California's Funky Coastal Community Has Bohemian Vibes, Hip Boutiques, Restaurants, And A Thriving Surf Culture

Bohemian dreams meet a thriving surf scene in Leucadia, a community in North San Diego County that operates less like a place and more like a state of mind. Named after one of the Greek Ionian islands, this funky coastal community was independent until 1986, when it became part of Encinitas, itself a vibrant beach city with seaside views. With hip boutiques, restaurants, and a vibrant skate-and-surf culture, Leucadia offers a scruffy counterpoint to its more polished neighbors. This is one of many characteristics that make it special.

As the North County coastline became progressively more posh, Leucadia managed to maintain more of the local charm that epitomized the area in the late 20th century. Keeping these bohemian vibes is a stated goal of the former hippie-surf community, as evidenced by its decades-old slogan, "Keep Leucadia Funky." Even the architecture feels different, resisting high-rises or commercial centers in favor of rustic beach cottages and mid-century homes that feel more hand-built. To many, Leucadia has the rustic California feel that existed before major developments and gentrification hit coastal North County.

By comparison, many of the neighboring beach communities have become more suburban, polished, and master-planned, despite having a similar history. For example, skate legend Tony Hawk hails from nearby Carlsbad, an underrated beach town known for its family-friendly venues like the first U.S. Legoland. Surf legend Butch Van Artsdalen came up in nearby La Jolla, the artsy and upscale jewel of San Diego, which is near Solana Beach, now a walkable charmer with unique shops. Fittingly, many surf, skate, and snow legends now reside in the Leucadia-Encinitas area, including Rod Macado, Shaun White, Tony Schaar, and even Tony Hawk.

Leucadia's version of Main Street runs along the North Coast Highway 101, a historic street filled with independently owned businesses that reflect the community's creative spirit. This main artery is dotted with hip boutiques offering everything from boho-chic apparel and handmade custom jewelry to eclectic vintage finds and modern ceramic artwork (along with workshops to make your own ceramics). Head slightly into Encinitas for Lou's Records, an iconic music shop in San Diego since 1980 and a favorite of former local Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam.

After shopping, the Coast Highway is the place to go for long-standing taco stands and Baja-style eats, especially for that post-surf breakfast burrito from a classic hole-in-the-wall. For those who want more than crunchy fish tacos, the community has a wide range of options, from indie coffee shops and a Sunday farmer's market to healthy cafes, upscale eateries, old-school pizzerias, and Leucadia Donuts, which has  stood the test of time for nearly half a century. In the beverage category, there are craft beer taprooms like Duck Foot Leucadia and the Mediterranean-style Solterra Winery & Kitchen, which has both a restaurant and bar.

The Coast Highway is mere blocks from the beach, inextricably linking the community to the ocean and to a thriving surf culture. Dramatic bluffs and secluded beaches like Beacons and Stone Steps must feel like sacred ground to the many local surfers who embrace the less-crowded breaks. This is the place that seems to prefer vintage surfboards to luxury cars, and many of the local surf shacks have been around for decades. The same free spirit behind Leucadia's boutiques, restaurants, and surf culture has attracted many artists and creative professionals. This can be seen in the town's independent boutiques and art galleries, large street murals, and the annual LeucadiART Walk.

For those wishing to visit, Leucadia is most easily reached by car on, you guessed it, the North Coast Highway 101. For those arriving by air, San Diego International Airport, about 30 miles south, is your best bet, though a small number of flights from cities like Phoenix, Oakland, and Las Vegas land at McClellan-Palomar Airport, about 7 miles north of Leucadia in Carlsbad. Likewise, Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner train has a stop in Solana Beach less than 6 miles away. Those who want to stay for a while will find a wide range of accommodations, from budget hotels like the Leucadia Beach Inn to swanky five-star resorts like the Park Hyatt Aviara and everything in between.