North County Coastal

North County Coastal has a gorgeous shoreline with opportunities for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you soak up the rays.
Todd Sarouhan
North County Coastal
Overview
Bundle & Save
The Neighborhood
Famous For
Beaches
Surfing
Breweries
Sidewalk Cafés
LEGOLAND California
Horse Racing
Flower Fields
Stay Nearby

Discover a Spectacular Seaside Community

Lots of Boats Docked at North Oceanside HarborPizza Trolley in Encinitas

If you’re looking for some of the best coastlines in the San Diego area, you can’t go wrong with the beaches at North County Coastal. With wide, sandy shores and excellent waves, alongside a whole host of other activities, it’s the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon of rest and relaxation.

While North County Coastal is most famous for its beaches and the laid-back attitude that earns it a spot as part of San Diego’s extensive surfing culture, there’s lots to do here other than surf and sunbathe. Head to the horse racing track, stop for lunch at a sidewalk café, or visit the incredible flower fields at The Flower Fields.

Don’t forget to visit the local boutique stores and outdoor shopping malls, or try out fun outdoor activities like whale watching, biking, fishing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and horseback riding.

Surfer Going Out next to the Oceanside Pier
Surfer Going Out next to the Oceanside Pier

The North County Coastal area is a large stretch of land that includes multiple beach neighborhoods. Visit the family-oriented Carlsbad beaches, hit the pier at Oceanside, watch horse racing in Del Mar, tackle the internationally-acclaimed surf at Swami’s in Encinitas, and enjoy live music concerts in Solana Beach. You can also head to the beautiful beaches in Cardiff by the Sea and Leucadia.

Just off the coast of the Pacific Ocean, the beaches here enjoy year-round warm weather with plenty of sun. However, the beaches can get cold at night and on overcast days thanks to the ocean winds, so you may need to bundle up a little if you plan on taking a moonlit walk along the shore.

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!
Buy Now
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%!

Visit the California Coastline and Nearby Attractions

Sunbathing on Beacons Beach
Sunbathing on Beacons Beach

North County Coastal follows the coast and runs along Highway 101. Its northernmost boundary in Oceanside is about an hour away from Downtown and San Diego International Airport, while its southernmost beach, Del Mar, is a 30-minute drive north of the downtown area.

Luckily, whether you’re flying into San Diego or you’re close enough to drive, you don’t have to waste precious cargo space with beach gear. You can rent a surfboard, paddleboard, kayak, or even a jet ski once you arrive. If you purchase a Go City San Diego pass you can save when you bundle gear rentals and admission prices, and if you purchase via our website, you’ll receive an additional discount with our exclusive partnership with Go City San Diego pass, juse use code GVSD5OFF.

There are great hotels all along the North County Coastal strip. Stay at the Inn at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas for a family-friendly boutique hotel experience, or try one of the many lodging options recommended in our list of the Best Hotels on the Beach in San Diego.

Explore North County Coastal’s Famous Beaches & Attractions

Basketball Courts
Basketball Courts
Beach Fire Pits
Beach Fire Pits
Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball
Biking
Biking
Boat Launch
Boat Launch
Fishing
Fishing
Kayaking
Kayaking
Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding
LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND California
Museums
Museums
Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding
Picnic Tables
Picnic Tables
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Skateboarding
Skateboarding
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Surfing
Surfing
Swimming
Swimming
Waterpark
Waterpark
Windsurfing
Windsurfing

North County Coastal is an incredible place to explore, whether you’re ready to hit the beaches for some swimming and surfing or you’re interested in other popular attractions like horse racing, flower fields, or sidewalk cafés.

Beaches

The various beaches along the coast all have something unique to offer. There are plenty of opportunities for activities like snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, and beach volleyball, as well as simply relaxing on the sand while you soak up the beating sun and cooling off in the refreshing ocean waves.

