WEEKEND ESCAPE | So many ways to achieve bliss

BY IRENE LECHOWITZKY >>> My husband and I have been visiting downtown Encinitas, Calif., for years, drawn by its laid-back vibe and mix of beach bohemian and new-age spirituality. That counterculture feel is still there, but the times they are a changin’.

The bed

Location, location, location: The Best Western Encinitas Inn & Suites at Moonlight Beach (85 Encinitas Blvd.; [760] 9427455, www.bwencinitas.com) has a prime hilltop spot a couple of blocks from the ocean. The rooms are comfortable, a notch above standard motel fare; many have balconies with ocean or park views. The pool and spa were pleasant and relaxing; the complimentary breakfast is a nice touch. Bonus: If you don’t want to drive, you can take the train from L.A.; the Amtrak station is a block away. You can easily walk to the attractions downtown. The meal

We hit all the major food groups — fried chicken, tacos and pizza. Dinner was at the recently opened Crack Shack (407 Encinitas Blvd.; [760] 2302968, www.crack-shack.com) east of downtown. Top Chef Richard Blais’ hip, fast-casual eatery is chicken-centric. We scarfed down fried chicken, biscuits with miso-maple butter, and schmaltz-fried fries at a communal table in the open and airy restaurant. Prepare to wait in line at the Taco Stand (642 S. Coast Highway 101; [760] 2302061, www.letstaco.com), one of downtown’s newer offerings. We sat on the sunny patio and munched on guacamole and chips while waiting for our tacos; the al pastor (marinated pork, cilantro, onions and pineapple) was the best of the bunch. Grab a square slice of pizza at the just opened Napizza (615 S. Coast Highway 101; [760] 452-2340, www.lat.ms/napizza) and head to the beach. Napizza specializes in Roman-style pizza al taglio, which is cooked in rectangular pans; there are salads as well, if you must. The f ind

The morning scene is buzzing: New arrival Philz Coffee (1060 S. Coast Highway 101; [760] 230-6880, www.lat.ms/ philzcoffee) is going up against local favorites Better Buzz (578 S. Coast Highway 101; [760] 487-5562, www.betterbuzzcoffee.com) and Lofty Coffee (90 N. Coast Highway 101; [760] 2306747, www.lat.ms/loftyencinitas). My favorite pick-me-up was the Best Drink Ever at Better Buzz, which was just that with the correct amount of sweet-to-coffee ratio. The evening bar scene is buzzing too, with plenty of spots to grab a drink.

The lesson learned

You can walk on the sand from Moonlight Beach (386 B St., www.lat.ms/moonlight beach) to Swami’s (1298 S. Coast Highway 101, www.lat.ms/

swamisbeach), a famous surf break, when the tide is out. Climb the steep Swami’s stairs, then take a break at the lovely Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens next door (215 W. K St.; [760] 753-1811, www.encinitastemple.org). travel@latimes.com

Don Bartletti Los Angeles Times SWAMI’S BEACH in Encinitas leads to waves popular with surfers. Above it is a campus of the Self-Realization Fellowship.

Irene Lechowitzky PICNIC at the beach? Almost. It’s mealtime on the airy patio at the Taco Stand in Encinitas.

Irene Lechowitzky VISITORS leave stacked rocks at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. If the tide is out you can walk from here to Swami’s Beach.

Irene Lechowitzky THE GARDENS at the Self-Realization Fellowship in Encinitas are meant to put visitors in a meditative state of mind.