Solana Beach

Time machines exist. It’s a fact. But hold on just a sec. Before you get all excited about going back to redo your first kiss, rearrange your last relationship or rethink every major fashion choice in between, let’s make one thing clear. This isn’t Back to the Future, and you’re not Marty McFly (even if you do own a puffy orange vest!) No, my friend, this time machine doesn’t go back in time — it slows it down. And this slow-time-down machine isn’t an invention; it’s an entire town. A perfectly hidden place perched prominently by the sea. The moment you drive into its city limits, your foot instinctually eases off the gas. Your heartbeat steps back a beat. And your mind settles down. The sun seems to find you around every corner, as you coast down wide streets that seem to find you, instead of the other way around. Eventually you stop, get out, breathe in the ocean breeze and just, be. No rush. No reminders. Just the recognition that you are living in a perfect moment, in a very special place. Welcome to Solana Beach.

Nestled on the coast north of Del Mar and south of Encinitas, Solana Beach is about as charming a coastal town as you can get. It’s just about a 30-minute drive to Downtown San Diego, with primary access routes that include Interstate 5, Highway 101, Lomas Santa Fe Drive, and Via de la Valle. You can also access Solana Beach from a beautiful train station that serves both Amtrak and the Coaster. Loosely translated, Solana means “sunshine” and it certainly lives up to its name. Hovering at an average of 77 degrees in the summertime with 1.7 miles of coastline for swimming and surfing, Solana beach is idyllic for soaking up rays as you sink your toes in the sand. Quiet and quaint, Solana Beach’s mellow vibe comes partially from its residents — a blend of young families and retirees. The laid-back feel, beautiful coastal scenery, and prominent location attracts architectural creativity that spans from charming beach homes to Spanish and contemporary styles. In Old Solana Beach, you can find homes built in the 1920’s.

Here’s the deal with Solana Beach. I know it’s not cool to keep secrets. But, if there was ever a place that was so simply soul filling, so untouched and so pure that you wanted to keep it under wraps just for yourself, Solana beach would the place to do it. The whole village has a sense of adventure. Take the beaches for example. This stretch of secluded golden sand is flanked by dramatic bluffs with caves carved right into the cliffs by the pounding surf. And the only way to access some of them are long wooden staircases that line the coastline. One of my favorites is Tide Beach. This little sea cove is nothing short of mystical. The almost-hidden access stairs are located right in between homes on a residential street (the best way to find it is to ask a local!) And the beach itself has amazing tide pools that are only uncovered during the lowest tide. Every time I descend the staircase at Tide Beach, I honestly feel like I am discovering it for the first time. But, if you want to be a bit more extra in the most awesome way, Fletcher Cove is your sandy salvation. Also known as Pillbox, this beach is famous for its surf, its scenery and for its sun. Families love Fletcher Cove for its easy public access to a grassy area for picnics overlooking the ocean, a playground for kids and a pristine beach. Plus, there are plenty of land and sea activities in the area to enjoy for the outdoor enthusiast. Once you wash the sand off your toes, get ready to shop. You can spend a whole day at the Cedros Design District, which is definitely the heart and soul of Solana Beach. Filled with 85 shops that are one-of-a-kind and mostly independently owned, you’ll find antique shops, art galleries, home decor imports and design shops mingled amongst day spas, cafes, restaurants, wineries and pubs. There’s a wonderful Farmer’s Market every Sunday afternoon and the world-famous Belly Up Tavern is a popular hotspot for live music and entertainment. This mellow seaside village really is one of San Diego’s best kept secrets.

Here are a few things I recommend to make your Solana Beach experience even more memorable.