Solana Beach is cute little beach community in North San Diego County nestled between Del Mar, Cardiff by the Sea (Encinitas) and Rancho Santa Fe.
It is easily accessible by freeway, bus, Amtrak or Coaster and offers much to do for a family on a day trip or a couple on an evening or day out. Even a Mom’s day away too! {Check out our San Diego Series for more places to visit in San Diego!}
I grew up in Solana Beach and, although I was not born there, I consider it my hometown. My mom still lives there, so I am often bopping around town hitting up my favorite places.
I love Solana Beach and all it offers and I hope you will too. It is my pleasure to share with you…
Some Things to Do and Places to Eat in Solana Beach
This is absolutely the SHORT LIST, because there is sooooooooo much more to explore and experience!
Parks and Entertainment
Great park for a family day or planned event with tot lots, playing fields, covered picnic tables and plenty of places to hike and explore.
This place has not changed in YEARS and hosts some of the best music acts, both new and old.
Located in the Cedros Design District, it is the perfect end to a couples afternoon spent browsing the local shops. Tickets for popular events sell out, so plan ahead!
Coastal Rail Trail (aka Linear Park)
An easy walk alongside the train tracks makes for a great stroller walk or family walk with lots to see and hear including art, vegetation, trains, bridges, and more! The Coastal Rail Trail head is at Via De La Valle and Coast Highway 101.
A tot lot, picnic tables, and a sandy beach to set up your family camp for the day makes Fletcher Cove the ultimate family beach!!! Older locals know this beach as “Pill Box”. (See why in the link above.)
Lomas Santa Fe Executive Golf Course
A Public golf course with cool ocean breezes and a casual attitude… sooooo, Solana Beach!!!
Breakfast Places
Tops my list of favorite breakfast places in North County. It can get busy, so if you can go during off times that is the best strategy to avoid waiting.
Lots of choices for the health-conscious and vegetarian breakfast crowd! Located across from Fletcher Cove Beach.
A great way to start the day in the Cedros Design District and an easy walk from the Solana Beach Train Station.
Sit-down Mexican Food
In Solana Beach, either you are a Fidel’s Family or a Tony’s family. I have never found a single local who could or would go either way!
Two distinct styles of Mexican cooking, so try each one and decide which camp you belong in!
I went to school with a couple of Fidel’s kids and remember delicious-smelling hot lunches being lovingly dropped off by their mom each and every day. How could I not be a Fidel’s gal?!?
The margaritas at Fidel’s are a MUST DO! And, they serve them by the PITCHER!!!
No dis’ on Tony’s, because some of my best Sol Beach buds are Tony’s peeps. We all get along… except when it is time to choose Mexican food. HA!
Fast Food
Locals know Rudy’s is where to go for a quick Mexican meal.
Located near Rudy’s, so you can satisfy the picky adults in your party with two choices from a tiny strip mall in the middle of town.
Nothing beats Roberto’s to pick up some quick food to take to the beach at either Fletcher Cove or Seaside.
What locals call Seaside, is not technically Solana Beach, but about as close as you can get! It is the southern tip of Cardiff State Beach in Cardiff by the Sea.
My family’s new favorite in town. Quick and healthy seafood… I am IN!
Lunch and Dinner
This place is a Solana Beach locals’ staple for dozens of years. I think they make the best Dynamite Roll anywhere!
You can find it in the same strip mall as the North Coast Repertory Theatre. Dinner and a Show makes for a great date night!
My mom loves to tell the story of how her and her friend and fisher-woman once sat down at The Fish Market for lunch (many years ago) and ordered a specific fish. The server informed them they did not have that fish on the menu. They both laughed and told her to check again as they had just made a delivery of said fish.
My mom and her friend personally knew Mr. Duckett, who was one of the original Fish Market founders. Today, The Fish Market is our goto place for a big pot of shellfish, called a ‘Duckett’s Bucket’, and a hearty-size seafood salad.
A good choice for standard American fare and a beer. Across the street from the train station.
Fresh and delicious… one of the best we have found and right in town!!!! The Tom Ka Hot pot is our favorite. They do it spicy here, so make sure to ask for light or no spice if that is what you prefer.
Happy Hour
Taco Tuesday. Spinach Salad. Brig Margarita. Spectacular View… Heaven. That. Is. All.
Not really, there is an extensive menu both for lunch and dinner and happy hour. The views of the Del Mar Racetrack, lagoon and ocean make this place one of my all time favorites to spend an afternoon or evening.
Craft Beer
Cute little family-friendly brewery in the Cedros Design District. They even have some gluten-reduced beers on their board!
An old family favorite and a short walk from the train station or Fletcher Cove. Craft beer, pizza, salads, wings, surf movies, community seating, and a friendly coastal vibe.
Coffee
At some point on your day or evening in Solana Beach, you may find yourself in need of a pick me up. Lofty Coffee satisfies!
Farmer’s Market
Located in the middle of the Cedros Design District, exploring the Farmer’s Market makes for a fun and productive family Sunday.
Seriously, I could go on and on….
But, I would rather hear from you and all you other Solana Beach locals.
What are your favorites or new-found favorites in Solana Beach???
Share in the comments!
Transportation to Solana Beach Train Station
Amtrak – Train (from San Diego or Oceanside)
Coaster – Commuter Train (from San Diego or Oceanside and stops in between)
Sprinter – (from Escondido and other stops with transfer to Coaster in Oceanside)
[xyz-ihs snippet=”solana-beach”]
