California summons thoughts of a sun-swathed swell and palm-flecked streets thronged by cool cafes and beautiful boutiques—and that’s exactly what you’ll find in Encinitas, a surfer’s haven just about 25 miles north of San Diego. Encinitas is full of delicious dining spots, like the sophisticated seafood sanctuary, Herb & Sea, to the Fish Shop, which boasts some of the most sought-after tacos in town. Grandview Beach is favored by board-toting wave hunters, while sunset seekers call Moonlight beach home come dusk—neither of these sandy stretches, however, are spoiled by the crowds of California’s big city beaches.
Rewards Spotlight: Encinitas has a heap of hotels for visitors who want to pay in points and keep their dollars for the fresh fish around every corner. Put your Hilton Honors points to use at the local Hampton Inn, use your Wyndham Rewards at the Wyndham Days Inn or apply rewards to your booking at the Best Western in town. The Seabird Resort, a Destination Hyatt hotel with points, isn’t too far in nearby Oceanside, either.
By AnnaMarie Houlis, Forbes Advisor Contributor