Solana Beach is a charming beach-side community nestled along the coast of the Pacific Ocean about 25 minutes north of San Diego. Its bordered by Rancho Santa Fe on the east, the Pacific Ocean on the west, San Elijo Ecological Reserve on the north and the beach-side town of Del Mar (and it's horse-racing track) on the south.
The climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and cool during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 50's. The warmest month of the year is August with an average maximum temperature of 82 degrees. The coldest month of the year is December. The combination of wonderful weather, palm trees and sparking ocean give Solana Beach a reputation as a near-perfect paradise.
The city is a favorite destination for visitors who enjoy eclectic shops, great dining, golfing, nightlife, bicycling, beach sports and hiking. Every evening finds visitors and locals gathering at Fletcher Cove to enjoy the sunset.
The Cedros Design District is well-known as an enclave of coolness with the quaintness and aura of a European side-street. Here visitors find an enchanting 2 blocks of more than 85 unique and trendy shops: furniture from around the world, out of the ordinary antiques, hand-woven tapestry, charming jewelry, adventure gear, organic restaurants, spas, studios and salons. all coming together to make Cedros one of San Diego's most interesting areas.
Perhaps the most well-known establishment in Cedros is the Belly Up Tavern. If you enjoy music, be sure to check out the daily line-up of diverse musical talent. The Belly Up is unique and well-known throughout all of California, and has been elected the Best Live Music Venue in San Diego nearly annually by local newspapers and magazines.
Next door to the Cedros District is part of coastal California's outstanding rail system. The local commuter train, the Coaster, and California's coastal Amtrak stop at the station at 105 N. Cedros Ave., providing easy access to San Diego as well as towns and cities along the coast of California.
The coastline has cliffs that encroach right to the water's edge in places, making them practically impassible especially at high tide. Staircases descend the cliffs at practically every street corner so that every part of the beach is accessible vertically. This makes a visit to the beach bit adventurous because one staircase may lead you to a deserted beach where you can be alone with your friends and your thoughts while another may lead to a busy beach teeming with surfers, families and fishermen.
The city was featured on all the cable news networks a few years ago when it became the first U.S. city to ban smoking on public beaches. Since that controversial decision, often led by high-schools clean-ups and rallies, dozens of other California communities have followed in prohibiting smoking on their beaches.
Like many San Diego coastal beach towns, here is a mix of the old and the new. The coastal area is older, built in the 50s and 60s. This main part of town along historic Highway U.S. 101 is a mix of antique shops, older and remodeled homes, galleries, restaurants, hotels, resorts and apartments.
Beach town lodging options San Diego area include Solana Beach accommodations and Solana Beach Hotels.
The climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and cool during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 50's. The warmest month of the year is August with an average maximum temperature of 82 degrees. The coldest month of the year is December. The combination of wonderful weather, palm trees and sparking ocean give Solana Beach a reputation as a near-perfect paradise.
The city is a favorite destination for visitors who enjoy eclectic shops, great dining, golfing, nightlife, bicycling, beach sports and hiking. Every evening finds visitors and locals gathering at Fletcher Cove to enjoy the sunset.
The Cedros Design District is well-known as an enclave of coolness with the quaintness and aura of a European side-street. Here visitors find an enchanting 2 blocks of more than 85 unique and trendy shops: furniture from around the world, out of the ordinary antiques, hand-woven tapestry, charming jewelry, adventure gear, organic restaurants, spas, studios and salons. all coming together to make Cedros one of San Diego's most interesting areas.
Perhaps the most well-known establishment in Cedros is the Belly Up Tavern. If you enjoy music, be sure to check out the daily line-up of diverse musical talent. The Belly Up is unique and well-known throughout all of California, and has been elected the Best Live Music Venue in San Diego nearly annually by local newspapers and magazines.
Next door to the Cedros District is part of coastal California's outstanding rail system. The local commuter train, the Coaster, and California's coastal Amtrak stop at the station at 105 N. Cedros Ave., providing easy access to San Diego as well as towns and cities along the coast of California.
The coastline has cliffs that encroach right to the water's edge in places, making them practically impassible especially at high tide. Staircases descend the cliffs at practically every street corner so that every part of the beach is accessible vertically. This makes a visit to the beach bit adventurous because one staircase may lead you to a deserted beach where you can be alone with your friends and your thoughts while another may lead to a busy beach teeming with surfers, families and fishermen.
The city was featured on all the cable news networks a few years ago when it became the first U.S. city to ban smoking on public beaches. Since that controversial decision, often led by high-schools clean-ups and rallies, dozens of other California communities have followed in prohibiting smoking on their beaches.
Like many San Diego coastal beach towns, here is a mix of the old and the new. The coastal area is older, built in the 50s and 60s. This main part of town along historic Highway U.S. 101 is a mix of antique shops, older and remodeled homes, galleries, restaurants, hotels, resorts and apartments.
Beach town lodging options San Diego area include Solana Beach accommodations and Solana Beach Hotels.
About the Author:
Terry Hunefeld retired in 2008. He spends more than 40 days a year at sea. He enjoys the study of marine seabirds. He and his wife own a B&B near San Diego. Visit: Solana Beach Hotels or Bed & Breakfasts in Solana Beach.