Welcome to Solana Beach
One of Southern California’s friendliest communities.
Solana Beach is a friendly, oceanfront paradise about a half-hour from San Diego. Solana Beach is a popular surf spot and has even been voted Southern California’s friendliest beach town. Several businesses in town are locally owned and operated, and beloved by members of the community. Bakeries, coffee houses, art galleries, restaurants, and beaches protected by lifeguards have ensured the town retains its charm well into the 21st century.
First inhabited by native tribes, the region was frequently visited by Spanish colonials on their way north. The first European settlers arrived in the late 19th century, and the Lake Hodges Dam was constructed in 1917-1918. This led to a heavy increase in the development of the region. Growth was slow and steady at first, but boomed after World War II and again in the 1990s. In current times, Solana Beach is a family-friendly town with farmers’ markets, art galleries, antique shopping, and an abundance of other outdoor activities available year-round.
What to Love
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Solana Beach is California’s friendliest beach town
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Dozens of parks, beaches, and trails are available to the public
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Beaches are patrolled by lifeguards
Local Lifestyle
California’s friendliest beach town is relaxed, welcoming, and very supportive of its fellow community members. A high Walk Score and perfect weather all year long encourage residents to get out on foot. Since the community is mostly compacted into a two-mile radius, this is quite easy to do. Locals take pride in their highly rated schools and tranquil charm.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Solana Beach benefits from its seaside location, giving the many businesses and restaurants along Cedros Avenue breathtaking views for their customers to enjoy. Fresh seafood, hot coffee, and fresh Californian fare are easy to find, and a popular way to spend days out of the office.
Claire’s on Cedros is one of Solana Beach’s top breakfast and brunch spots. Patrons enjoy popular offerings with a SoCal twist like French toast, short rib scrambles, salmon cakes, and a variety of eggs Benedict dishes on their covered patio. Claire’s offers a wide array of espresso beverages and breakfast cocktails.
For meals later in the day, one of the best steakhouses in town is found at Rare Society, a recent addition to Cedros Avenue. Rare Society has captured the elegance and glamour of classic steakhouses, without straying too far from the casual, beachy vibe of the neighborhood.
Just down the street, Belly Up is one of the region’s best music venues. Concertgoers usually show up a bit early to drop in for dinner and drinks at the tavern next door.
Cedros Avenue is also home to plenty of smaller shops, like Pink Lagoon and Weeds. Several boutiques like these carry apparel, accessories, gifts, and home decor. These shops are the perfect place to find both elevated wardrobe basics and distinctive statement pieces.
Things To Do
Solana Beach, like the rest of Southern California, is well-known for its abundant outdoor beauty. With mild temperatures all year and very few rainy days, residents take advantage of the many parks in the area, such as La Colonia Park. La Colonia Park offers sporting fields, tennis courts, skating ramps, playground facilities and more are available. Fletcher Cove Beach State Park is a popular spot for surfing and swimming with basketball courts, picnic tables, and an observation deck overlooking the sea to watch sunsets.
Schools
One top educational opportunity in Solana Beach is:
Pacific Academy, kindergarten-12th grade; individual college counseling is offered for students, resulting in an unprecedented 100% college acceptance rate
