North County Coastal Communities

San Diego's North County is a vast, expansive region known for its pristine beaches, natural preserves and miles of open spaces. From Del Mar to Oceanside, the North County coastline is a string of unique picturesque seaside villages that have a small-town feel and provide surprises around every corner.

If you're looking for opportunities for outdoor activities in San Diego, the north region has plenty. From hiking and horseback riding in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking in Carlsbad Lagoon, to biking along historic Highway 101, or sport fishing, whale watching or surfing the coastline from La Jolla through Oceanside, outdoor enthusiasts are sure to be entertained.

The North County Coastal region is home to some of San Diego's top attractions, including LEGOLAND California, SeaLife Aquarium and Legoland Water Park, the Flower Fields at Carlsbad, and the Del Mar Fairgrounds, host to the Del Mar Fair from mid-June to early July, followed by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Races until early September. There's also the San Diego Botanic Garden for a look at San Diego native flora and fauna, and at the Eastern border of North County, you'll also find the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Las Vegas Style Indian Casino Gaming and a handful of great wineries and local breweries.

San Diego's North County Coastal and Inland regions are also a paradise for golfers, with over 40 diverse courses to choose from. Graced by cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean, the Arnold Palmer-designed Park Hyatt Aviara and Tom Fazio-designed Grand Del Mar golf courses are uniquely sculpted around the natural landscapes and native vegetation.

A stay in San Diego's North region puts you just an hour from Disneyland yet still close to Downtown San Diego where the museums of Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, Gaslamp Quarter and SeaWorld San Diego are nearby.

San Diego's north coastal town of Encinitas was recently named among the best surf towns in the world by National Geographic. Read More.

Hotels and Where to Stay in San Diego's North County Coastal Communities

North County San Diego’s coastal communities offer lodging options as expansive as the Pacific views. Escape to an elegant romantic bed and breakfast surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, lounge at a luxurious four-star hotel by the beach, or treat yourself to a well-deserved break at a spa resort. There are also plenty of affordable accommodations just inland from the beach. From beautifully decorated guest rooms and delicious cuisine to championship golf and pampering spas, pick your passion and stay in style. With North County Coastal’s long coastline stretching from Del Mar to Oceanside, the options are endless when choosing your San Diego getaway.

Browse the list below for great places to stay in San Diego’s North County Coastal communities:

Guide to Restaurants, Bars and Places to Eat in North County Coastal San Diego

Dining in North County’s coastal communities is a feast for the eyes as much as the palate. Enjoy restaurants that sit right on the water’s edge with everything from taco stands to the finest in California Cuisine. Along the coastal beach towns, you can find Southern California’s only Five Star and Five Diamond restaurant, Addison at The Grand Del Mar, as well as a slew of other award-winning restaurants featuring celebrity chefs. And for more casual fare, there are plenty of taquerias, burger joints, juice bars, pizza shops and cafés that fit your mood.

Browse the list below for great places to dine in San Diego’s North County Coastal communities:

What to Do in San Diego's North County Coastal Communities

With a coastline of almost 30 miles (of San Diego’s 70), there is plenty of beach for everyone to frolic in along San Diego’s North County coastline. And just inland from the sandy shores, families can find an amusement and water park, flower and strawberry fields, along with historic landmarks and museums. For couples and luxury travelers, there are world-class spas, luxury shopping centers, PGA-certified golf courses, wineries and a five-star restaurant to explore throughout the region.

5 to Try in San Diego’s North County Coastal Communities

• On the Water
  For some on the water fun, check out the Carlsbad Lagoon for kayaking, water bikes and jetskis. Surf beside or walk out the Oceanside pier to listen to the waves crashing below or to spend some relaxing time trying to catch tonight’s seafood dinner.
• With the Kids
  After the beach, spend a whole day at LEGOLAND riding roller coasters, exploring cities built of the tiny bricks, and making your own creations out of LEGOs. Come back the next day for even more fun at the adjacent water park and SEALIFE aquarium.
• Del Mar Fairgrounds
  Every June, the Del Mar Fairgrounds transforms into the San Diego County Fair to the delight of locals and visitors alike. With carnival rides, food stands, a petting zoo and fun contests, this popular event marks the beginning of San Diego’s summer season, concluding with a July 4 fireworks display like no other in the county. When the fair leaves town, the race horses take to the tracks during Del Mar’s racing season. From the spectacle of fashionable hats on opening day, to the thrill of the million dollar race during the Pacific Classic, Del Mar’s racing season is as iconic as the fairgrounds themselves. The fairgrounds get spooky in October as it transforms into The Scream Zone just in time for Halloween, followed by the twinkle of a magnificent display of lights in December for the Holiday of Lights.
• Gardens
  In the Spring, the flowers fields of Carlsbad blooms with color each year from March to May. Nearby, the families can enjoy an afternoon of picking fresh strawberries to bring home or to the next picnic and enjoy. Just south in Encinitas, take time to explore four miles of garden trails, while enjoying restful vistas, flowering trees, majestic palms, and the nation’s largest bamboo collection at the San Diego Botanic Garden.
• San Diego’s History
  Take in some fun San Diego history at Leo Carrillo Historic Ranch Park. Adobe-buildings and antique windmills line the walking trails, where you just may encounter a peacock! Mission San Luis Rey, the “King of the Missions,” sits on 56 acres in Oceanside, featuring a museum that houses the largest collection of 18th and 19th century Spanish vestments. For more modern history, check out the California Surf Museum in Oceanside, filled with antique surfboards, historic photos and memorabilia from the early pioneer surfers of Southern California.

Events in San Diego's North County Coastal Communities

Great waves and an established arts and culture community means there is always something going on from surf competitions to concerts to live theatre. County fairs, horse racing, Halloween scares and Holiday lights arrive in Del Mar each year, while colorful blooms and ripe berries cultivate in Carlsbad. With San Diego’s idyllic year-around weather, you can simply sun bathe at the beach, or pick from a variety of unique and fun events all year long in North County’s coastal beach towns.

Browse the list below for great events during your visit:

Getting to San Diego North County Coastal Communities

By Car:
Much of the North County Coastal region is accessible from the I-5 Highway.

Public Transportation:
The Coaster services much of the North County Coastal region. Bus routes to other areas in the region are available at the Coaster stations.