Hang Zen Surf + Sea

(44 reviews)

2.1 mi

Great in-water instruction for beginners. Lots of reps on the inside reform for those who need to…read morefind their feel for the waves, then help with learning to catch and drop in on waves with a face

We LOVE Eli Howard! Our most favorite camp that we truly count down the days for. Emily is amazing…read moreand so are all of the instructors.

Surf Campers are always ready to refuel after surfing. Did somebody say "Crumb Cake!?"

If I can do it- you can, too!

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There is more to the camps than surfing!

Fulcrum Surf

4.7

(80 reviews)

0.0 mi

WARNING!!!! Took My Money, Canceled the Trip, Zero Accountability!!…read more Booking with Fulcrum Surf has been one of the worst customer experiences I've ever had. I paid several thousand dollars up front for a Kelly Slater Wave Ranch trip -- something special I had planned more than a year in advance as a Christmas gift for my fiancé. After the initial deposit, my card was hit with additional charges I did not authorize or approve beforehand. I assumed it was part of the package and kept going because I trusted the company and believed the trip was secured. Then they went silent. For months. When they finally resurfaced -- over a year after taking and holding my money -- it was to tell me the trip wasn't happening. No apology, no explanation, no alternative solution, and certainly no urgency. The trip that I had paid for in full simply did not exist anymore. Instead of refunding me, they offered store credit, as if I should be excited to keep gambling with a company that couldn't deliver the trip they already took my money for. I declined and asked for a refund back to my original form of payment, which is standard for any legitimate business. Since then? Radio silence. No refund. No acknowledgment. No accountability. Just a company sitting on my money, hoping I'll get tired and go away. In my opinion, this behavior is deeply unprofessional and completely unacceptable. A company that can quickly charge your card but disappears the moment they owe you money tells me everything I need to know. If you're considering booking with them, here's my honest advice: don't. There are plenty of surf travel companies out there that understand customer service, deliver what they sell, and don't leave customers chasing their own money for months. After everything I've experienced, I would never book with Fulcrum Surf again and would strongly warn others to think twice before handing over a single dollar.

Justin and Ari from Fulcrum might just be the best coaches in all of SoCal (and I've had a few!)…read more In a short time, they helped elevate my skills to a whole new level, transitioning me from a Wavestorm, to a mid-length, and now to a performance shortboard. Both place a big emphasis on form, incorporating both land and water exercises to strengthen the key muscle groups essential for shortboarding. In the water, they keep attention to the smallest details which is helping to fine-tune my technique - and the video analysis has been a game changer for my progress. Fulcrum sincerely cares about my progress and surf journey and I can't thank them enough.

A complete range of instruction from beginner to advanced coaching, summer surf camps, Independent Surf PE, international travel and more.

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Awesome crew!

Encinitas Surf Lessons

4.9

(176 reviews)

2.4 mi

I booked this for my kiddos for two of their birthday experiences when visiting from AZ. We had a…read moresmall issue with booking what were able to get it all figured out. Carlos was awesome with my 3 kids! He gave them great cues and was super patient and supportive. My kids had an absolute blast and just "going to the beach" will probably never cut it again!

I had a lesson with Alex, and he was really great with the stage I was at. I need some help with…read morewave selection, reading, timing, etc., and a lot of instructors just revert to working on the first-time beginner stuff. Alex helped me with what I was trying to work on and let me keep some stuff in his car, because I was traveling without one for part of my trip, which I really appreciated!

Tom and Jason

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Surfin Fire Surf School

(63 reviews)

3.3 mi

In early April 2026, we took a surf lesson with Steve and had SO much fun. He met us (ages 44, 44,…read moreand 15) at the top of the steps at Stonesteps Beach and helped us suit up in comfy wetsuits. We were all first-timers from a landlocked state. Steve's instructions out on the water were easy to follow and he helped steady the boards to ensure we all got up! The ocean temp was perfect for a 75 degree sunny day- we were super comfortable. The ocean floor is very flat with no rocks or seaweed. Honestly wouldn't change a darn thing, and huge shoutout to Steve who is very good at this! Would absolutely do this again.

Surfing has always been something that I was too afraid or intimidated to try. I've lived in SoCal…read moremy whole life and was kinda embarrassed that I never REALLY tried to surf. I decided to face my fears and sign up for a lesson. I'm so happy I did. I had an amazing private lesson with Steve who was very patient and encouraging. They provided the board and wetsuit so all I needed to do was show up. It was a perfect day and the waves weren't too scary. They picked a spot that wasn't crowded and we just kept trying to catch waves. Steve provided helpful tips each wave and I eventually was able to ride multiple waves which surprised me! I wasn't expecting to be able to be able to stay up on the board, but through minor adjustments from Steve I exceeded my expectations. Thank you Lynn for setting everything up and making it easy. Highly recommend!

Waxing down the boards

All gear included.

