Your vacation in San Diego will not be complete without enjoying a couple of days in a coastal city named Solana Beach. Solana Beach is not just another coastal destination, it is one of the prettiest coastal cities which is also known to be a paradise for surfers and nature lovers in San Diego, California. Nestled along the northern coast of San Diego, Solana Beach is well-known for its beaches as well as parks, art galleries, furniture stores and other unique stores. Keep reading to learn more about the best things to do in Solana Beach, California. Do not skip even a single activity.
1. Revisit history at The Solana Beach Heritage Museum
Let yourself be taken back into history as far as 100 years ago as you visit The Solana Beach Heritage Museum. In the museum you can gain insights into how the city successfully transformed from a sleepy and calm area into a vibrant and friendly city with the arrival of electricity and running water. You can also learn about early inhabitants of Solana Beach, such as Indians and Spanish explorers.
The Solana Beach Heritage Museum
Address: 715 Valley Avenue, Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA
Website: The Solana Beach Heritage Museum
Opening hours: Sat: 1pm - 4pm (only first and third Sat; closed on Mon - Fri & Sun)
Price: Free
2. Enjoy the view of the lagoon at Mushroom Cave
Part of Annie’s Canyon Trailhead, Mushroom Cave is the most popular slot canyon from which you can marvel at the stunning views of the lagoon. The ancient cave used to be under the water for millions of years. That is why if you see closely, you can see the unique formations throughout. You will also discover carved footsteps and secret caves as you hike.
Mushroom Cave
Address: N Rios Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
3. Try craft beers at Pizza Port Solana Beach
A good life is when you get to enjoy good food and good drink. While on your vacation in Solana Beach, bring more joy to your life by making a stop at Pizza Port to indulge in craft beers. You can choose the canned ones, the kegs, or the live taps. You can also bring them home if you fall in love with the taste. What is more, order a pizza, salad or any other dishes you like.
Pizza Port Solana Beach
Address: 135 N Hwy 101, Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA
Website: Pizza Port Solana Beach
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am
Price: from 11 USD
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4. Surf at Tide Beach Park
Drive to the north end of Solana Beach and you will find one of the most beautiful beaches in the city called Tide Beach Park. Walk down a long staircase that will bring you to a small beach surrounded by sea walls. Appreciate the beauty of this small beach before you go to the northern tip of the beach to find tide pools. Surf or swim to enjoy the best of the beach.
Tide Beach Park
Address: 302 Solana Vista Dr, Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
5. Enjoy some good music at Belly Up
Is music an inseparable part of your life? Solana Beach has places where you can enjoy good music at night. One of them is Belly Up. Check out the website to see which local artists are going to perform and book your ticket in advance. Believe us, you will not be disappointed.
Belly Up
Address: 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA
Website: Belly Up
Opening hours: From 7pm, depending on show
Price: 10 USD
6. Enjoy Cedros Design District
Visit Cedros Design District for a unique experience of killing time. Everything is available here. Do you want to buy something antique, super modern, or eclectic? The district is fully packed with endless shops, restaurants, and cafes. Or, simply take a stroll along the district to refresh your eyes. You can find unique statues and sculptures throughout.
Cedros Design District
Address: Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA
Website: Cedros Design District
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Enjoy mesmerizing beach views at Fletcher Cove Beach Park
Fletcher Cove Beach Park is the main beach park in Solana Beach and this is why it is a must-visit attraction. The beach here is not that big and when the tide is moderate, you can freely run or walk along the sandy beach. After, you can ease your mind at the little park that features grassy areas, picnic tables, and a playground, among others.
Fletcher Cove Beach Park
Address: 111 S Sierra Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
8. Step into your dancing shoes at Saddle Bar
A vacation is about fun. And, if you are looking to spend the most fun night by dancing, you need to make your way to Saddle Bar. Dance until you cannot dance anymore. The music performances are so good. Mingle with the locals and buy yourself some drinks to keep you company.
Saddle Bar
Address: 123 Plaza St, Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA
Website: Saddle Bar
Opening hours: 11am - 2am (daily)
Price: from 10 USD
9. Taste Italian cuisine at Crush Solana Beach
What if you suddenly crave for Italian cuisine when having a holiday in Solana Beach? No worrries, all you need to do is visiting Crush Solana Beach, one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. Indulge in authentic Margherita pie, lasagna, or eggplant parmigiana. Do not forget to look outside as the pretty coastline of Solana Beach is ready to take your breath away.
