Del Mar and Solana Beach may be small in size (approximately 5 square miles), but that doesn’t mean the cities are lacking in the fun department. In Spanish, del mar means “of the sea” and solana loosely translated means “sunny spot” making the two cities a dynamic duo. Read on for some fun things to do, where to dine and where to stay in Del Mar and Solana Beach.
Del Mar Fair (Seasonal)
The San Diego County Fair starts June 8th this year and ends on July 4th (closed Mondays and Tuesday in June). Superheroes are the theme this year from the action-packed pop culture superheroes from comic books and the silver screen. At the fair you can experience adrenaline-pumping carnival rides, taste your way through the Fair’s superfoods, and discover entertainment surprises around every corner.
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (Seasonal)
Opening on Friday, July 22nd, the Del Mar Racetrack is a world-class Thoroughbred racing destination welcoming the industry’s top athletes and California’s most spirited partygoers during it’s Summer (mid-July through early September) and Fall (November) seasons.
The 2021 SUMMER SEASON takes place from July 16 to September 6, 2021. First post daily at 2:00 pm, Fridays at 4:00 pm, racing Thursday – Sunday & Labor Day.
The 2021 Bing Crosby Season runs November 3 – 28, 2021. First post daily at 12:30 pm, racing Friday – Sunday & Thanksgiving with a special early post of 11 am.
Hike Annie’s Canyon Trail
Annie’s Canyon Trail is a short trail (also known as mushroom cave hike) and gives access to a sandstone canyon created by water erosion. See panoramic views of both the Pacific Ocean and the San Elijo Lagoon, with naturally eroding sandstone walls engulfing you.
Then entrance is located at Rios Ave Trailhead.
Head to the Beach
With magnificent views from historic coast Highway 101, sandy beaches, striking cliffs and coastal bluffs, picture perfect oceanfront parks, Del Mar and Solana offer some of the best beaches San Diego has to offer. You can easily spend a day or two checking out all of the beaches.
Retail Therapy on Cedros
The Cedros Design District is quintessentially the best area for shopping. Filled solely with independent boutiques and businesses, you can spend a whole day on the 2 ½ block shopping mecca. Many of the boutiques are housed in Quonset huts from the 1940s. You will find art galleries, antique shops, home decor imports, European eateries, day spas, cafes, restaurants and more, including the legendary music venue, the Belly Up.
Each Sunday afternoon, Cedros Design District hosts a farmers market filled with local seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked good and fresh flowers, along with a selection of craftsman and artisans displaying their goods.
Belly Up for Some Live Music
Voted “San Diego’s Best Live Music Venue” and touted as one of the hottest live music venues on the West Coast by Rolling Stone magazine, the legendary Belly Up has been bringing great live music to San Diego since 1974. Over the years, this casual, intimate setting has hosted renowned musicians such as B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, Maroon5 and The Rolling Stones.
Have you ever been to Solana Beach? Is there anything we missed? Haustay has a number of vacation rentals so head over to the website to book your stay in the beautiful beach town of Solana.
For Breakfast or Lunch
Located a block north of the Design District, Claire’s on Cedros is a cozy LEED-certified cottage that was designed to be as sustainable-focused as their menu. Prized for the freshly baked pastries and breads, Claire’s serves California-style comfort food that includes Quinoa Cake Benedict, Corn & Zucchini Enchiladas, Shrimp & Grits and the not-to-be-missed signature pancakes known as “Clairecakes.” A recent addition is their just-as-healthy grab & go bakery/coffee shop located across the street from the restaurant.
For Dinner
Fidel’s Little Mexico has been a San Diego landmark since the early ’60s when owner Fidel Montanez came up with the idea to serve tacos at his busy barber shop. The shop was located in a small neighborhood in Solana Beach that was home to a number of Mexican families. The business thrived and expanded as Fidel converted his two-story residence into three different levels, including a festive courtyard, a couple of bars and outdoor patios, and a taco bar. Today, Fidel’s ranks among the top restaurants in San Diego County. Happy hour is offered four days a week in the large upstairs bar. Fidel’s menu offers traditional favorites as well as house specialties that will transport you and your party South of the Border.
Where to Stay
Del Mar Shores –
Breathe in the ocean view from this beautiful modern condominium we call ” Del Mar Shores”. Located just steps away from the beach, hot tub, and pool!
Relax on your personal patio overlooking the ocean, or take in the view from the open concept living room. You’ll also find a well-stocked kitchen with everything you need to prepare a home cooked meal.
Located in the ocean front gated community of Del Mar Shores, minutes away from the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Del Mar Shores is a one bedroom, one bathroom, oceanfront condo in the Del Mar Shores oceanfront gated community which is located in Solana Beach, California.
Sea + Sol –
Wake up to the sounds of the surf at this exclusive Solana Beach oceanfront condo we lovingly call ” Sea + Sol”. Enjoy top-floor privacy and panoramic views of the Pacific from the large balcony. And, when you’re ready to head to the sand, the staircase down to the beach is just steps outside the front door!
At Sea + Sol, you can relax in the cheerful, beachy interior with high ceilings and unobstructed ocean views from the master bedroom and the living room. The kitchen is fully equipped for a meal at home, plus a gas BBQ on the front patio.
Sea + Sol is a two bedroom, two bathroom, oceanfront condo in the Solana Beach & Tennis Club which is located in Solana Beach, California.
Seascape Sur –
Treat yourself to the sounds of the surf at the luxurious oceanfront condo in Solana Beach we lovingly call ” Seascape Sur”. Enjoy corner unit privacy and panoramic views of the Pacific from your private balcony accessible by three sliding glass doors. At Seascape Sur, you can relax in the beachy interior decorated with comfortable furnishings and unobstructed ocean views from the living room. The kitchen is fully equipped for a meal at home with high-end appliances such as a five-range gas stove, sub zero fridge, quiet Bosch dishwasher, plus a gas BBQ for you to grill on the oceanfront patio.
Seascape Sur is a three bedroom, two and a half bathroom, oceanfront condo in the Seascape Sur community which is located in Solana Beach, California.
What are your favorites things to do in Del Mar and Solana? Leave a comment below!