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Leucadia Surf School

(27 reviews)

2.1 mi

Instructor was a great guy, very funny and helpful, He taught me and my cousin how to stand plus…read morethe fundamentals of surfing on our first lesson

My 10 year old son came home from day 1 of Leucadia Surf School and said he had the greatest day…read moreever and had so much fun surfing. This camp is all surfing and no fluff. Wonderful staff, positive environment and safe. You wanna learn? Leucadia Surf School provides more time in the water surfing and doesn't gouge on price. For that, I am grateful.

Lot of good boards for our summer surf camp. Getting hot now, the water getting warm.

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Group photo of the first week of surf camp at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. We have the main beach at Moonlight.

Concept Surf Shop

Best place to rent boards in Encinitas. Walking distance to the beach. If you have friends coming…read moreto town, they also offer surf lessons, wetsuits, sunglasses, shirts, hats and dog bandanas.

We made it back this year and Concept Surf Shop is better than we remembered. Emily helped my son…read moreand his buddy get outfitted with bodysuits, and the surf camp they run is second to none. If you're looking for the best surf shop in Encinitas make sure you stop this family operated gem. Appreciated as always.

Practicing pop ups before going in

Colin the instructor giving student Colin tips

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Maui Surf Academy

(24 reviews)

3.1 mi

My kids (ages 6 and 9) had a great experience at this surf camp. They will meet your kid where they…read moreare at and encourage them without any pressure. And the location is hard to beat...Highly recommend Maui Surf Academy!

Matt and his team (Baylee and Nathan you rock) are so fabulous!!! My oldest daughter was already…read more standing up on day 2 of 5! They kept the kids engaged and inspired to learn. Overall excellent customer service. We will be back next year!

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Kahuna Bob's Surf School

(4 reviews)

0.9 mi

I took both group and even a few private lessons a few summers ago and loved them! I learned a lot…read moreand had tons of fun! The class size for the group lessons was always reasonable, the instructors were great, and the prices were fair ( I don't remember how much but it included the lessons, wetsuit, and board) Definitely would recommend Kahuna Bob's

A real coach who knows how to teach the techniques to get you surfing. Highly recommend. Will be…read moreback for more lessons from Kahuna Bob!

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SwimLabs Swim School

4.5

(59 reviews)

2.7 mi

SwimLabs has been our family's swim lesson destination for years. The coaches and staff are very…read morekind and accommodating. Our eldest started private lessons with coach Josh and coach Havana. They both helped him progress well in a short period of time. Our youngest is now with coach Josh who helped him transition from beginner to intermediate. Coach Josh is very patient. He understands the student's needs and tailors the lessons accordingly. Our youngest one also has private lessons with coach Kim for the past few months. She has been instrumental in getting him to relax and feel comfortable in the water. She makes the lessons fun and encourages him when he gets the strokes/kicks right. I would highly recommend coach Josh, coach Havana and coach Kim for their dedication and commitment in teaching kids how to swim.

I had a first one lesson with Josh and it was a great. he was very patient very informative gave…read moregood direction and I really like how I can review my body posture and stroke and how my legs are kicking on the video during the lesson. I've always known how to swim but I never knew how to swim properly like to race so that's why I wanted to go there and I'll be back.

SwimLabs Instructor teaching freestyle on "the bar"

Happy swimmers!

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Country Club Child Care

4.9

(57 reviews)

12.4 mi

We've been with CCCC for about six months, and prior to that we were living in Los Angeles, where…read moreour son attended a daycare he absolutely loved. Naturally, we were a bit nervous about making a switch when he was so young--but the transition couldn't have gone more smoothly. He quickly settled in and formed bonds with both the teachers and the other children. One of the things we really appreciate is their communication. They share photos throughout the day (which my husband and parents especially enjoy) and provide updates at pickup. It's clear that a lot of thought goes into their daily activities too--they're creative and engaging. We've seen meaningful growth in our son, both developmentally and socially. He truly thrives around other kids, and we credit much of that to his experience at CCCC. Another standout quality is their flexibility. Our schedule is mostly part-time, but when we've needed full-time care for certain months, they've been incredibly accommodating. That kind of flexibility is hard to find at larger daycare centers.

Country club child care has a warm, home-like atmosphere where kids feel safe and cared for…read more I especially appreciate how clean and organized everything is, and how much attention is given to each child. It doesn't feel like a big, overwhelming daycare -- it feels more personal, which is so important for little ones. They also do creative activities like arts and play-based learning, which helps kids develop and stay engaged. If you're looking for a smaller, nurturing environment for your child, this is definitely a great option.

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Cardiff Family Daycare

(27 reviews)

3.9 mi

We loved our time at Cardiff Family Daycare. The owner Jodie is so warm and experienced- we…read moreimmediately felt safe to leave our 9 month old in her care. We loved that the kids do lots of outside activities and that Jodie is flexible with how they nap and any other individual needs they might have. We will continue to bring our kids there when their new schools have breaks and we need coverage care. 10/10!