Crush Solana Beach
Address: 437 Hwy 101 #112, Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA
Website: Crush Solana Beach
Opening hours: 3pm - 12am (daily)
Price: from 20 USD
10. Relax at Cardiff State Beach
You can relax all day long at Cardiff State Beach without having to think about anything else going on in your life. Simply stare at the long sandy strip and clear water and all of your worries are gone temporarily. Just next to Cardiff State Beach is another beach named San Elijo State Beach. If you are interested in visiting the ecological reserve, you should.
Cardiff State Beach
Address: 2504 S Coast Hwy 101Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
11. Shop for jewels at Leaping Lotus
If you have not got anything to bring home as gifts or souvenirs for your loved ones, you should drop by Leaping Lotus. This modern market is like heaven for shopaholics. From jewels to crafts and housewares to clothing, everything can be found at Leaping Lotus.
Leaping Lotus
Address: 240 S Cedros Ave #100, Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA
Website: Leaping Lotus
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 10am - 5pm; Thu - Sun: 10am - 6pm
Price: from 30 USD
12. Check out Solana Beach Library
Why would you want to spend your vacation by reading a book? Doesn’t it sound boring? No, actually. You need to visit the public library first to know why we recommend you to spend some time there. You can choose from a vast collection of books including novels and books related to the city’s culture.
Solana Beach Library
Address: 157 Stevens Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA
Website: Solana Beach Library
Opening hours: Mon: 8am - 6pm; Tue - Wed: 8am - 8pm; Thu: 8am - 6pm; Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat: 9:30am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free
13. Make a stop at Solana Beach Farmers Market
Make sure you are still in Solana Beach on a Sunday if you want to taste fresh local produce. Visit Solana Beach Farmers Market and you are going to love the friendly atmosphere there. Buy your favorite fruits and vegetables for you to cook your dinner later on. You can also buy some fresh flowers, too.
Solana Beach Farmers Market
Address: 444 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA
Website: Solana Beach Farmers Market
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon - Sat)
14. Taste some top-notch wine at Carruth Cellars Urban Winery
Taste the finest quality of wines by making a stop at Carruth Cellars. Sourced from the top vineyards in Central and Northern California, Carruth Cellars has been producing wines that have won awards for its quality. Which one is your favorite? Bring home some bottles.
Carruth Cellars Urban Winery
Address: 118 S Cedros Avenue #C, Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA
Website: Carruth Cellars Urban Winery
Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm (daily)
Price: 25 USD
15. Play golf at Lomas Santa Fe Exec Golf Course
Situated within a quick drive from downtown San Diego, this golf course features the best club conditions and finest quality of greens. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, Lomas Santa Fe has everything for every kind of player. While enjoying your golf time, look around you. Stunning ocean views and cool ocean breezes await.
Lomas Santa Fe Exec Golf Course
Address: 1580 Sun Valley Rd, Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA
Website: Lomas Santa Fe Exec Golf Course
Opening hours: Depends on booking time
Price: 35 USD
16. Enjoy breathtaking views at Seascape Surf Park
A long sandy beach is a feature of Seascape Surf Park that is safe to walk, swim, and surf most of the time. If you are not into these outdoor activities, you can simply set up your towel on the sand, lay down, and just marvel at the breathtaking views of the beach.
Seascape Surf Park
Address: Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
17. Walk through Coastal Rail Trail
Last but not least is walking through Coastal Rail Trail. If you are looking for an easy and simple walk, this is the right place for you. Running along San Elijo Avenue, the rail trail presents panoramic views of nature. If you prefer to ride a bike to finish the trail faster, you are welcome to do so, too.
Coastal Rail Trail
Address: Linear Park Coast Hwy 101, Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Enjoy your sweet escape in Solana Beach
Whether you are looking for a beach escape or just simply an escape away from big busy cities, the laid-back atmosphere of Solana Beach is the answer. Visit the beaches and do the other activities mentioned above for a sweet escape in Solana Beach.
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