Not every beachgoer wants a large resort feel; in fact, some of the best beaches are a bit off the beaten path, allowing them to retain their natural essence.
Leucadia, in North County Coastal San Diego in the city limits of Encinitas, is one such beach community. The locals like their beach town funky, and if you appreciate that simple, eclectic vibe, this may be the vacation spot for you.
Leucadia isn’t hard to find; the main drag through town is S Coast Highway 101, the scenic counterpart to Interstate 5. If you continue north on either road, you end up in Carlsbad, and south will take you past Encinitas, Cardiff by the Sea, Del Mar, La Jolla, and straight into San Diego city limits.
The history of Leucadia adds to its colorful charm. The area was once farmland, used primarily for flowers and avocados, but then it was developed as a beach resort town. The name was either from that intention to create a resort feel mimicking a Greek isle, but it may have also been thanks to the English spiritualists who were drawn to the area. Either way, Leucadia does have a magical energy and a laid-back attitude.
Leucadia is primarily a residential area, but you can definitely find quaint hotels and inns tucked in between neighborhoods. The main street is where you’ll find most restaurants, shops, and even an art gallery or two, which means you’ll have local flavor to try when you stay in this beach community.
Surfer on a Wave at Beacons Beach
If the main town sign is any indication, surfing is one of the main reasons why people visit Leucadia. It’s common to see surfers carrying their boards down the stairways to the beaches, which you’ll soon discover is the only way to access the shores. The town is found at the top of the bluffs, but the beaches are a well-hidden secret below the cliffs, and if you didn’t know where to find them, you may miss their exceptional beauty and quiet privacy.
You don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy the shores of Leucadia; you can enjoy the beaches by strolling the sands or just lounging and relaxing. Of course, when the tide rolls in, you may find the narrow strip of beach disappears altogether, so plan your beach day accordingly. That disappearing act only adds to the mystique and appeal of Leucadia, making it a natural wonder that’s not to be missed.
You’ll not find a ton of options for hotels in the city limits of Leucadia, but what choices are here may impress you with their amenities and customer service. You can book a stay at one of the local boutique hotels.
Kate Stanton Inn is a great boutique hotel in Leucadia. This hotel is a true home away from home and is only about 1 mile from the beautiful beaches of Leucadia.