Welcome to Solana Beach
Vibrant, tight-knit coastal community with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Known as a little slice of heaven, Solana Beach is a bustling small coastal suburb sitting atop Pacific Ocean bluffs, a few miles from northern San Diego. The neighborhood is warm and friendly — the kind of town where both new residents and inhabitants can enjoy life. In fact, the name Solana means a sunny spot in Spanish, which describes the small town.
In the early 1920s, the present-day Solana Beach began to develop rapidly after the creation of the Lake Hodges dam, which led to the expansion of the whole area, starting from Rancho Santa Fe to Solana Beach. In 1986, the town was incorporated and decades later witnessed various developments, including Cedros Design District and Solana Beach train station.
The housing market ever since has been growing steadily, and homes here are among the most expensive towns in California and the U.S. as a whole, with a median listing of $1,315,000. Some of the best neighborhoods include Lomas Santa Fe Country Club and San Elijo Hills.
What to Love
- Small beach town featuring breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean
- Artsy town filled with galleries and antique stores
- Family-friendly neighborhoods
Local Lifestyle
Solana beach is a diverse suburb with about 13,356 residents. Most residents here are highly educated and accomplished and work as either athletes, entrepreneurs, or artisans.
Residents here experience a mixed lifestyle; for instance, the Santa Fe Country Club offers a refined lifestyle, while other areas offer a lively and artsy lifestyle. The small suburb is the perfect place for an elegant, peaceful, and relaxing experience for individuals and families.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The vibrant heart of this small beach paradise features upscale boutiques, cafes, jewelry stores, fashionable fabrics, and inviting art galleries. The Cedros Design District is an upscale design district that is home to over 85 merchants, one-of-a-kind curators, and collectors. These stores offer elegant, designer fashions in various sophisticated apparel shops. SoLo, a 4000-square-foot store, is the best place to shop for all sorts of jewelry, mid-century furniture, and stationery. For luxury women's clothes, jewelry, bags, and shoes, Tucci has it all. Don't forget Pink Lagoon, which offers stylish apparel and accessories. For all your surfing gear, visit Surf Ride Boardshop, located along Highway 101.
After shopping, you can indulge in fine dining in any of the various high-end restaurants offering different cuisines. For breakfast or brunch with your fur friend, head over to the cozy and inviting Claire's on Cedros, which is conveniently located. The restaurant serves excellent foods such as French toast stuffed with ricotta, grilled bacon, chilaquiles, and a variety of drinks such as mimosas and wine. If you are craving some sushi and high-quality fish, visit Station Sushi, which has been in operation since 1998. Located in Solana Station, the restaurant has a great menu and great service to accompany it.
You can also try Mexican cuisine at Fidel's Little Mexico, an award-winning full-service restaurant and cocktail lounge. The restaurant is known for fish tacos, chiles Rellenos, and margaritas served in a colorful, hacienda-style space. Try ALCE 101 for refreshing farm-to-table meals and quality tequila. The southwestern restaurant is a fashionable spot featuring a beautiful terrace providing an unforgettable dining experience.
If you want to enjoy some music, visit Belly Up Tavern. Located on Cedros Ave, Belly Up Tavern has been a go-to sanctuary for years for both visitors and locals. It has been consistently considered one of the best live music venues in San Diego. Belly Up Tavern hosts different types of events and concerts from artists like Cults.
Things To Do
If you are bored or are just looking for a good time, there is no shortage of activities in this vibrant and idyllic town. Enjoy golfing at the expansive Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, which covers most of the town's eastern territories. Or you can explore the Reefs of Tide Beach Park and soak your feet in the cream-colored sand overlooking the towering bluffs. Walk to the Seascape Surf Park and unwind while taking in the amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.
