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.
