Encinitas (Spanish for "Small Oaks") is a beach city in the North County area of San Diego County, California. Located within Southern California, it is approximately 25 miles (40 km) north of San Diego, between Solana Beach and Carlsbad, and about 95 miles (153 km) south of Los Angeles. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 59,518, up from 58,014 at the 2000 census.

Encinitas's coastal microclimate is perfect for numerous landscaping types. Encinitas lies on rugged coastal terrace. The city is bisected by a low-lying coastal ridge that separates New and Old Encinitas. In the north of the city, the coast rises in elevation and the land is raised up in the form of many coastal bluffs. These cliffs are subject to collapsing on the narrow beach. The city is bounded by Batiquitos Lagoon to the north and San Elijo Lagoon to the south. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 20.0 square miles (52 km2). 18.8 square miles (49 km2) of it is land and 1.2 square miles (3.1 km2) of it (5.89%) is water. The city's elevation ranges between sea level and 402 feet (123 m) above sea level.

Encinitas has a very mild, Mediterranean climate. Average daily high temperature is 72 °F (22 °C). Temperatures below 40 °F (4 °C) and above 85 °F (29 °C) are rare. Average rainfall is about 10 inches (250 mm) per year. The wet season lasts during the winter and spring, when temperatures are usually cool. Average daytime temperatures hit 65 °F in winter and spring, when rain and marine layer (fog) are common (May Gray/June Gloom). Nighttime lows range from 45 to 55 °F. The dry season lasts from summer through fall, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 °F, and nighttime lows being from the upper 50s–60s°F. Ocean water temperatures average 60 °F in winter, 64 °F in spring, 70 °F in summer, and 66 °F in fall. In winter, strong Pacific storms can bring heavy rain. During the winter of 2015–2016, the area saw rounds of severe thunderstorms.

Recently named among the 20 best surf towns in the world by National Geographic, Encinitas wears its surf history proudly. Located along six miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, Encinitas is an unspoiled reminder of the historic Highway 101 beach culture that thrived in the mid-1900s.

There are numerous Encinitas subdivisions and neighborhoods that are recognized by both locals and real estate professionals, and some of these communities have clearly defined borders, such as Cambria, Knightsbridge, and Wildflower Estates. Other Encinitas communities are more generally known by the their locale or geographic features such as the Beach Area, Village Park, Leucadia, Moonlight Beach and Olivenhain.

Encinitas can be divided into five areas:

Old Encinitas: a small beachside area featuring a mix of businesses and housing styles. Sitting along Coast Highway 101 (Historic US 101), the Encinitas welcome arch, the famous surf break Swamis, and the early 20th century La Paloma Theater are located here. Old Encinitas is divided from New Encinitas by a low coastal ridge.

New Encinitas: a newer region which features a golf course, many shopping centers, and is composed of larger tract homes.

Olivenhain: a semi-rural region in eastern Encinitas, composed of mostly single family homes, an active 4-H Club, and several private equestrian facilities. Olivenhain connects to Rancho Santa Fe via Encinitas Boulevard.

Leucadia: a coastal community of the city. Leucadia features tree-lined streets and boulevards. The community features art galleries, unusual stores, and restaurants, along with single family homes. This also contains beaches such as Beacons and Grandview.

Cardiff-by-the-Sea: Encinitas' southernmost oceanfront community, which features streets named after British cities and classical composers, the Lux Art Institute, and the San Elijo Campus of Mira Costa College.

Encinitas Pool and Landscaping Regulations

Since 2010, Encinitas, like many other cities in California, has put into place building codes and regulations regarding water efficient landscaping. County of San Diego Water Efficient Landscape Design Manual, which includes policies and regulations that must be followed.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encinitas,_California

Encinitas Municipal Code: http://www.qcode.us/codes/encinitas/

Encinitas City Website: https://encinitasca.gov/

Encinitas San Diego Explore Website: https://www.sandiego.org/articles/north-county/encinitas-california.aspx/

Encinitas Landscape Manual Policies and Requirements (Landscape Manual): Encinitas Landscape Manual