RJ Homes of La Jolla in Encinitas, CA

Pros

• The location is unbeatable, with easy access to the beach and local shops.
• Guests appreciate having wetsuits, surfboards, and boogie boards readily available.
• The complimentary bikes are a highlight of the stay.
• The rooms are cute, modern, and comfortable, with ample space.
• Staff are friendly, responsive, and go above and beyond to help guests.
• Guests say they would definitely return for another visit.
• Coffee shops across the street and nearby restaurants enhance the experience.
• Beacons and other surf spots are within a short walk, making it ideal for surfers.
• The vibe is charming, beachy, and gives a strong local feel.
• The value is excellent for the location and amenities, including easy access to the beach.

Cons

• The hotel sits next to an AmTrak train track, and guests must endure loud horns until 1:00 am.
• The property is not a boutique hotel and has no front desk; check-in is handled by email, which irritates guests.
• The rooms are cold and sparse, and the beds are merely ordinary.
• The beach is not close, disappointing guests who want easy access to the shore.
• The rooms lack soundproofing, so guests hear every car, conversation outside, and train noise through the night.
• It is outrageously expensive for what is offered, with reviewers calling it motel-like in quality.
• Non-guests sometimes park in the lot and cause disturbances after midnight, with little heads-up from management.

Review

RJ Homes of La Jolla’s Surfhouse Encinitas is best suited for beach-loving travelers who want an ultra-wan-friendly base in Leucadia/Encinitas with immediate access to the coast, surf spots, and a lively local scene. This is a practical fit for couples, families with kids, and small groups who prize location, casual comfort, and the ability to move right into the local vibe without the frills of a full-service hotel. It works especially well for surfers who want gear nearby, or for guests who value walkability to coffee shops, eateries, and the Beacons area. Those seeking a quiet, luxury-grade stay with extensive on-site services should look elsewhere; this property trades polish for personality and proximity.

The location is the standout advantage, and it shows up in every season. A short stroll lands guests at Beacons Beach, and a lot of the town’s action, coffee spots, restaurants, and shops, are just steps away. The Surfhouse makes that advantage tangible with loaner bikes and access to surfboards, suiting families and solo travelers aiming to maximize sun and waves without renting a car. Rooms are described as modern and clean, with design that feels fresh rather than formal, and several guests praise the setup that includes a small kitchen-like workspace or outdoor patio in some rooms. The host team, led by Nikki, earns frequent commendations for responsiveness and local guidance, and the value comes reinforced by discounts at nearby venues.

The upside is reinforced by real conveniences: easy, contactless-style check-in via email or text, no front desk to chase down, and consistently well-kept spaces that still feel intimate and beachy. Parking passes provide practical access to on-site spots, and guests repeatedly note the ability to walk to a broad swath of entertainment and dining, reducing the need for daily driving. Cleanliness and updated interiors remain a common thread in positive reviews, and the option to rent gear or receive surf coaching through local partners helps align the stay with a surf-centric itinerary. There is also a sense of a friendly, relaxed community that can be beneficial for travelers seeking a stress-free, social-friendly atmosphere.

On the downside, the major recurring constraint is noise. Train whistles near the property and street-level sounds from nearby restaurants and traffic routinely surface in guest feedback. Even with sound machines and provided earplugs, some rooms struggle to deliver a truly quiet night, and a few guests describe the walls and doors as not offering robust soundproofing. Another practical friction point is the absence of on-site management and a traditional front desk. While this is offset by responsiveness, it can feel less reassuring for travelers who rely on a staffed front desk for directions, quick needs, or last-minute adjustments. Room configurations also vary; some spaces feel compact, with bunk-bed setups or smaller bathrooms, and there are mentions that King-size options aren’t available, which matters for couples or travelers who desire more private lounging space.

These pros and cons converge into a clear decision framework. For those who value an unmistakable beach town experience with effortless access to surf, coffee, and casual dining, the Surfhouse Encinitas delivers a compelling, affordable, and stylish base. The gear extras, bikes and boards, extend the living area, turning a simple stay into an easy, activity-forward getaway. The main offset to the negatives rests on location-led convenience, proactive host communication, and a modern, clean aesthetic that never pretends to be more than it is: a relaxed, surf-life stay rather than a formal hotel experience. With careful room selection and realistic expectations about sound, this property remains a strong choice for a sun-and-surf-focused Encinitas visit.

Alternatives become attractive for several profiles. Travelers who crave tranquil nights free from train and street noise should consider options farther from the rail corridor or with true soundproofing upgrades. Those requiring a full-service front desk, daily housekeeping, or larger, more private suites with king beds may be better served by conventional hotels or larger boutique properties. Families needing bigger common spaces or dedicated child-friendly programming may also look for properties that offer more defined kid-specific amenities. In short, this site excels when the priority is proximity, a low-key stylish vibe, and informal hospitality; it softens the rough edges of a rugged coastal stay with character and practicality, not regimented service.

In the end, Surfhouse Encinitas earns its keep as a practical, high-value gateway to the Encinitas coast for a specific traveler profile. The beach is the anchor, the neighborhood is the soundtrack, and the rooms provide a fresh, comfortable landing pad after long beach days. For surfers, couples, and families who want to live like locals, bikes, boards, and beacons of coffee nearby, this is the right call. For guests chasing absolute quiet, larger private spaces, or a traditional hotel footprint, alternative options with stronger soundproofing, front-desk service, and room layouts designed for longer, more restful stays are worth exploring. Plan around train times, prioritize rooms with outdoor space when possible, and embrace the casual, friendly pace that defines this coastline retreat.

This part of Encinitas, California offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to individuals seeking a convenient and comfortable living environment. With a selection of restaurants, cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians, hospitals, and transportation options available within a short distance, residents can easily access necessary goods and services. The proximity to healthcare facilities such as Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas and Rady Children's Hospital ensures accessible medical care when needed. Additionally, the presence of recreational spaces like Olympus Park and San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center provides opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Overall, this area presents a well-rounded community with convenient access to essential services for senior living.

Restaurants

• Pannikin Coffee & Tea (0.5 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (1.6 miles)
• Plant Power Fast Food (2.3 miles)
• Shake Shack (2.4 miles)
• Pacific Coast Grill (3.8 miles)
• Tip Top Meats & Europe (3.9 miles)
• Chart House (3.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.6 miles)
• Ironsmith Coffee Roasters (1.4 miles)
• Goodonya (2 miles)
• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Claire's on Cedros (5.2 miles)
• Barefoot Coffee Roasters (5.8 miles)

Parks

• Olympus Park (0.8 miles)
• San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center (4 miles)
• Alga Norte Community Park (4.2 miles)
• Fletcher Cove Park (5.4 miles)
• San Elijo Hills Park (6.4 miles)
• Holiday Park (6.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Sav-On Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Reliant Pharmacy (4.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (4.2 miles)

Physicians

• Wheeler & Seul Oral Surgery (2.1 miles)
• Carlsbad Shores Family Dentistry (2.4 miles)
• Skincare Physicians & Surgeons (2.5 miles)
• Matthew M Schultzel, DO (2.5 miles)
• Carla Celene Schuermann-Berryman, MD (3 miles)
• Orthopaedic Specialists of North County (3.8 miles)
• Scripps Coastal Medical Center (5.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas (2.3 miles)
• Optum - Carlsbad State (7.1 miles)
• Eye Surgery Associates (8 miles)
• Rady Children's Hospital (8.2 miles)
• Tri-City Medical Center (8.3 miles)
• Tri-City Medical Center Registration (8.3 miles)

Transportation

• McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) (4.3 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Edwards San Marcos (8 miles)