Solana Beach is a gem of a coastal town in North County San Diego, a little over 20 miles from downtown San Diego. Perched along the Pacific coastline just north of Del Mar and south of Cardiff by the Sea (a.k.a. Cardiff) which is part of Encinitas, Solana Beach offers a casual, yet upscale, Southern California lifestyle.

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The Official Solana Beach city website

Solana Beach Real Estate

The feel is distinctly seaside, with gorgeous beaches, beautiful outlooks, and rolling hills to the east that provide dramatic ocean and sunset vistas. Retailers range from high-end designer-style boutiques and home furnishing stores to second hand stores and surf shops. The character of Solana Beach is further revealed in the eclectic housing you will find, from bungalows, older cottages and homes from years past, to dramatic contemporaries, large-scale remodels (see this post on C-Story poles, a sure indication of a remodel going on), and mini-mansions on small lots overlooking the sea.

Like other coastal towns, Solana Beach has a fascinating history, with the bulk of it growth and development occurring after the turn of the century (the city website has a terrific review of the historical aspects of Solana Beach) particularly after the Lake Hodges Dam was built to the east. Fletcher Cove, which is, by the way, a beautiful park by the ocean and site of the annual Fiesta del Sol, was created by hand with a fire hose to provide access to the beach for development (just one of the little historical tidbits I have learned).

With about 13,000 residents in its 4 square miles, the community retains a small town and low key feel, yet offers a fairly sophisticated array of businesses and services.

So here's what I like about Solana Beach!!

Cedros Design District:

The Cedros Design District is synonymous with shopping, and this is one of the best places to exercise your credit card if you want unique stores, galleries (some of the best in the coastal area), jewelry, collectibles, home furnishings, and similar retailers, as well as design professionals and related services. The emphasis here is on the home, and the street attracts residents and visitors alike from all over to take in the wide range of offerings.

There is a farmer's market each week as well.

BTW if you want to drive down the coast road to shop the parking is relatively good. The other cool thing about Solana Beach is the Train Station (both the Coaster and Amtrak) just a blog north of the district.

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A Shopping Stroll in the Cedros Design District

Dining:

You will find a wide range of dining opportunities here, from the predictable fast-foody types of places to family style eateries, chain and ethnic restaurants, small sidewalk cafes (Zinc Cafe), and a smattering of high end dining establishments (Pamplemousse Grille and Blanca). There is even a music-oriented place, Wild Note Cafe, at the Belly-Up Tavern (more on that place later). The Pacific Coast Grill has a good reputation but I have not been there. No room to tell you about all the great places to eat, but check out this restaurant list.

Beaches:

Well, it's Southern California so you can expect wonderful beaches with surfing, gorgeous sunsets, places to stroll or sunbathe, kite flying and more. Fletcher Cove is an attractive beach area (with showers, basketball, picnic tables and free - limited - parking) but there are others like Tide Park and Seascape Beaches.  Like its neighbor to the north, Encinitas, much of the beach is bordered by bluffs where erosion is wreaking havoc is some areas, and the beaches themselves are not particularly wide, especially at high tide. The views are spectacular from the bluff tops and seaside homes.

Belly-Up Tavern:

Located in the Cedros Design District, the Belly-Up Tavern has one of the best reputations for live music in North County San Diego (and perhaps beyond). The bands that appear here often have a strong following, and you will see a broad mix of music styles with established and emerging artists. Visit the Belly-Up Tavern website.

Housing:

OK, I'm a REALTOR so I can say I love the Solana Beach real estate market. And it's OK to admit that, despite the fact that the prices are pretty high and it won't appeal to everyone. I like the mix of housing one finds here, the fact that there isn't a lot of tract housing (compared to some communities) and that there are lots of homes with terrific views (at a price) of the ocean, the lagoon and the community itself. You won't find a lot of detached homes under $1 million (the average price of detached homes sold in Solana Beach YTD in 2008 is over $1.6 million ($631/SF) with ocean front homes in the $2 - $6 million range); condos averaged $652K (range of $305K - almost $2 million for oceanfront).

The Del Mar Race Track and Fairgrounds:

Yes, I know, it is NOT in Solana Beach. But you can see, feel it and hear it from SB, so I see it as one of the bennies of Solana Beach. With all there is to do at the Del Mar fair grounds (the San Diego County Fair, racing season, numerous concerts and trade shows, the Cirque-du-Soleil in recent years), one can't help but feel that way. Hey we even had an AR/Sellius gathering there!

Last, but not least, Solana Beach is home to America's #1 Mortgage Broker, our very own Brian Brady. Buyers - if you are looking for a mortgage, Brian Brady IS the dude to call.

Solana Beach IS a very cool town. Low key yet sophisticated, clectic but with a style all its own.

Pay Solana Beach a visit sometime. It will grab your heart and make you want to stay.

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360
or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits