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Solana BeachSource: City of Solana BeachLocated in Northern San Diego County approximately 22 miles from the City of San Diego on the coast is the picturesque seaside city of Solana Beach. With two miles of pristine coastline, majestic bluffs and secluded coves, it is an ideal spot to reside or visit, if you like. Tucked between Encinitas and Del Mar in San Diego County, the Pacific Ocean is on the west, golf course-country club on east, lagoon regional park on north, and Del Mar Racetrack on the south. Solana translates to "sunny." Solana Beach starts at the Pacific Ocean, rises into hills, then levels off. Interstate 5 running north-south, divides the city. It's an upscale beach community offering homes with ocean and golf course views. Solana Beach in northern San Diego County features an arts district (Cedros), a commuter train (Coaster), Belly Up Tavern, beaches, surfing, farmer's markets and fun. Population: Approximately 14,360 Area: Approximately 4 square miles Annual Average Temperature: (high) 70.8° Annual Average Water Temperature: 69° . You seldom need a coat and hat in Solana Beach as it offers some of the mildest climate in the United States, this highly desirable location is pleasant all year long and makes for a great place to visit, any time. What's really nice about Solana Beach is its public transportation system. At the Solana Beach station, you can hop on the Coaster train and visit California's second largest city with a one-way ticket costing around $5. Or stay in "North County" and explore the beaches, shops, local theatre, restaurants, dance clubs and the special events held at Del Mar fairgrounds. Southern Californians who raise their families on doses of Sea World and San Diego Zoo eventually seek new places to explore when the kids protest and say, "No more," after the happiest places become predictable. Solana Beach provides an alternate day trip, weekend getaway or extended stay with its access to San Diego via Amtrak and Coaster trains. For information on taking this wonderful mode of transportation into Solana Beach, visit www.sdcommute.com or call 1-800-COMMUTE. From the historic Solana Beach Amtrak station where a bright, red double decker bus that can be seen making its clockwork rounds to the Del Mar race track just a five minute ride away, to Fletcher Park with its cement path that drops to a thin strip of beach eroded by the sands of time and accessible mostly during low tide, the beauty of this city is its mix of old and new. Interspersed with the stores that form Cedros Design District are cafes and restaurants, plus a very popular night club called Belly Up Tavern, with live music that ranges from blues to rock, jazz to hip hop. A dedicated crowd frequents this large bar with a dance floor where people swing to the music all hours of the day. A special event was going on, the afternoon we passed by and dozens of couples boogied on the dance floor, on a week day, no less! While Solana Beach is a popular spot for retired folks, you'll also see kids and a fair share of what one local called "trophy babes". The description or profile of this type of individual is a person who does not work, per se, but spends much time on things that make him or her (usually her), look good such as plastic surgery, body training and sunbathing. Solana Beach and neighboring Del Mar (where the Surf meets the Turf) have a long and rich history of beautiful people. Del Mar racing and the Turf Club were the brain child of Bing Crosby, who entertained his friends by having them travel from Los Angeles to enjoy diversions such as thoroughbred racing and partying. So popular is the annual race season in Del Mar, that wealthy people from around the world pay handsome prices to live in condos sitting up on a hill overlooking the track. Most visitors stay at hotels in Solana Beach and Del Mar where prices are affordable. There are several nice Solana Beach hotels with our favorite being Courtyard by Marriott. Hotels can be at capacity on special event weekends during the San Diego Fair and the race season but most of the time, rooms are available and winter rates are offered at some properties. Solana Beach is a bustling community with a library, great schools, shops and restaurants, nearby Del Mar fairgrounds and racetrack and and its own newspaper. There's Solana Beach Coaster station and the trendy Cedros Design Center located off Highway 101 or Coast Highway. Solana Beach shoreline and beaches have eroded over a period of time, leaving thin stretches of sand (at low tide) wedged between waves and towering bluffs. There are three access points to the shore. Fletcher Cove Park at Lomas Santa Fe Drive has lifeguard service but not much sand. The picturesque cove can be inaccessible at high tide. Off the beach, Fletcher Cove has volleyball, shuffleboard, basketball, showers, picnic tables and free public parking. The Coaster station is three blocks away. Lomas Santa Fe Drive ends practically at the water's edge. Tide Beach Park north of Fletcher's can be reached via stairs at Pacific Avenue and Solana Vista Drive. There's surfing and a reef and tide pools for snorkeling . It has lifeguards and free parking is available on the streets. Seascape Shores is located a few blocks south of Fletcher's between condos at the 500 and 700 blocks of South Sierra Avenue. It offers beach access with free street parking. |