The beachfront town of Encinitas is located about 25 miles north of San Diego between Carlsbad and Solana Beach. Encinitas is home to Moonlight State Beach, a popular destination for beachcombers and surfers year-round; Swami's, a surfing destination mentioned in the Beachboys classic, Surfin' USA and considered one of the best surfing destinations in the world; and Grandview Surf Beach, known for its surfing break. Other beaches include Seaside State Beach and San Elijo State Beach, a beach with campsites. The beaches are so amazing in Encinitas, National Geographic named it one of the world's top 20 surf towns.
The south side of Encinitas is consumed by San Elijo Lagoon, a large nature preserve with a visitor center, the lagoon, and seven miles of hiking trails. To the north, the Batiquitos Lagoon State Marine Conservation Area provides a natural habitat for a variety of mammals, birds, plants, and fish.
