Solana Beach

The most recently settled area of the San Diego beaches.

Welcome to Solana Beach

A tranquil and private community with stunning vistas
 
Solana Beach is the most recently settled area of the San Diego beaches, located a short distance south of San Diego. Once called the Lockwood Mesa, its name was changed in 1923 from a Spanish word meaning "warm wind."

This harmonious and tranquil community was established in 1883 when the George Jones family settled the area. Two ranches were built around 1908. Agriculture contributed to growth in the area with chief crops like lima beans and grain. In 1918, when the Lake Hodges Dam was constructed, the area began to grow rapidly. Now Solana Beach has both an urban and suburban feel with young professionals and retirees making it their home.
 

What to Love

  • The beautiful beach
  • Outdoor activities
  • Locally produced products including wine, beer, and olive oil
  • Popular shopping destination 
  • Close to San Diego
  • Stunning ocean and lagoon views for hikers
  • Great restaurants and a vibrant nightlife

Local Lifestyle

Solana Beach offers mild temperatures with a short, warm, and arid summer. While winters are long and cool, the area is clear year-round making it a great place for those who enjoy the outside. Residents of Solana Beach enjoy hiking, biking, and of course, the beach. Bikers don't need their own bikes to see the sights as bike rentals are available. Museums and art galleries will satisfy artistic types while the blues, jazz, rock, and reggae by local musicians will please the musically inclined. Connoisseurs enjoy local wines, beers, and olive oil produced in the Solana Beach area, and wine and olive oil tastings are a fun outing.
 

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Ranch 45 Local Provisions is more than just a restaurant with a great weekend brunch, it also has an in-house butcher shop. Meat and vegetables are sourced from local ranchers, fishermen, and farmers. Diners may reserve a table Thursday through Saturday evening and enjoy the butcher's cut steaks and chicken paired with an extensive beer and wine list. Breakfast and lunch menu items include Dutch steak and eggs, the Brandt burger, and a carne asada burrito.

Homestead Solana Beach is a deli providing brunch day or night. They specialize in healthy options, such as organic salads and wraps. Swami’s Cafe is a popular spot with locations across San Diego County. They feature fresh food and organic coffee served in a casual atmosphere with beach vibes.

Solana Beach Fish House is more than just a place to find dishes made with fish. Diners may pick up meal kits to cook at home from the selection of sustainable fish offered on the menu. Mexican, burgers, specialty sandwiches, and mesquite-grilled entrees round out the fish and chips and fish soup offerings.
 

Things to Do

Fletcher Cove, referred to as the "Pill Box," once hosted gunnery installations on its bluffs during World War II. Smaller than other beaches in the area, it stays above water during high tide while many of the other area beaches are flooded. When the tide is low, it's possible to either walk or run along Tide Beach Park. This is the northernmost beach in the area where residents explore the tide pools or hike the long flight of stairs from Pacific Avenue. Backed by cliffs, the beach is narrow and contains a cove. Surfers love riding the waves near the reef referred to as the Tabletop.

For those who enjoy hiking, Annie’s Canyon Trail provides stunning views of the ocean and the lagoon. There are also areas that will challenge hikers with a rugged path through the wilderness and an ecological reserve. It is a beginner-friendly hour or so hike around the lagoon’s two-and-a-half-mile trail. Open year-round, this trail is beautiful in every season.

Considered the hippest shopping district in the San Diego area, the Cedros Design District has a farmers’ market, events, and shopping. The District is famous for its 85 art galleries. There are also dining, entertainment venues, a garden, a patio, and interior design shops available.
 

Schools

Solana Beach is part of the Solana Beach School System:

Overview for Solana Beach , CA

14,278 people live in Solana Beach , where the median age is 46.4 and the average individual income is $73,674.64. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

14,278

Total Population

46.4 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$73,674.64

Average individual Income

Around Solana Beach , CA

There's plenty to do around Solana Beach , including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

71
Very Walkable
Walking Score
43
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Jenns Cake Couture, Icons Fashion, and San Diego Surfboard Rental.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining · $$ 4.17 miles 20 reviews 5/5 stars
Shopping 0.87 miles 12 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 0.4 miles 30 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.17 miles 16 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.17 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 0.35 miles 23 reviews 5/5 stars

Schools in Solana Beach , CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Solana Beach . The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
PUBLIC
K - 6th
5/5
PRIVATE
PreK - 6th
No rating available
PRIVATE
PreK - 6th
No rating available
PUBLIC
7th - 8th
5/5
PRIVATE
PreK - 8th
No rating available
Fusion Academy Slb: Solana Beach
PRIVATE
6th - 12th
No rating available
PUBLIC
K - 3rd
No rating available
Santa Fe Christian Schools
PRIVATE
PreK - 12th
No rating available

Demographics and Employment Data for Solana Beach , CA

Solana Beach has 5,860 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Solana Beach do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 14,278 people call Solana Beach home. The population density is 2,623.64 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

14,278

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

46.4

Median Age

46.53 / 53.47%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
5,860

Total Households

2

Average Household Size

$73,674.64

Average individual Income

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes
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