Solana Beach - Beaches

The beaches in the Solana Beach neighborhood make for a cozy getaway. Surf, swim, and check out the tide pools, among other beach day activities.
Todd Sarouhan
Solana Beach - Beaches
Overview
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The Neighborhood
Known For
Sunbathing
Surfing
Stay Nearby

Relax on the Shores of Solana Beach

Many San Diego beaches are known for surfing, and the shores in Solana Beach are no exception. Given the area’s more laid-back atmosphere, the surfing culture is equally laid back here, with fairly consistent medium-sized waves. Rent a surfboard to make the most of them!

Some areas of Solana Beach are also known for their tide pools, which only become visible once the tide goes out. These are great educational opportunities for kids, but they’re an equally interesting sight for adults!

Some of the Solana Beach beaches are difficult to access because they are surrounded by bluffs, so you have to climb down a flight of stairs. However, once you make the initial climb, the beaches in this area are flat and sandy. They’re an excellent place to lay out a blanket and relax for the day, or you can head to the ocean and enjoy the waves.

Solana Beach also has its own extensive shopping district which is so large it’s been dubbed “The Avenue with Everything” by locals. The district is almost exclusively made up of local, independent businesses, and there’s a Farmer’s Market hosted there every Sunday afternoon.

Safari Park+Zoo = Go Pass

San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Visit this 1,800 acre park featuring over 3,000 animals in their natural habitats as you ride the African tram! Buy an All-Inclusive Go Pass and admission to the San Diego Zoo is included!
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Local Tips
What kind of deals does the Go City San Diego pass offer?

The Go City San Diego pass gives visitors the ability to save up to 55% on attraction admissions.

Combine our exclusive 5% discount to save even more and consider the All-Inclusive pass to maximize your savings. Plus the pass gives you the ability to skip the line when visiting select attractions.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

The Solana Beach Area

Solana Beach is just south of Cardiff on California’s western coast. It’s just a short trip to the San Diego International Airport and Downtown San Diego, both of which are a 25-minute drive south of Solana Beach. Unlike Downtown, Solana Beach maintains a small-town feel, tucked away from the hustle & bustle of more tourist-focused destinations.

With so many beaches known for surfing in the area, it’s a good idea to rent some gear or, if you’re a beginner, brush up on your skills at a surf school. To save on a surfboard rental and many other attractions, consider purchasing a Go San Diego Pass through our link, which can save with an additional discount on top of the usual discounts.

While beaches are so integral to the neighborhood that they’re part of the name, they’re far from the only thing you can do in Solana Beach. There are plenty of local, family-run restaurants serving up traditional cuisine, and the neighborhood is well known for its celebration of music. In the summer, you may even catch the Fiesta del Sol, a two-day music festival and street fair.

If you’re looking to stay close to the area, the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Del Mar/Solana Beach is an excellent family-friendly hotel. Complete with free WiFi, modern-style rooms, an on-site restaurant, and its own cruise port, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy a luxurious stay. The hotel often doubles as a convention center for various events throughout the year.

Surf and Check Out the Tide Pools in Solana Beach

Fishing
Fishing
Kayaking
Kayaking
Running
Running
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Surfing
Surfing
Swimming
Swimming
Tide Pooling
Tide Pooling

The beaches in Solana Beach are a great way to experience San Diego’s surfing culture first-hand. During high tide, grab a surfboard or bodyboard and enjoy the waves.

During low tide, you can see the tide pools, which are teeming with marine life. The beaches in Solana feature lifeguards and outdoor showers as well as a playground for the kids.

Benches are perched at the top of the bluff providing a perfect spot to relax and take in the scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. Crowds are a bit smaller than some other San Diego beaches and access is via stairs or ramp depending on your Solana beach of choice.

Sunbathing

Nice Open Beach at Fletcher Cove Beach
Fletcher Cove Beach is tucked away between bluffs, so it doesn’t draw the crowds of many other San Diego beaches. Great for sunbathing, it features laid-back surfing opportunities and calm, consistent waves good for learning how to surf or bodyboard. The beach has a playground, outdoor showers, bathrooms, and lifeguards.

Surfing

Beautiful Seascape Beach
The Seascape Beach, also called Cherry Hill, has large winter waves and smaller waves perfect for beginners during the summer. It has a secluded, residential feel and access via stairs down from the top of the scenic bluff. It features lifeguards and outdoor showers to wash off the sand.
Looking South at the Surf at Tide Beach
Tide Beach is named after the tide pools that give you a window into what the local marine life looks like. At low tide, check out the pools of water left behind in the sand. Surfing is also prominent at the beach which features lifeguards and outdoor showers.

Featured Activity

San Diego Harbor Cruise on San Diego Bay at Sunset
San Diego Harbor Cruise
Enjoy this ‘San Diego Top Pick Award’ winner as you set sail on a three level luxury ship providing 360-degree views of San Diego’s scenic beauty. Relax for a 1-2 hour narrated tour, learn about the city from the bay.
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Solana Beach - Beaches
are Known For:
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Surfing
Surfing
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Stay Nearby

Winners Circle Resort
Family Friendly
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Winners Circle Resort
from $151 / night
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Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Solana Beach
Near Torrey Pines
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Solana Beach
from $144 / night
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