San Diego County: Mild Days, Wild Nights

If you take a stroll down the main stretch of South Coast Highway 101 on a sunny day, you'll encounter a large number of middle-aged white folks. They're having lunch outside and perusing the boutiques with potpourri, candles and linen clothing.

Occasionally, you'll happen upon an establishment with a more innovative presentation. A restaurant, bar or shop that's clearly been designed to attract a trendier crowd.

There's the East Village Diner which puts a modern twist on Asian street food. There you can pick up kimchi pancakes, mongolian stew or spring rolls. At Encinitas Pizza Company 101, you can create your own pizza with toppings like shaved rib eye, pesto and sundried tomato.

These few recently opened businesses indicate the slow transformation Encinitas is undergoing. At night on weekends the changes are even more apparent as the bars open and the sidewalks fill up with people in their twenties looking for a good time. There's 1st Street Bar with live music and cheap pitchers.

Live music at 1st Street Bar

The landmark Daley Double Saloon is the most historic joint in town. It's been attracting large crowds for jukebox tunes, pool and spirits since 1934.

Tab Baumann is a bartender at the Daley Double and has lived in town for over fifty years. "On a Friday night when I get off work, this town is just buzzing," he said, "It's amazing to see, because it use to be a lot sleepier down here. It's gotten really popular."

1st Street Bar gets packed on weekends

Most of the bar-goers that go out in Encinitas live elsewhere. That might be because this beach town still has a suburban feel during the day. I recommend if you're spending a weekend in San Diego you consider heading to Encinitas for a couple drinks, but give it a few years before you commit to passing the whole day there.