Solana Beach City Guide – 92075

Below is a very in-depth of the city of Solana Beach. It’s packed with helpful facts about the population, schools, the incredible beaches and everything in between.

Solana Beach History

Early Inhabitants of Solana Beach

In about 9000 B.C., the first known residents of the Solana Beach area were known as the San Dieguitos, hunters of mastodons, giant bison and camels. The next waves of inhabitants, known as La Jollans, dwelled in small bands along the coast and around the lagoons and were seafood collectors and seed gatherers.

The La Jollans were followed by the Kumeyaay, who fished and foraged along the coast, gathered acorns, and we apparently a peaceful tribe. The Spanish arrived in 1769 led by Don Gaspar de Portola. Portola’s charge was to press north from San Diego to Monterey Bay where he was to establish a mission and a colony. He was accompanied by Franciscan padres, whose job it was to convert the local Indians.

Transition from Spanish to Mexican and American Control

Control of the area passed to Mexico when it gained independence from Spain in 1822. Many of the inhabitants were sons and grandsons of the original Spanish settlers who became influential in government and were owners of enormous ranchos. Many thousands of acres in what is now San Diego County became privately owned during the Mexican regime.

Following the Mexican War with the United States, California became a U.S. territory, and on September 9, 1850, was admitted to the Union. Until the 1860’s and the gradual influx of the Anglos, the Californios (early Mexican, large land owners) continued to dominate life in the Solana Beach area. The County of San Diego was established by the State Legislature on February 18, 1850.

Development of Solana Beach

The main area known as Solana Beach was originally called Lockwood Mesa and was first settled by George Jones family in 1886. Chief crops were grain and lima beans.

The area encompassing Solana Beach began to develop rapidly, when Lake Hodges Dam was built in 1917-18. The creation of the 12,000-acre Santa Fe Irrigation District in 1918 ensured that the area from Rancho Santa Fe through Solana Beach would prosper and expand.

Economic Boom and Subsequent Decline

The coastline from Solana Beach to Oceanside began to boom in the early 1920’s. In 1922 Colonel Ed Fletcher, an early community leader and developer, purchased 140 acres at $20 per acre from farmer George H. Jones to develop the town of Solana Beach, with the help of his brother-in-law Eugene Batchelder. The Solana Beach area was promoted as an avocado growing center. Beginning in 1929, the depression stifled growth in Solana Beach. The price of the lots tumbled and land reverted to the Sante Fe Irrigation District for lack of taxpayment. For almost a decade, progress was at a standstill.

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Solana Beach History Cont’d

After World War II, the community began to grow. The Chamber of Commerce was formed. A sanitation district and a fire district were created. For a 10-year period between 1950 and 1960, the community underwent tremendous growth.

Paul Tchang, a San Diego builder, had constructed almost 100 premium homes in Solana Beach by 1969. Thirty-three more were built in 1970, and 500 more from 1971 to 1977. Lomas Sante Fe completed their golf course and opened the sale of lots in Isla Verde in 1968.

This signaled the beginning of a real estate boom which lasted well into the 80s and 90s. As the community progressed, additional attention was given to civic beautification. Recent years have seen the incorporation of Solana Beach in 1986, creation of the Cedros Design District, building of the Solana Beach train station, formation of the 101 Merchants Association, construction of a new joint-use library, and the influx of many new businesses. Incorporation of the community in 1986 provided a Council-City Manager form of government, with the Mayor’s position rotating among Council members.

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Solana Beach Overview

The charming, seaside community of Solana Beach is nestled along the northern coast of San Diego County, approximately 30 minutes by car from downtown San Diego. Its main access routes include Interstate 5, Highway 101, Lomas Santa Fe Drive, and Via de la Valle. Amtrak and Coaster trains (the local commuter train from Oceanside to downtown San Diego) stop at the station located at 105 N. Cedros Ave.

The City lives up to its name (Solana means “sun” in Spanish) with temperatures that average 62 degrees in the wintertime and 77 degrees in the summertime. It offers 1.7 miles of coastline for swimming and surfing. Most days you will see locals drop by to watch the sun set at Fletcher Cove. The City is a favorite destination for those looking for beach activities, eclectic shops, great dining, golfing, nightlife, and nearby hiking.

On Sundays, there is a Farmer’s Market on Cedros Avenue, and the community actively supports recreational outlets, such as The Boys and Girls Club of San Dieguito, and environmental protection groups, such as the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy. The local North Coast Repertory Theater has a fine reputation and performs a wide range of theatrical works. Over 13,000 residents call this 4 square mile beach community their home. Solana Beach is the home for many artisans, high-tech businesses, and professionals.

