Summertime is the best time to pack your bags and hit the beach (or beaches) in Southern California. However, the crowds and chaos of downtown San Diego can be a deterrent for some beach-goers. Thankfully, you don’t have to travel far to get the same scenic coasts while leaving the busyness behind. Del Mar and Solana Beach serve as some sort of twin cities just north of San Diego, offering the same golden sunsets, great waves and incredible food.
The Annual San Diego County Fair is almost here! Taking place in Del Mar, this incredible event will be starting June 10th, and running through July 5th! For more information, click here!
Del Mar
An intrinsic part of the San Diego area, Del Mar has long been established as one of the main San Diego cities. Known for its “old money” beachfront privacy and displays of upscale coastal class, Del Mar is rooted in long-established wealth. The beautiful and pristine beaches and sense of isolation from the craziness of the world make it an ideal spot for a coastal getaway.
Old money on display
Del Mar doesn’t try to hide its long-established affluence. The coast is lined with extravagant homes, and downtown is elegant and clean. Del Mar Racing is a main part of the old-money culture in this town, with the exclusive Del Mar Thoroughbred Club at the pinnacle of the show. The racecourse is open to the public on racedays, with a race calendar available here.
Superb beaches and scenery
The geography that Del Mar finds itself in is some of the most beautiful on the west coast. The long, picturesque beaches stretch further than the eye can see, with the beloved Seacliff Coastal Trail running parallel to the shore line, elevated on a sandstone bluff.
Culinary delights
Food has the ability to really put a bow on a place, especially the amazing food in Del Mar.
For seafood, check out Jake’s, High Marea, Poseidon on the Beach, or Pacifica. Craving Mexican? Salt + Lime, El Pueblo, and En Fuego have got you covered. Monarch Ocean Club, Coral, Nicks, Sbicca and Bushfire are some other great options in town. Be sure to explore to find your next favorite spot!
Del Mar is the sort of town that sticks with you, and is the perfect destination to soak in southern California at your own pace, on your own time. It is nestled in a pristine location, with La Jolla just south, and beautiful Solana Beach to the north!
Solana Beach
Just north of Del Mar, Solana Beach blends surf culture and upscale coastal living. It’s mild-to-warm year round weather and dramatic coastline geography make it appealing for an oceanic escape. Solana’s walkable, boutique-lined town center creates a luxurious seaside atmosphere that is hard to leave.
Enjoying the outdoors
Laid-back and focused on enjoying nature and the outdoors, Solana Beach is known for being exceptionally active and outdoorsy. Places like Fletcher Cove and Tide Beach are wonderful spots for surfing and swimming, while Annie’s Canyon Trail welcomes those who prefer solid ground to hike, bike, walk, run and explore.
The Avenue with Everything
Cedros Design District is the hub of shopping, eating and exploring downtown Solana. Dense with boutique shops, coffee shops, hole-in-the-wall eateries and nice restaurants and bars, Cedros is an independent, eclectic mall that offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Nightlife
Though Solana is known mostly for its incredible daytime activities and scenes, when the sun sets, great bars, taverns and breweries are always close by. Iconic spots like Belly Up Tavern are always a great time; Belly Up has had numerous legendary artists like B.B. King, The Rolling Stones, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jimmy Buffet, Etta James and more!
Solana Beach is an active town not far from Del Mar. Solana is famous for the same geography and waves, more especially the way people love and utilize them.
Greater SoCal
It’s impossible to showcase Del Mar and Solana Beach’s appealing factors without mentioning the beauty of their greater location. Aside from downtown San Diego, southern California has a plethora of amazing towns and cities to explore.
La Jolla
Just south of Del Mar, the luxurious La Jolla is a poster child for coastal class, stylish wealth and beautiful scenery. A bike ride through La Jolla along the sea cliffs is an excellent way to spend an afternoon!
Encinitas
A hotspot for the skating and surfing lifestyle, Encinitas is as beautiful as it is rich in culture. Home to great surf breaks and skate spots/parks, such as Poods, it is the perfect place to visit if board sports are your thing!
Carlsbad & Oceanside
Absolutely amazing towns right next to each other, Carlsbad and Oceanside offer a similar vibe as Encinitas, with a more home-like feel to them. Carlsbad Village is an amazing area right by Carlsbad State Beach that has a plethora of shops, places to eat and more! Oceanside has great skating, surfing and nightlife as well!
Greater SoCal is full of amazing towns and cities. When you are planning a trip to Del Mar or Solana, don’t forget that more California coolness is never far away. Most of these places aren’t too far, and are a wonderful way to enjoy a day in another area!
La Jolla
Encinitas
Carlsbad/Oceanside
Planning your beach vacation can be hard, but with Nofie it’s easier than ever!
When searching for vacation rentals in Del Mar or Solana Beach, we connect you directly with the owner– no middlemen or fees!
Brody Samson
Writer
About the Author
Brody, a recent Colorado State University undergrad, spent his time in Fort Collins studying Journalism & Media Communication. He interned at College Avenue Magazine and also received a minor in Global & Environmental Sustainability. His lifelong passion for writing drove him to pursue a career in journalism.
In his free time, he can be found hiking, biking or swimming outdoors. He fiercely enjoys competition in sports along with reading, and playing music on the guitar.
