Hey there, Encinitas! Get ready to paint the town green because St. Patrick’s Day 2025 is just around the corner. On March 17th, our sunny SoCal beach town will transform into a little slice of Ireland. But this year, we’re not just going green with our outfits – we’re talking eco-friendly celebrations too!
Moonlight Beach Half Marathon: Run Before You Drink
Kick off your St. Paddy’s Day celebrations early with the 3rd Annual Moonlight Beach Half Marathon on March 16th. Nothing says “I’m ready to party” like running 13.1 miles, right? But don’t worry, if you’re not up for the full half, there are 10k and 5k options too. Plus, you’ll get to sport a shiny new medal while you’re bar-hopping later. Just remember, green running shoes are optional but highly encouraged.
Eco-Friendly Shenanigans
Let’s show Mother Nature some love while we’re loving on St. Patrick this year. Here are some ways to keep your celebrations green (and we don’t mean just the beer):
- Ditch the plastic cups and bring your own reusable mug to the pub. Bonus points if it’s shaped like a shamrock.
- Walk, bike, or carpool to events. It’s safer, eco-friendly, and you might make some new Irish-for-a-day friends along the way.
- Skip the cheap, plastic decorations and get crafty with some DIY decor using recycled materials. Paper shamrocks, anyone?
Pub Crawl: The Encinitas Edition
What’s St. Patrick’s Day without a good old-fashioned pub crawl? This year, Encinitas is seriously competing with its big city neighbors. Start your crawl at The Roxy, where they’re going all out with themed cocktails that’ll make you think you’ve found the end of the rainbow. Then, stumble your way over to O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub for some authentic Irish tunes and maybe a jig or two (we won’t judge).
Family-Friendly Fun: No Fake IDs Required
Not ready to expose the kiddos to the wonderful world of green beer just yet? No worries! Head to the St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Fifth Avenue & Laurel Street. There’ll be live entertainment, food booths, craft booths, and many more! Who knows, your little leprechaun might just win a pot of gold (or more likely, a gift card to the local ice cream shop).
Temaki Bar: Where East Meets Ireland
In a twist only Encinitas could pull off, Temaki Bar offers $5 green sake bombs and a “Lucky Clover” hand roll. It’s not exactly traditional Irish fare, but hey, fusion is in, right? Plus, they’re pouring Guinness all month long, so you can pretend you’re in Dublin while eating sushi. Only in California, folks.
Sustainable Swag: Look Good, Feel Good
Want to show off your Irish pride without contributing to landfills? Check out Bliss 101 for some eco-friendly St. Patrick’s Day gear. They’ve got organic cotton tees, witty Irish sayings, and reusable tote bags perfect for carrying all your party supplies (or post-party snacks).
Beach Clean-Up: Give Back to the Green (and Blue)
Cap off your St. Patrick’s Day weekend with a good deed. Join the “Green Team” beach clean-up at Moonlight Beach on March 18th. It’s a great way to give back to our beautiful coastline and maybe find some lost treasures. Who knows, you might even find a leprechaun’s gold coin (or more likely, someone’s lost flip-flop).
So there you have it, Encinitas! Your guide to a St. Patrick’s Day that’s as green as it is great. Whether you’re running a half marathon, crawling between pubs, or enjoying family-friendly fun, remember to keep it safe, green, and most importantly, fun. Sláinte!
Sources: mygreenmattress.com, moonlightbeachhalfmarathon.org, stpatsparade.org
Header Image Source: Timothy Dykes on Unsplash
