On a quiet street of quaint beach houses and mismatched cottages, you’ll suddenly find yourself confronted by the incongruous sight of two enormous boats – most definitely in dry dock since they’re situated two blocks back from the beach.

In fact they’ve never been to sea. Despite their 19 portholes, mariner’s wheels and quirky starboard list, the SS Encinitas and SS Moonlight have only ever been homes for landlubbers. The structures were built by architect Miles Kellogg in the late 1920’s using timber salvaged from the the 1888 Moonlight Beach Dance Parlor, a local bathhouse and hotel that failed to survive Prohibition.

The boathouses exemplify early California “courtyard architecture” and a vernacular design associated with historic Highway 101. Each house is 15-feet tall by 20-feet long, with living space of 1100 square feet.

The Encinitas Preservation Association, formed by the Downtown Encinitas Mainstreet Association (DEMA), and Encinitas Historical Society, purchased the houses in 2008 and rent them as private dwellings. The long term plan is to convert the structures into a museum for public enjoyment.

The Boathouses are part of the Society’s Guided Downtown Walking Tour, which starts at 10:00 a.m. every third Saturday from September to July. A short distance from the Pacific Ocean, take a walk and visit them at 726 and 732 Third Street.

For more information or if you’re interested in helping preserve these historic landmarks, contact the Encinitas Preservation Association at 818 S Cost Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024, or call (760) 943-1950.

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Donations

The Encinitas Historical Society relies on donations to carry out its mission.

Donate at your convenience:

a) Point your camera at the QR code to pay with credit card, Venmo, CashApp, Apple Pay, PayPal, etc.

b) Click this line to pay with credit card, Venmo, CashApp, Apple Pay, PayPal, etc.

c) Mail a check to 1883 Schoolhouse, Re: Donation, 390 West F Street, Encinitas, CA 92024 – please provide your email address and phone number.

d) Visit the Schoolhouse to donate by cash, check, credit card, Venmo, CashApp, Apple Pay, PayPal, etc. And enjoy looking over our branded and Encinitas-themed merchandise – at family prices!

You will receive a receipt for all forms of payment. Remember donations are tax deductible so keep your receipt.