Ramble along the shores in Encinitas

The hike begins at the top of a cliff adjacent to a small park with a few artistic statues. A long stairway leads down to the beach. Here, the ocean is the high point as it blends into the far horizon, creating a beautiful image. The area is popular among surfers as well as shorebirds. The gulls and terns seem accustomed to visitors and allow walkers to pass by at close range. The gulls tend to rummage through the kelp that has washed ashore. These scavengers attempt to find morsels of food clinging to the kelp. The wild-haired terns, on the other hand, hover and dive into the water for their food. Their time on the beach is meant for resting. Keep on the lookout for squadrons of pelicans gliding close to the waterline. Their flying skills are amazing to watch and occasionally one will leave formation to dive for fish.

Walk south along the shoreline with occasional visits to the cliffs. The sandstone cliffs are partially covered with vegetation. Non-natives, including several invasive species, dominate the native plants. There is the occasional native tree tobacco shrub, salt grass, juncus, or heliotrope among the plentiful non-native tamarisk, pampas grass, Arundo donax (or giant cane), and ice plant. Watch for some sandstone blocks at the base of the cliffs near a tree tobacco plant. The tree tobacco has long yellow tubular flowers, which hummingbirds will feed on. Once the blocks of sandstone are located, notice numerous fossilized clams imbedded in the rock. Be on the lookout for ground squirrels or stray lizards that are occasionally found along these cliffs.

Returning to the shoreline, look for some dimples in the sand each time the water recedes. These are sand crabs, which tickle if you dig your toes into the sand. Upon close inspection, notice the feathery antennae that they use for filter feeding. There are many staircases leading down from the parking area and campground to San Elijo State Beach. As you progress down shore, the cliffs eventually lose elevation. Here, there is an interesting lifeguard tower on scaffolding, which is reminiscent of an erector set. This offsets the lower cliff line and allows the lifeguards greater visibility. Just beyond this tower, there is an inlet for the San Elijo Lagoon. This is the 1.4-mile turnaround point. If you choose to go further, you can wade across the river mouth (at low tide) or walk over the bridge to continue. If you choose to wade across, be cautious of the rounded cobblestones mid-stream. Beyond, there are a few restaurants along the beach and then a narrower stretch of sand, known as Cardiff by the Sea. It is about a mile from the inlet to the cliffs at the south end of this beach.

There is a lot to observe as you amble back along the coast. Be sure to sweep your focus from shore to sea. The reward may be a glimpse of a seal or porpoise visiting the area. In addition, the recommended hiking attire during the summer months is a swimsuit, as it is hard to resist a dip in the ocean. If you are after solitude, the north end of the beach (nearest Swami’s) tends to be less crowded. However, sunsets are glorious anywhere along this stretch of shoreline.

If invigorated, venture a short distance to the north end to explore the flat rocks covered with shallow tide-pool depressions, black mussels, and gooseneck barnacles. Rinse off the saltwater at the base of the stairway as you make your way back to your car.