Solana Beach

Solana Beach

Region: North County Coastal

San Diego's Solana Beach may be difficult to access, with high cliffs lined right to the water’s edge, but adventures may be rewarded by a secluded beach you can claim as your own.  To access this secluded set of beaches, look for the staircases that line the coastline.

Where to go

There are five main beach spots in Solana Beach from north to south:

• At the northern tip of Solana Beach is Seaside, a good surf spot with an outer reef called Table Tops that breaks on big southwest swells
• Tide Beach has best sand of the bunch and a patch of reef that offers tidepooling
• Fletcher Cove (also known as Pillbox), is located where Lomas Santa Fe Road meets the Pacific. The beach can be accessed through a concrete ramp that begins at Fletcher Cove Park, a popular recreational park with a playground and grassy area. Fletcher Cove beach is a spot popular among surfers, with dramatic bluffs that flank the sandy beach area, this is a great place to take a stroll and explore some caves carved into the cliffs by the surf.
• Seascape Beach and Del Mar Shores on the north side of the San Dieguito river mouth, two spots frequented primarily by local residents.

Parking

• There's not a lot in the way of public parking on the streets here, but most of the Solana Beach residents use private off-street parking, so availability is good
• A small but free parking lot is available at the Fletcher Cove Park.

Lifeguards

• There are lifeguards at Pillbox, Tide Beach and Seaside year-round, and at Del Mar Shores during the summer.

Bathrooms & Showers

• Shower and restroom facilities are available at Fletcher Cove, located at the top of the entrance ramp leading to the beach.

Directions to Solana Beach

• From freeway 5 exit Lomas Santa Fe Drive west to Pacific Avenue. Continue straight through the intersection to Fletcher Cove or head north on Pacific Avenue or south on Sierra Avenue to explore other the options. Seaside lies directly at the bottom of the hill as you drive north on Pacific Avenue toward Cardiff.