Encinitas is a city by the seaside in San Diego County, California, United States. Its name translates to "Small Oaks" in Spanish. The city is located in the southern part of the state, approximately 25 miles north of San Diego and 95 miles south of Los Angeles, between Carlsbad and Solana Beach. The city is bordered to the north by Batiquitos Lagoon and to the south by San Elijo Lagoon. To the north of the city, the coast rises in elevation and the ground is lifted up in the shape of several coastal bluffs, which are prone to falling on the narrow beach.

There are five distinct neighborhoods in Encinitas. Old Encinitas, a quaint beachside community with a mix of businesses and housing; New Encinitas, a more recent area known for its golf course and shopping centers; Olivenhain, a semi-rural community with single-family homes and equestrian facilities; Leucadia, a coastal haven with artistic stores, restaurants, and picturesque beaches; and Cardiff-by-the-Sea, the southernmost coastal neighborhood with cultural attractions and street names with British influences.

Both residents and tourists may enjoy a wide variety of recreational opportunities in Encinitas. Sayat Asatryan, a former principal dancer, and Olga Tchekachova, a former soloist with Mariinsky Ballet II, formed Encinitas Ballet to introduce classical ballet to the local population. The town's cultural mix and active outdoor attitude are celebrated through yearly events like the April Street Fair, Encinitas Bazaar Marketplace, and Deep Pit BBQ. The Surfing Madonna art piece and Wellness Week both emphasize health and creativity. While outdoor aficionados can visit sites like the San Diego Botanic Garden, Moonlight Beach, and the renowned surfing destination Swami's, the Lux Art Institute and San Diego Heritage Museum offer cultural enrichment. Landmarks like the Surfing Madonna mosaic and the adored Cardiff Kook monument, which inspire both adoration and jovial customs from the locals, add to Encinitas' distinct character.

The educational landscape in Encinitas is diversified and meets a range of requirements. Numerous school districts, such as Cardiff School District, Encinitas Union School District, and San Dieguito Union High School District, provide education in the area. The Watts Atelier of the Arts provides instruction in visual art for anyone who have an interest in the arts. The California Institute for Human Science, the Mira Costa College District, the San Elijo Campus of Mira Costa College, and St. Katherine College are all alternatives for higher education. Ada Harris Elementary, Cardiff Elementary, and Diegueo Middle School are excellent examples of elementary and middle schools, whereas Grauer School, San Dieguito Academy, and Pacific Academy are examples of high schools that offer comprehensive education. Encinitas Country Day School, The Rhoades School, and Sanderling Waldorf School are a few of the thriving private schools.