San Elijo Lagoon in Cardiff by the Sea
Cardiff by the Sea offers a wholesome outdoor experience for the entire family. Relax while you bird watch, take a bike ride, camp on the beach, or paddle board. Walk to local shopping boutiques, enchanting sidewalk cafés, and exquisite parks. Surf, hike or snorkel at Cardiff by the Sea.
Parks Overlooking the Ocean in Carlsbad
Spend time in the great outdoors at LEGOLAND California, the Flower Fields or surfing at Carlsbad’s beaches. Partake in the buzzing nightlife, eat at an inviting sidewalk café and walk to local shops. Stroll the boardwalk & pier where you can create memories with family while watching the marvelous sunset.
Looking at Del Mar from South to North
Del Mar is home to a pet friendly beach and features a coastline perfect for surfing, dolphin sightings, beach volleyball, smores on a beach fire pit and experiencing amazing sunsets. The walkable neighborhood is also known for horse racing at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, hiking, shopping and sidewalk cafes.
Swamis in Encinitas
Head to the beaches and surf the gorgeous waves, or paddle board, snorkel, sunbathe or skateboard. If you wish, you can stay inland instead to tour the museums, parks, shopping boutiques and taste the local cuisine at the sidewalk cafés. With an assortment of activities available, there’s something for everyone!
Looking South from Beacons Beach
Whether you want attractions, or beaches, Leucadia is a magnificent destination neighborhood. Spend the day at the kid-friendly LEGOLAND California, or walk to the local shopping boutiques, quaint cafés, and beaches. Watch for the friendly dolphins as you paddle board, surf, or sunbathe. You and your kids will love Leucadia!
High Tide at Wisconsin Street Beach
Immerse yourself into the adventurous coastal lifestyle in Oceanside. Surf the magnificent waves, or kayak, fish, kiteboard, sail and sunbathe on the soft sands of San Diego’s North County. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife, local cafés, and breweries. Create family memories in this scenic coastal town, filled with beautiful beaches.
Aerial View Just South Of, Fletcher Cove Beach
Whether it’s inland or ocean, Solana Beach has something for you. Attend live local music events, tour the charming cafés and breweries, or enjoy yourself out on the beach. Go surfing, paddle boarding, or watch the water for friendly dolphins! Come and make some treasured memories with the entire family.

Surfing

Many of the beaches in the North County Coastal area are a key part of the San Diego surfing scene. Beginners can take lessons or start off with smaller waves at the breaks in Cardiff, while more experienced surfers can try their hand at besting the challenging waves at Swamis in Encinitas.

San Elijo Lagoon in Cardiff by the Sea
Cardiff by the Sea offers a wholesome outdoor experience for the entire family. Relax while you bird watch, take a bike ride, camp on the beach, or paddle board. Walk to local shopping boutiques, enchanting sidewalk cafés, and exquisite parks. Surf, hike or snorkel at Cardiff by the Sea.
Looking at Del Mar from South to North
Del Mar is home to a pet friendly beach and features a coastline perfect for surfing, dolphin sightings, beach volleyball, smores on a beach fire pit and experiencing amazing sunsets. The walkable neighborhood is also known for horse racing at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, hiking, shopping and sidewalk cafes.
Swamis in Encinitas
Head to the beaches and surf the gorgeous waves, or paddle board, snorkel, sunbathe or skateboard. If you wish, you can stay inland instead to tour the museums, parks, shopping boutiques and taste the local cuisine at the sidewalk cafés. With an assortment of activities available, there’s something for everyone!
Looking South from Beacons Beach
Whether you want attractions, or beaches, Leucadia is a magnificent destination neighborhood. Spend the day at the kid-friendly LEGOLAND California, or walk to the local shopping boutiques, quaint cafés, and beaches. Watch for the friendly dolphins as you paddle board, surf, or sunbathe. You and your kids will love Leucadia!
High Tide at Wisconsin Street Beach
Immerse yourself into the adventurous coastal lifestyle in Oceanside. Surf the magnificent waves, or kayak, fish, kiteboard, sail and sunbathe on the soft sands of San Diego’s North County. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife, local cafés, and breweries. Create family memories in this scenic coastal town, filled with beautiful beaches.
Aerial View Just South Of, Fletcher Cove Beach
Whether it’s inland or ocean, Solana Beach has something for you. Attend live local music events, tour the charming cafés and breweries, or enjoy yourself out on the beach. Go surfing, paddle boarding, or watch the water for friendly dolphins! Come and make some treasured memories with the entire family.

Breweries

If you’re in search of a fun activity more suited for adults, check out the many breweries in the North County Coastal area. You’ll find an array of local craft beer selections and casual bar dining. You can even take a tour and sample beers from dozens of area breweries!

Swamis in Encinitas
Head to the beaches and surf the gorgeous waves, or paddle board, snorkel, sunbathe or skateboard. If you wish, you can stay inland instead to tour the museums, parks, shopping boutiques and taste the local cuisine at the sidewalk cafés. With an assortment of activities available, there’s something for everyone!
Mural in Central Escondido
Escondido has a residential feel offering visitors an assortment of fun and family-friendly activities. The best things to do include visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, shopping at the Westfield North County or downtown, checking out a vineyard or brewery such as Stone Brewing, and going hiking or biking.
High Tide at Wisconsin Street Beach
Immerse yourself into the adventurous coastal lifestyle in Oceanside. Surf the magnificent waves, or kayak, fish, kiteboard, sail and sunbathe on the soft sands of San Diego’s North County. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife, local cafés, and breweries. Create family memories in this scenic coastal town, filled with beautiful beaches.
Aerial View Just South Of, Fletcher Cove Beach
Whether it’s inland or ocean, Solana Beach has something for you. Attend live local music events, tour the charming cafés and breweries, or enjoy yourself out on the beach. Go surfing, paddle boarding, or watch the water for friendly dolphins! Come and make some treasured memories with the entire family.

