Solana Beach
Solana Beach Lifestyle Guide
Solana Beach Real Estate
More than anything, Solana Beach is a family town; most children walk to school and learn beach basics during Junior Lifeguard Camp, a summer rite of passage for many kids here. Over 12,000 residents call this small beach community their home. The Pacific Ocean is to the west, the community of Cardiff-by-the-Sea to the north, and the City of Del Mar to the south. It is divided into two major sections by Interstate 5. West of I-5 features neighborhoods and communities with older homes on hillsides, in canyons, or on bluffs along the coast and gated condominium communities. It has a very beachy flavor and laid-back lifestyle. East of I-5 is the complete opposite with more of an exclusive atmosphere with executive, luxury homes on large lots as well as lovely condominium communities.
Area Amenities
Thanks to a recent Highway 101 revitalization project, it’s an even more beautiful place to live, with newly planted swaying palm trees, red and purple wildflowers, tiled fountains, plentiful bike racks, and free parking. Home to the famous Belly Up Tavern, Cedros Design & Shopping District, and neighboring Del Mar Racetrack, Solana Beach is a nice blend of the affluent North County and mellow surf environment. Locals are friendly, the views are unbelievable, and entertainment is plenty. The Solana Beach Transit Center is a train station on Amtrak California’s Pacific Surfliner passenger train and on the North County Transit District’s COASTER commuter rail route.
Education
Solana Beach is served by the Solana Beach School District and the San Dieguito Union High School District. The Solana Beach School District has seven elementary schools and a Child Development Center with programs for toddler, preschool, and before and after school support and services. The elementary schools are: Solana Vista (K-3); Skyline (4-6 and the K-6 Global Education Program); Solana Santa Fe (K-6); Carmel Creek (K-3); Solana Highlands (K-3); Solana Pacific (4-6); and, Solana Ranch (K-6). The District offers Discovery Labs curriculum in science, technology, research, engineering, arts, and math (STREAM).
The San Dieguito Union High School District includes Earl Warren Middle School, Canyon Crest Academy (school of choice), San Dieguito Academy (school of choice), and Torrey Pines High School. Santa Fe Christian Schools is a private school serving ages K-12.
You’ll Fall in Love With
Fletcher Cove, located at Solana Beach Plaza has a wonderful, little cobblestone beach with a park that overlooks the ocean. The picturesque cove has lifeguard service, but not much sand and can be inaccessible at high tide. Off the beach, there is volleyball, shuffleboard, basketball, showers, picnic tables, and free public parking.
Tide Beach Park is a good place to explore tide pools and is known for its snorkeling. It can be reached via stairs at Pacific Avenue and Solana Vista Drive. It has lifeguards, and free parking is available on the streets.
Seascape Shores is just south of Fletcher Cove, which also offers beach access. It is located a few blocks south of Fletcher’s between condominiums at the 500 and 700 blocks of South Sierra Avenue.
Neighborhoods
La Colonia de Eden Gardens, a neighborhood in Solana Beach, has preserved its distinct character since it was founded in the 1920s by Mexican farm workers. Developers have long left the neighborhood alone, but recently have turned their attention to the area, and want to build homes more densely than the community is comfortable with. Developer interest is increasing property values and many of the descendants of the original families are selling their property in Solana Beach and moving inland.