We cannot recommend Jodie and Cardiff Family Daycare highly enough! Our son started with Jodie when…read morehe was 16 months old and stayed for a full year. During that time, we saw incredible progress in his development and social skills. Jodie is so creative with her daily activities; she doesn't just 'watch' the kids, she truly teaches them through play. One of our absolute favorite parts of the week was Music Day, where a musician comes in with a guitar to sing with the children. It was a highlight for our son! Jodie has cultivated a wonderful, kind group of children, and the environment is always warm and welcoming. We only moved him because we wanted a Spanish-immersion environment for his language development, but we are so grateful for the love and care Jodie gave our son. She will be missed!

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Kids Castle Day Care

(22 reviews)

2.6 mi

I cannot recommend Kids Castle enough! My 2-year-old has been attending since last September, and…read moreit has been the perfect fit for our family. Before finding this wonderful at-home care facility, my child had a poor experience at a local large daycare, which left us nervous. However, she settled in very quickly at Kids Castle and is now happy to go in and play every single day. The small team of women who run it are incredibly professional, polite, and caring. Their communication skills are excellent, which makes me feel so relaxed leaving my child there. The quality of care and activities is top-notch. They cover everything from reading, counting, and learning colors to dancing, cooking, arts and crafts, and vital social-emotional learning. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found Kids Castle and truly hope we can stay here until my child reaches TK!

My wife and I moved to La Costa in November and started looking for childcare right away. We added…read moreour names to the waitlist at Kids Castle daycare and kept our fingers crossed. About five months later we got the call, and it has been the best experience since. The wait was absolutely worth it. My daughter has already shown real progress from all the activities and structure they provide. I also really appreciate the daily photo updates, it gives us peace of mind and lets us feel connected to her day. We could not be happier with our decision. I cannot recommend Kids Castle enough

Watering plants!

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Montessori School of Encinitas

4.7

(22 reviews)

3.7 mi

We absolutely love this school! They are so great with the kids and provide not only a great…read moreeducation, but a kind, safe and loving environment for the kids. One of my kids will be starting kindergarten soon and will be very well prepared. MSE has taught her to read, write, addition, subtraction, etc. She has an advanced understanding of science, biology, history, music, etc. The teachers we have had are all SO great. I can't say enough good things, I highly recommend!

Great school. Our daughter has learned and grown so much. We are so lucky to have this place!read more

Celebrating World Peace Day

Fun Field Trips

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Sensory Play for Toddlers

The Academy at Bright Horizons

(18 reviews)

4.9 mi

What can I say about this incredible place? Both of my kids attended The Academy, and we have loved…read moreevery single moment. It all started in the winter of 2022, when we found out we'd be moving back to California. I was frantically searching for a preschool and hitting walls at every turn. I knew I wanted a Montessori-inspired approach, and I needed a school with room for both of my children. When I reached out to The Academy, they responded quickly and were so accommodating of the fact that we couldn't do an in-person tour. Kristine, who was the interim director at the time and has since become the director, did our tour over FaceTime and the moment it ended, I just knew. And the best part? It ended up being right down the road from the house we bought. If that doesn't scream meant to be, I don't know what does. My oldest started in the preschool class and my youngest in the young toddlers class. By the time my oldest graduated, he was more than ready for kindergarten and now the time has come for my youngest to do the same. I won't pretend I'm not going to cry on her last day. This school has been so much more than a preschool. It's been a place where I knew, without a doubt, that my children would be loved, protected, and given every opportunity to flourish. Every teacher we had was wonderful. The admin team consistently goes above and beyond for their families. Our previous preschool was a completely different experience. The constant staff turnover at this other school, meant our kids rarely had the same teacher twice, and it showed. The stability and consistency at The Academy has made all the difference. If you're a parent searching for the right place for your little one, look no further. Truly. My kids already ask if they can come back to visit. That says it all. Thank you to Kristine, Mallorie, Maricel, and every teacher who made our time there so meaningful and special. You will never fully know how much you all mean to our family. We will miss you more than words can say.

We have had a very positive experience here! I have an older son so this is also my fourth…read morepreschool so I feel like I have something to compare it to. My daughter started at 18 months. The teachers in the toddler classroom are so sweet and patient - Miss Monica and Miss Jayme. They are willing to work with whatever schedule you'd like to ease the children into the classroom. They are also very good at helping the children transition as many times this is their first place away from home. They have part time or full time schedules available. There is also an app and there are constant updates parents receive including lunch time, nap time, diapers and play time with pictures. I also love that there is a drive through drop off and pick up where the children are brought into school or out to the car. I'm a working mom and responsible for all the drop offs and pick ups and since my son attends another school, we don't have to get out of the car so this makes things much easier. The school also hosts some parent classes for free if you're interested. Cost wise for full time, it is on the higher end from what I've seen but it's cheaper than having a nanny which is what we had previously. I also believe it is reflected in the quality of care so it is worth it to me. I am happy we found this school and my son will be attending as well starting in a couple of weeks.

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Gaby’s Daycare