Sidewalk Cafés

Sidewalk cafés offer the best way to feel immersed in North County Coastal’s laid-back atmosphere that is so emblematic of SoCal culture. Enjoy mouthwatering local cuisine like fresh-caught seafood, authentic dishes derived from San Diego’s Mexican history and culture, and unique fusion meals that offer you the best of both worlds.

San Elijo Lagoon in Cardiff by the Sea
Cardiff by the Sea offers a wholesome outdoor experience for the entire family. Relax while you bird watch, take a bike ride, camp on the beach, or paddle board. Walk to local shopping boutiques, enchanting sidewalk cafés, and exquisite parks. Surf, hike or snorkel at Cardiff by the Sea.
Parks Overlooking the Ocean in Carlsbad
Spend time in the great outdoors at LEGOLAND California, the Flower Fields or surfing at Carlsbad’s beaches. Partake in the buzzing nightlife, eat at an inviting sidewalk café and walk to local shops. Stroll the boardwalk & pier where you can create memories with family while watching the marvelous sunset.
Looking at Del Mar from South to North
Del Mar is home to a pet friendly beach and features a coastline perfect for surfing, dolphin sightings, beach volleyball, smores on a beach fire pit and experiencing amazing sunsets. The walkable neighborhood is also known for horse racing at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, hiking, shopping and sidewalk cafes.
Swamis in Encinitas
Head to the beaches and surf the gorgeous waves, or paddle board, snorkel, sunbathe or skateboard. If you wish, you can stay inland instead to tour the museums, parks, shopping boutiques and taste the local cuisine at the sidewalk cafés. With an assortment of activities available, there’s something for everyone!
Mural in Central Escondido
Escondido has a residential feel offering visitors an assortment of fun and family-friendly activities. The best things to do include visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, shopping at the Westfield North County or downtown, checking out a vineyard or brewery such as Stone Brewing, and going hiking or biking.
Looking South from Beacons Beach
Whether you want attractions, or beaches, Leucadia is a magnificent destination neighborhood. Spend the day at the kid-friendly LEGOLAND California, or walk to the local shopping boutiques, quaint cafés, and beaches. Watch for the friendly dolphins as you paddle board, surf, or sunbathe. You and your kids will love Leucadia!
Aerial View Just South Of, Fletcher Cove Beach
Whether it’s inland or ocean, Solana Beach has something for you. Attend live local music events, tour the charming cafés and breweries, or enjoy yourself out on the beach. Go surfing, paddle boarding, or watch the water for friendly dolphins! Come and make some treasured memories with the entire family.

LEGOLAND California

If you’re looking for something extra exciting to do with your young kids, LEGOLAND California can’t be beat! It includes a theme park and an aquarium, as well as a hotel specifically designed for family-friendly fun. Kids and adults will have a blast at one of San Diego’s premier attractions.

Parks Overlooking the Ocean in Carlsbad
Spend time in the great outdoors at LEGOLAND California, the Flower Fields or surfing at Carlsbad’s beaches. Partake in the buzzing nightlife, eat at an inviting sidewalk café and walk to local shops. Stroll the boardwalk & pier where you can create memories with family while watching the marvelous sunset.

Horse Racing

Horse racing is especially popular in Del Mar, where the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club owns and operates its own race track. Get caught up in the excitement of betting on the races, whether you’re a seasoned gambler or you’re more interested in seeing the horses thunder around the track.

Looking at Del Mar from South to North
Del Mar is home to a pet friendly beach and features a coastline perfect for surfing, dolphin sightings, beach volleyball, smores on a beach fire pit and experiencing amazing sunsets. The walkable neighborhood is also known for horse racing at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, hiking, shopping and sidewalk cafes.

Flower Fields

The warm climate of the Pacific coastline makes it the perfect spot for all sorts of local and exotic flora. The Flower Fields in Carlsbad burst with vibrant colors, making them a great photo opportunity. They start blooming in early March and remain an incredible sight to behold until late May.

Parks Overlooking the Ocean in Carlsbad
Spend time in the great outdoors at LEGOLAND California, the Flower Fields or surfing at Carlsbad’s beaches. Partake in the buzzing nightlife, eat at an inviting sidewalk café and walk to local shops. Stroll the boardwalk & pier where you can create memories with family while watching the marvelous sunset.

Featured Activity

Solana Beach: 2-Hour Surf Lesson
Solana Beach: 2 Hr Surf Lesson
Learn to surf at your own pace on the calm waves of Solana Beach! This 2-hour lesson is led by an experienced surf instructor and is suitable for all levels. Wetsuit and surf board is included in this lesson.
Buy Now
North County Coastal
is Known For:
Beaches
Beaches
Boardwalk
Boardwalk
Breweries
Breweries
Flower Fields
Flower Fields
Horse Racing
Horse Racing
Sidewalk Cafés
Sidewalk Cafés
Surfing
Surfing
This Month's Forecast
56°F / 73°F
Sunny in November
Dec
51°F / 68°F
Sunny in December
Jan
51°F / 67°F
Sunny in January
Feb
53°F / 68°F
Sunny in February

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