SS Encinitas and SS Moonlight Boathouses
Iconic 1920s 'boat houses' built from salvaged wood, offering a quirky architectural marvel and photo op.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
SS Encinitas and SS Moonlight Boathouses
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 1920s 'boat houses' built from salvaged wood, offering a quirky architectural marvel and photo op.
"A really fun landmark in Encinitas! These historic apartments were built in the 1920s."
📸 Respect Private Property
Admire from the sidewalk; tenants live here. No trespassing signs are posted.
🚗 Easy to Find
Located on 3rd Street, they're a simple drive-by or quick stop.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
SS Encinitas & SS Moonlight
3rd Street, Encinitas
Iconic 1920s 'boat houses' built from salvaged wood, offering a unique architectural marvel.
Quirky Photo Opportunities
Street view
Capture memorable photos with these whimsical, landlocked vessels as your backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse of History
Preservation Efforts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Respect Private Property
Admire from the sidewalk; tenants live here. No trespassing signs are posted.
🚗 Easy to Find
Located on 3rd Street, they're a simple drive-by or quick stop.
🐱 Friendly Felines
You might even meet a friendly outdoor cat during your visit!
💡 Learn Their Story
Built in 1928 from salvaged materials, paying tribute to a sea captain father.
The “boat” houses in Encinitas.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Respect Private Property
Admire from the sidewalk; tenants live here. No trespassing signs are posted.
🚗 Easy to Find
Located on 3rd Street, they're a simple drive-by or quick stop.
🐱 Friendly Felines
You might even meet a friendly outdoor cat during your visit!
💡 Learn Their Story
Built in 1928 from salvaged materials, paying tribute to a sea captain father.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the SS Encinitas and SS Moonlight Boathouses to be a fun, quirky, and historic landmark in Encinitas. While they are private residences and cannot be entered, their unique architecture makes for great photo opportunities. Many appreciate the ongoing efforts to preserve these aging, one-of-a-kind structures.
"A really fun landmark in Encinitas! These historic apartments were built in the 1920s. They are starting to fall into disarray, but the historic society is working to raise money to refurbish them. I was lucky enough to get a tour of the inside."
bartellj
"Historical landmark was cool to see. You can only view from the curb as I think there are tenants and no trespassing signs around. I heard a interview recently from a tenant? Former maybe..that they are going under restoration. Easy to find, just googled Encinitas boat houses. You can not go inside "structures""
Bonnie Feldman
"I stumbled upon these boat houses one night walking around. I had a blast taking photos in front of them, and even met a friendly outdoor cat! This is one of those fun, quirky places to visit. I recommend!"
Alex
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
These unique landmarks are located on 3rd Street in Encinitas, California. They are easily accessible by car and are a popular spot for a quick photo stop. Parking is typically available on the street nearby.
While direct public transport to the exact street might be limited, you can likely take a bus to a nearby main road in Encinitas and then walk or take a short ride-share to 3rd Street. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you cannot go inside the boathouses. They are private residences, and there are 'no trespassing' signs. Visitors are asked to respect the tenants' privacy and view the structures from the sidewalk.
No tickets are required to see the SS Encinitas and SS Moonlight Boathouses. They are visible from the street and are a free attraction for visitors to admire from the outside.
While some reviews mention past tours or the possibility of restoration, currently, public tours are not regularly offered. The best way to experience them is by viewing them from the street.
📸 📸 Photography
The best time for photography is during daylight hours. The 'golden hour' just before sunset can provide beautiful, warm lighting for your shots.
The entire street view offers a great perspective. You can capture both boathouses from various angles along the sidewalk. Experiment with different distances to get the best composition.
Drone usage is generally restricted in residential areas and near private property. It's best to avoid flying drones here to respect privacy and local regulations.
🎫 💡 History & Significance
These unique structures were built in 1928 by Miles Minor Kellogg.
They were constructed using salvaged wood from a failed hotel and a local bathhouse, showcasing creative reuse of materials.
The architect, Miles Kellogg, paid tribute to his father, who was a sea captain, by designing them to resemble boats.
Yes, there are ongoing efforts and fundraising initiatives by the historic society to refurbish and preserve these landmarks, as they are showing signs of age.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
This is a low-key attraction that doesn't require a lot of time or energy, making it perfect for a quick detour during a day of exploring Encinitas. Pack some snacks and enjoy the unique visual spectacle from the curb.
📸 Photographers and Art Lovers
While access is limited to the exterior, the surrounding streetscape and the distinctive architecture provide plenty of angles. It's a chance to capture something truly out of the ordinary, a visual story of ingenuity and local character. Remember to be respectful of the residential nature of the location.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Quirks and History
+1These homes have never touched the ocean, yet their nautical theme is unmistakable. They stand on a quiet street in Encinitas, offering a visual surprise to those who encounter them. While they are private residences, their unique architecture has made them a beloved local feature and a point of interest for visitors seeking out the unusual.
Currently, the boathouses are in need of restoration, and local historical societies are actively working on fundraising efforts to preserve them for future generations. This ongoing preservation work highlights their importance as a piece of Encinitas' architectural history.
Visiting and Photography Tips
For photography enthusiasts, the boathouses offer a unique and whimsical subject. The best light for capturing their charm is during the daytime, particularly the 'golden hour' before sunset, which casts a warm glow. While you can't go inside, the exterior provides ample opportunities for creative shots.
Finding these landmarks is straightforward as they are located on 3rd Street in Encinitas. They are easily accessible by car, and street parking is generally available. The experience is a quick, enjoyable stop for anyone looking for a bit of local color and a memorable photo opportunity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit