nighttime lows range from 45-55F. The dry season lasts from summer through fall, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 75-85F, and nighttime lows being from the upper 50s–60sF. Ocean water temperatures average 60F in winter, 64F in spring, 70F in summer, and 66F in fall. In winter, strong pacific storms can bring heavy rain.

Since 1982, the Encinitas 101 Main Street Association has helped keep downtown Encinitas economically viable yet historic & beachy. Downtown Encinitas is vibrant and full of thriving local salons, restaurants, shops, bars, and art galleries. Downtown Encinitas is home to Hansens Surf Shop - San Diego's oldest and largest shop. It opened in 1961 and occupies over 20,00 square feet of retail space.