Solana Beach Homes

The residential areas in Solana Beach are categorized into Single Family Homes and Condominiums, divided into the following sections:

Single Family Homes Condominiums
• Custom Homes • Sixth Green
• East of I-5 • Country Club Villas
• Highland Estates • Camino De Las Villas
• Isla Verde • Solana Circle
• Loma Del Cielo • St. Francis Court
• San Elijo Hills • Santa Helena Park
• Santa Fe Hills • Spindrift
• Solana Hills Estates • The Bluffs
• Vistas Del Mar • The Villas
• West of I-5 • Via de la Valle, West of I-5
• West of 101 • West I-5 Except Bluffs

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Solana Beach Beaches

The City of Solana Beach encompasses 1.7 miles of beach front bordered on the north by Cardiff State Beach, and on the south by the City of Del Mar. The beach front is divided into four main Beach Parks: Fletcher Cove, Tide Beach Park, Seascape Surf, and Del Mar Shores. These beaches provide a wide variety of recreational activities for City residents and visitors. Below is a description of each beach park located in the City of Solana Beach.

FLETCHER COVE

Fletcher Cove, also commonly known as Pillbox because of its history as a WWII Gunnery installation, is the main beach park within the City of Solana Beach. Located at the end of Plaza Street where Lomas Sante Fe Boulevard meets the beach, Fletcher Cove offers easy public access from the public parking lot to a beautiful beach. As well as surfing, surf-fishing, swimming, body-boarding, jogging, and walking. Fletcher Cove offers surfing competitions, triathlons, and the annual Fiesta Del Sol celebration. There are public showers and restroom facilities as well as picnic tables and a basketball court located on top of the bluffs next to the Marine Safety Department
Headquarters. Lifeguards are on duty year round at Fletcher Cover, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the winter months, and from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during the summer months.

TIDE BEACH PARK

Located approximately ½ mile north of Fletcher Cover, Tide Beach Park can be reached via the public access located at 302 Solana Vista Drive, at the intersection of Solana Vista and Pacific. Parking at the Tide Park is limited to free street parking. The park is equipped with showers, but there no public restrooms. The beach itself is mostly known for its large reef, or “Table Tops and its beautiful tide pools located at the park’s northern border. Tide Park provides excellent recreational opportunities for surfing, surf-fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, body-boarding, jogging, and walking. Lifeguards are on duty at Tide Park only during the summer months from 10:00a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

SEASCAPE SURF

Known to many surfers as Cherry Hill, Seascape surf is situated approximately ½ mile south ofFletcher Cove. Public access to the Beach Park is provided via a stairway located at 501 S. Sierra Avenue. In addition to free street parking, free parking is also available in a public parking lot located across the street from the beach access. Public showers are located above the beach access, but there are no public restrooms. Wide sandy beaches provide excellent recreational opportunities for beach activities such as walking, jogging, and Frisbee throwing. Seascape Surf is also an excellent location for surfing, surf-fishing, swimming, body-boarding, snorkeling, and other
water related activities. Lifeguards are on duty at Seascape Surf only during the summer months from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

DEL MAR SHORES

Del Mar Shores is located approximately ¾ miles from Fletcher Cove at the City’s Southern border. Access to Del Mar Shores is provided via a public stairway located at 180 Del Mar Shores Terrace. There is free street parking as well as three small free public parking lots located near the intersection of Del Mar Shores Terrace and Sierra Avenue. There are no public parking showers or restrooms located at the beach park. However, the beach park does provide a scenic viewpoint and excellent recreational opportunities for surfing, surf-fishing, swimming, body-boarding, snorkeling, jogging, walking, and picnicking. Lifeguards are on duty at Del Mar Shores only during the summer months from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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Solana Beach Shopping

Cedros Design District

Cedros Avenue has been developed as an upscale design district that attracts many artisans, decorators, and antique dealers. It is the hippest hotbed for artistic treasures. More than 85 shops, each with its own personality, are small-scale, independent, devoted to local artists and crafts people, and sticklers for quality. The boutiques and galleries of the Cedros Design District are a showcase for home décor and furnishings, women’s clothing and accessories, art works, and whimsical gifts. With the emphasis on design, there are
treasures from around the world, as well as designer services. You can wander through the studios, art galleries and boutiques, or stop at a day spa or salon for some pampering. Outdoor cafes enable you to relax and people-watch. The renowned Belly Up Tavern, an outlet for local music acts and international talent, is located here and is a popular night spot for locals and visitors.

Solana Beach Arts & Recreation

Solana Beach is home to many active artists, as well as a Public Arts Advisory Commission. In addition to the many private galleries and studios, there is a City Hall Gallery featuring various art forms, from recycled metal sculptures to children’s art.

Beach life is predominant, but there are other popular forms of recreation as well. The private Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, the public Lomas Santa Fe Executive Golf Course, two community centers (La Colonia and Fletcher Cove), and various city parks are all within Solana Beach.

In nearby towns, there are many more fine golf courses and tennis facilities, the Del Mar Race Track, the Fairgrounds, LEGOLAND, and the 125-acre San Dieguito County Park located on Lomas Santa Fe Drive. If dining is your favorite form of recreation, Solana Beach offers an eclectic assortment of restaurants, including healthy organic eateries, famous pizza hangouts, gourmet fare, and numerous breakfast bistros.

2023 Solana Beach Statistical Comparison

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