History
Gaspar de Portola, Governor of Baja California in 1669, led an expedition through  Encinitas and named the area Encina (Spanish for Hills of Live Oaks) for the oak trees on the surrounding hills. When the area came under Mexican rule, in the 1800s, land grants were awarded to ranchers to settle the area. In 1881, the first American to settle here was Jabez Pitcher who filed his claim for 160 acres where the civic center is now located. As a primary source of water and wood fuel at the time, Cottonwood Creek was an important factor in the California Southern Railroad choosing Encinitas as a water stop. Railroad access and availability of water and wood from the creek made possible the formal establishment of the town of Encinitas in 1883. The first schoolhouse, a redwood structure, was completed in 1883 by E.G. Hammond and his son Ted at third and E Street. Moved from its original site in 1927, it was converted to a home and restored in 1983 by the Encinitas Historical Society. Migratory Chinese working on the railroad were the first inhabitants to enjoy the waters of Moonlight Beach. As the town was settled by permanent residents, the beach became popular for bathing, picnics and horse and buggy racing area. By the 1920s, it had also become a haven for midnight bootlegging. In 1928, local builder Miles Kellogg, who was versatile with recycling scrap material, built the famous twin Boat Houses that still stand as a symbol of Encinitas’ surf and beach culture. Movie stars began flocking to Encinitas as a seaside resort, and on February 11, 1928, the La Paloma Theatre opened its doors. Swami's Beach, today a premier surf spot, was originally known as Noonan's Point, named for James Noonan, who bought the property in 1887. As a devotee of Indian guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, in 1937 Noonan had a hermitage built in his guru’s honor, and following that the construction of a Golden Lotus Temple and the Self-Realization Fellowship Retreat. In 1986, Encinitas expanded into cityhood when the communities of Encinitas, Olivenhain, Cardiff and Leucadia voted to unite as a city.

Demographics
Like most of its surrounding areas, Encinitas attracts young families who are drawn to the safe, suburban lifestyle, new homes (most specifically at Encinitas Ranch) and quality schools. The average age of Encinitas residents is 38 years and average income $64,000. However, this eclectic city has a unique mix of older, hippie-types and spiritual seekers, young surfers and athletes as well as white-collar professionals and business owners. Shopping is abundant in the many strip centers, along Highway 101 and at the popular Encinitas Ranch Town Center. Restaurants abound with a profusion of Italian Ristorantes and Sushi bars of all kinds. Many Encinitans work at home or in the small offices that line 2nd Street, as well as in retail establishments and educational facilities. Children attend school in the Encinitas Union Elementary School District and the prestigious San Dieguito Union High School District, in addition to several private schools in the area. And Mira Costa College offers two-year programs in addition to adult education programs for the perennial student. Community services include an excellent parks and recreation system with dozens of ball and soccer fields, as well as numerous public parks, the newest being Cottonwood Creek Park. The trail system in Encinitas Ranch is perfect for hikers and runners wanting a quick retreat.

Points of Interest and Events
Though not as common a destination point for tourists as San Diego or Los Angeles, Encinitas has a rich history and some significant attractions. Among the most notable is Quail Botanical Gardens, a 30-acre oasis with 60-foot waterfall, open year round for a peaceful day in nature. Summer concerts as well as weddings are held in the outdoor gazebo and the annual Fall plant sale is not to be missed. Next up is the magnificent Self Realization Fellowship hermitage, temple and meditation gardens overlooking the Pacific. Open to the public, the hermitage can be visited on Sundays, while the gardens with Koi fish ponds are open daily. The Paul Ecke Poinsettia Ranch, founded in 1923, ships many varieties of poinsettias all over the world and is open for tours one day a year. The San Dieguito Heritage Museum holds mementos of Encinitas history and hosts numerous events throughout the year. Each weekend, Encinitas residents and tourists come together to shop at the colorful outdoor Seaside Bazaar on Highway 101. Moonlight State Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunning and jogging; concerts, fairs and other events are held here throughout the year. A large parking lot, lifeguard service, restrooms, snack bar and fire pits make it a great place for family picnics and evening bonfires. Throughout the year, Encinitas is host to several street fairs, parades, festivals and athletic competitions.

Real Estate
Encinitas real estate, Encinitas homes and Encinitas condos offer a variety of housing types and prices are available in both old and new Encinitas. In the downtown area are large, remodeled homes dotting the cliffs, next to small, rustic beach cottages along 2nd, 3rd and 4th Streets. Several adult communities and mobile home parks appeal to retirees and those looking to scale down. East of Interstate 5 are most of the newer homes and developments, Encinitas Ranch being the largest. Along the golf course and down to the El Camino Real corridor, more than 1,000 luxury homes have been built. Price ranges for Encinitas single-family homes is $600,000 to $4 million; for condos, the range is $400,000 to over $2,000,000. With well over 25,000 total units, Encinitas is nearing capacity for new homes.

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