Encinitas Boat Houses — The Land-Locked “Ships” of Southern California
The Encinitas Boat Houses sit proudly on 3rd Street, looking ready to set sail even though they’ve never touched the ocean. Built in 1929 by inventive carpenter Miles Minor Kellogg, these two-story cottages—nicknamed the S.S. Encinitas and S.S. Moonlight—were crafted from reclaimed beach-dance-hall lumber and have charmed road-trippers ever since.
Where to Find the Encinitas Boat Houses
- Address: 726 & 732 3rd Street, Encinitas, CA 92024 — an easy five-minute walk from Moonlight Beach.
- Best photo light: Mid-morning hits the portholes without harsh shadows.
- Etiquette: They are private homes; please admire from the sidewalk.
History of the Encinitas Boat Houses
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1929 | Kellogg finishes the boat-shaped cottages, complete with smokestacks and 19 porthole windows. |
| 2008 | Locals form the Encinitas Preservation Association to save the “ships” from demolition. |
| 2019 | The houses earn a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring future restoration grants. |
Visiting the Encinitas Boat Houses: What Else to Do
Stroll Historic Highway 101
Vintage surf shops, third-wave coffee, and record stores line this walkable strip just a block west.
Sunset at Moonlight Beach
Walk down C Street for volleyball, bonfires, and a lavender Pacific horizon.
Explore More with an Encinitas Pass
Love packing your day with extra stops? Tap below for a pre-bundled Encinitas Explorer Pass that discounts local gardens, museums, and viewpoints:
(Totally optional—handy if you’re the pass-type traveler.)
Mobile Beauty Team on Call
Transitioning from sandy hair to sunset dinner? Book beach-side hair and makeup with Mobile Beauty Team and stay camera-ready without losing vacation time.
Encinitas Boat Houses FAQ
Can I go inside?
Tours are rare and usually tied to local fund-raisers—watch community calendars.
Where do I park?
Street parking on 3rd Street is tight. Park along 2nd Street or in the Moonlight Beach lot and enjoy the stroll.
Most Instagrammable angle?
Stand a bit south of the houses to frame both bows and the faux gangway in one shot.
Half-Day “Ship-to-Shore” Itinerary
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10 a.m. | Photos at Encinitas Boat Houses |
| 10:45 | Cappuccino at Lofty Coffee on 101 |
| 11:30 | Antique hunt along Highway 101 |
| 1:00 | Picnic and swim at Moonlight Beach |
| 4:30 | Quick glam session — Mobile Beauty Team |
| 6:00 | Rooftop dinner on Coast Highway |
Final Boarding Call
The Encinitas Boat Houses prove that whimsy still thrives along California’s coast. Snap a photo, soak up their century-old charm, then keep the adventure rolling with beach sunsets, boutique shopping, and maybe a little on-call pampering. And if you want to see even more of Encinitas in one smooth swoop, that Explorer Pass link is ready whenever you are. Safe travels and happy “sailing”! ⚓️
