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North Coastal

Unique seaside villages with a quintessential SoCal surf vibe

Photo By Aaron Chang

North County, San Diego - Immerse yourself in a laid-back, Southern California lifestyle

Anchored by historic Highway 101, this stretch of California coastline has some of the best surfing anywhere in the world and a laid-back, SoCal vibe all its own. In North County, San Diego you'll find plenty of dining options and shopping opportunities including the Cedros Avenue Design District, the Carlsbad Premium Outlets, several upscale malls and unique, local boutiques. North County has everything from five-star fare at Addison to authentic traditional Mexican food, along with craft brew tasting rooms, urban wineries, and seaside watering holes. If you're looking for outdoor adventures in San Diego, the north region has plenty. From hiking and horseback riding in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve and stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking in Carlsbad Lagoon, to biking along the coast, or sport fishing, whale watching or surfing, from La Jolla to Oceanside outdoor enthusiasts are sure to be entertained.

Things to Do in North County, San Diego - Coastal Attractions

The North County, San Diego Coastal region is also 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 Racing season. There's also the San Diego Botanic Garden for a look at native flora and fauna. At the Eastern border of North County, you'll find the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Las Vegas style Indian Casino Gaming and plenty of great wineries and local breweries.

North County, San Diego - Golf Courses

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 Fairmont Grand Del Mar golf courses are uniquely sculpted around the natural landscapes and native vegetation.

What's Near North Country, San Diego

A stay in North Country, San Diego area 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 easy to reach.

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Getting to North Coastal

North Coastal San Diego stretches for miles along the Pacific Ocean and features a collection of beach towns.  North of La Jolla, the area is easily accessed from the I-5 freeway and historic California Highway 101.  Drive time and distance from the airport varies with the least being La Jolla at 14 miles and an average drive time of 20 minutes to Oceanside at 40 miles with an average drive time of one hour. The area is well serviced by the bus, Amtrak and the Pacific Surf line train.    

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Historic Highway 101

Linking a string of charming beach communities from Oceanside to La Jolla, Historic Highway 101 hugs the Pacific Ocean as it provides a connection to the simpler, quieter lifestyle of the past.

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San Diego Dog Beaches and Off Leash Dog Parks

Places to play fetch or doggy-paddle

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Shopping at Cedros Design District

Whether you're visiting San Diego or reside here, this dynamic city has many neighborhood shopping blocks that you do not want to miss.

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7 Ways to Make a Splash in San Diego

Dive into these 7 big, bright water-related San Diego adventures

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La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K

May 17, 2025

The La Jolla Half Marathon is one of America's most picturesque and beautiful point-to-point races. Starting at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the course follows a scenic coastal route before reaching the challenging climb to the summit of Torrey Pines State Park. The course then rolls atop Torrey Pines mesa, continues down through residential La Jolla Shores, and finishes at La Jolla Cove.

For those interested in a shorter option, the La Jolla Shores 5K offers a mostly downhill course and features some of the most scenic views of the last 3.1 miles of the half marathon course.

 
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The Flower Fields

Mar 1 - May 11, 2025

For more than sixty years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of North San Diego County into one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world. The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that make up the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch in Carlsbad, California, are in bloom for approximately eight to ten weeks each year - from early March through early May - literally bringing the famous fields back to life. This annual burst of color, which has become part of the area’s local heritage, also is one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in Southern California.

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Heartbreak Ridge Run

Apr 8, 2025

Come out for an off-road running race held in the northwestern foothills of your Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. It offers multiple distance choices with a challenging hill climb and scenic views of surrounding mountains and meadows.

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Cash Box Kings

Mar 20, 2025

Co-led by songwriter, harmonica and singer Joe Nosek, and real-deal Chicago blues vocalist and songwriter Oscar Wilson, the Cash Box Kings play masterfully raw and unvarnished house-rockin’ blues.

The band features a "who's who" of some of the most excellent blues musicians on the scene today, including Billy Flynn, Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith, boogie-woogie and blues piano maestro Queen Lee Kanehire and upright bass wunderkind John W. Lauler. Critics worldwide recognize the band as one of the premier traditional Chicago blues bands today.

The Kings feature gritty powerhouse vocals, soaring harmonica, and razor-sharp original songs. With their top-shelf musicianship and trademark good humor, The Cash Box Kings are a one-of-a-kind blues band. In the words of MOJO magazine, the band is "flawless."

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Historic Highway 101

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San Diego Dog Beaches and Off Leash Dog Parks

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Shopping at Cedros Design District

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7 Ways to Make a Splash in San Diego

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What's On

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La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K

May 17, 2025
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The Flower Fields

Mar 1 - May 11, 2025
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Heartbreak Ridge Run

Apr 8, 2025
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Cash Box Kings

Mar 20, 2025
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Accommodation

Hotel Indigo Senior Discount

Hotel Indigo - San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Valid: Apr 19, 2024 - ongoing

Seniors 62 years and older receive up to 15% off when booking in advance.  No additional room charge for grandchildren under 18 years of age.  No deposit of fee for your furry companions....

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Overnight Stay with up to $100 Daily Resort Credit

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Valid: Jul 24, 2024 - ongoing

Book your next getaway at our vibrant hotel and receive up to $100 per night hotel credit to enjoy Baja-Cali-inspired dining, alfresco, at Agave Bar and Grill. Or, grab a bite and coffee from Exchange...

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3rd Night Free

La Jolla Shores Hotel
Valid: Dec 12, 2024 - ongoing

Book two nights and get the third night free! Relax and explore longer without paying extra. Available on select dates, Sunday through Thursday, on stays through May 31, 2025.

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