Encinitas' Surfhouse Hotel: Live Like a Local in California

If you've JUST realized it's Labor Day this weekend and have no plans there's still time to experience an amazing California surf adventure at the super rad Surfhouse Hotel in Encinitas, California.

Made up of 8 modern rooms all named after iconic local surf breaks, this is a true "live like a local" experience that will cater to your every need and surfing desire. Founded by brothers Nikki and Sander Harth, the Surfhouse is the ideal spot for those looking to feel welcome in this darling local surf community just north of San Diego. Previously a convalescent home built in 1972, the space has been renovated and modernized to perfection with the love and help of family and friends including Jan Solomon of Solomon Interior Design. All interior design elements draw upon the local beach culture for inspiration even incorporating artwork by the brothers mother as a main focal point in each room.

"We tried to keep everything local including the artwork and photography. Even the rooms are named after our favorite local surf breaks."

A New Modern Hotel in San Diego Offers Surfing Adventures and Local Hospitality - Photo 1 of 10 - A "Welcome to Leucadia!" sign leads visitors with open arms onto the quaint block where Surfhouse sits. It borders a community coffee joint called Coffee Coffee, as well as Surfy Surfy, an old-school surf shop that began as a surf blog in 2005 where JP St Pierre documented his family surfboard factory called Moonlight Glassing. In 2010, Pierre teamed up with a few of his surf buddies to open up Surfy Surfy, which is the same group that later opened up Coffee Coffee. Both destinations were part of a community effort to make sure local businesses continue to rule there.

A New Modern Hotel in San Diego Offers Surfing Adventures and Local Hospitality - Photo 2 of 10 - Jan Solomon of Solomon Interior Design led the renovation of the building's exterior. "Since the building itself seemed to fit into the community’s character, it really just needed some updating and a good facelift," says the Harth Brothers. However, the interior needed to be almost completely gutted and replaced.

BEFORE

AFTER

A New Modern Hotel in San Diego Offers Surfing Adventures and Local Hospitality - Photo 4 of 10 - During the process, they added upper and lower decks and inserted sea glass into part of the concrete walkways in order to make visitors feel like they’re still at the beach.

A New Modern Hotel in San Diego Offers Surfing Adventures and Local Hospitality - Photo 5 of 10 - In order to provide a durable and hardy surface for beachgoers, the floors are lined with tile that looks like sun-bleached wood. To create a fun, casual, and beachy vibe, the team introduced barn doors, white beach rock tile in the shower, retro-looking light green sinks, and open closet systems made with wood and iron.

A New Modern Hotel in San Diego Offers Surfing Adventures and Local Hospitality - Photo 6 of 10 - The rooms are furnished with comfortable, contemporary, and beachy textiles, as well as artwork by local artists including Andy Davis, Daniella Manini, and Billy Watts. This piece above the bed is actually by Elisabet Harth, Nikki and Sander's mother.

A New Modern Hotel in San Diego Offers Surfing Adventures and Local Hospitality - Photo 7 of 10 - While staying at Surfhouse, you can borrow a seven-speed beach cruiser from Electra Bicycle Company. The area is extremely bike-friendly, so it’s the perfect opportunity to roam around and explore the local restaurants, wine bars, shops, and beaches.

A New Modern Hotel in San Diego Offers Surfing Adventures and Local Hospitality - Photo 8 of 10 - Each of the rooms can accommodate two guests, except for "Pipes," which includes a set of camp-style bunk beds that can fit four people. Guests have access to the hotel’s surf equipment, including a quiver that’s filled with Firewire surfboards. They also have partnerships set up with a handful of other local business so that they can offer guests whatever it takes to complete the experience.

A New Modern Hotel in San Diego Offers Surfing Adventures and Local Hospitality - Photo 9 of 10 - The hotel is only about a three-minute walk to Beacon’s Beach, where you can follow a mellow goat path down to pristine waves that look up to the cliffs and a lineup of incredible modern homes—some of which cantilever over the edge.

A New Modern Hotel in San Diego Offers Surfing Adventures and Local Hospitality - Photo 10 of 10 - According to the Harth brothers, opting in for Surfhouse Adventures will allow you to "drop in as a guest and take off as a local."

Rooms start at $145 per night and are conveniently booked through Airbnb. If you're looking for the full experience, take a look at what the Surf Camp Package will get you:

-What it costs: $1,145 per person

-Where you’ll stay: Room that fits four people in a pair of bunk beds

-What you’ll get: Seven nights, seven breakfasts, five dinners out to local hotspots, five surf lessons, provided equipment (boards and wetsuits—which you won’t need in the summer), transportation to surf spots, two sunset yoga classes