Solana Beach, California travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Solana Beach is a city on the northern coast of San Diego County in Southern California. It is near San Diego. It's a hangout for locals who love to surf, swim, and snorkel. This laid-back town offers a nice variety of galleries, shops, and trendy boutiques if shopping is on the agenda. There aren’t many tourists here, so expect plenty of room to breathe and stretch out.

3 things to do · 5 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Solana Beach

Del Mar Dog Beach

Off-leash season runs October through May in the area south of 15th Street and north of 29th Street. The rest of the year, leashes are required.

The Belly Up Tavern

Voted "San Diego's Best Live Music Venue" and has been in Rolling Stone Magazine.

Fletcher Cove

From I-5, exit Lomas Santa Fe Drive and go west. Fletcher Cove is at the end.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Jan–Dec. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 44°F. Wettest: Feb and Jan. (climate data from nearby Escondido)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
CLD McClellan-Palomar Airport, Carlsbad — 9 mi away. Directions
SAN San Diego International Airport, San Diego — 19 mi away (major hub). Directions

Solana Beach is located about 20 miles north of San Diego on Interstate 5. Exit at Lomas Santa Fe or Villa de la Valle and head west.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Del Mar Dog Beach, The Belly Up Tavern
Lunch Bongiorno's New York Pizzeria
Afternoon Fletcher Cove
Dinner Pizza Port
Evening The Saddle Bar

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Photos

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Get in

By car

Solana Beach is located about 20 miles north of San Diego on Interstate 5. Exit at Lomas Santa Fe or Villa de la Valle and head west.

By train

The Solana Beach railway station is located downtown off of Lomas Santa Fe and Cedros. The station is serviced by Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner and San Diego County's COASTER.

By plane

The closest international airport is San Diego International Airport (SAN). From the airport, take San Diego Transit's Route 992 bus to the Santa Fe Depot and connect to the COASTER or the Pacific Surfliner.