Café 477’s flagship location is home to the beautiful beach city of Encinitas. Known for its spectacular weather, amazing surf, and tight-knit community, Encinitas is a must-visit destination in San Diego County. The holiday season is around the corner, so we’ve pulled together some of our best-loved stores and sights in the area. Pick up a morning coffee and bite to eat from Café 477 and start exploring!
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
Technically, the San Elijo Lagoon is located between Solana Beach and Cardiff, but it’s so inviting that we just had to include it. This impressive reserve offers a wide variety of trails, terrific for walking, running, or biking. Fueled by your cup of joe, kickstart your morning by appreciating the wetlands and wildlife at the San Elijo Lagoon!
Downtown 101
After your morning at the reserve, pay a visit to Downtown 101. This highway strip is one of the most charming parts of Encinitas and features some of the loveliest shops, from retail to dining and everything in between. Visit SoulScape to find unique gifts for your loved ones, La Paloma Theatre for a quick film, or the Birkenstock store to pick up a new pair of sandals. It’s easy to stroll along the 101 for hours on end, so make sure you’re fully caffeinated! And, if you’re in Encinitas in December, we highly suggest attending the holiday parade.
Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens
The Self-Realization Fellowship, on the south side of the 101, features a temple, chapel, giftstore, and so much more. Their meditation gardens stand out as one of the most calming, exquisite sights in the area. This tranquil garden is most noted for its diversity of plants, remarkable ocean views, and peaceful atmosphere. There’s no better place to escape the busyness of everyday life and be present in the moment!
Moonlight Beach
San Diego features tons of amazing beaches, but Moonlight never fails to be placed in the top spots of every list. This large beach is ideal for a variety of activities. Whether you want to sip on your latte in the sun, go for a relaxing stroll, or catch some waves, Moonlight Beach is perfect to fulfill your ocean needs!
Birdseye Kitchen
After a long day of sightseeing, it’s a necessity to stop by Birdseye Kitchen! I have to admit, I’ve created a weekly ritual of eating at Birdseye ever since I first visited a year and a half ago. Each dish is crafted with the highest quality ingredients, and you can really taste it. Their entire menu is divine, but my top three favorites are their Thai iced tea, vegetable curry puffs, and phad see ewe with vegetables and tofu. Don’t be surprised if you become obsessed with this restaurant!
San Diego Botanic Garden
After dinner, cap off your day at this stunning destination! This incredible garden highlights nature’s beauty, alongside a variety of trails and captivating views. We highly recommend that you visit between November and January to see their Lightscape! This enchanting exhibit is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Purchase tickets on their website and spend your evening in admiration!
Exploring Encinitas
Café 477 is so lucky to be a part of this one-of-a-kind community. We can’t wait to hear about your next visit to Encinitas – we’ll be ready to serve you an energizing cup of coffee, delicious pastry, and housemade sandwich!
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