Solana Beach History

The area now known as Solana Beach was called Lockwood Mesa prior to 1923, when the original subdivision plan for the community was developed.  One of the first settlers was the George Jones family in 1886. Lake Hodges Dam and the 12,000-acre Santa Fe Irrigation District was built in 1917-1918. At that time Solana Beach started to grow rapidly. 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. To provide access to the beach for the development, hydraulic water pressure was used to erode away tons of earth and create the Fletcher Cove entry and beach. This took one man three months with a fire hose, using water that was coming over the spillway at Lake Hodges Dam. The beach was opened with great fanfare including horse races on the beach on July 4, 1925. 

The next large real estate boom didn't take place until the last quarter of the century after World War II. It wasn't until 1986 that the community officially incorporated as the city of Solana Beach.  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.

Solana Beach Today

Located in Northern San Diego, this artsy, hip beach community has a fun and trendy small town beach feel where everyone knows your name.

Cedros Design District is known for it's ecleptic art galleries and furniture stores. As you stroll along this district you will find everything imaginable to decorate your home including one of the finest showrooms in the world for custom home remodling. European Bath, Kitchen, Tile & Stone services the needs of the consumers and contractors, from small remodels to custom homes, to the largest hotels in the world. 
This popular street has nearly 85 shops that include some great restaurants, cafes (try Zinc Cafe for a healthier choice), boutiques, and the famous "Belly Up" Tavern (Voted San Diego's Best Live Music Venue), a great place to check out some of the with live music that ranges from blues to rock, jazz to hip hop. A dedicated crowd frequents this large bar with a dance floor where the San Diego people groove to the music all hours of the day. Some of our favorite places we visit in Cedros Design District are Cassidy Interiors, Cokas-Diko Home and Garden, Leaping Lotus, Oasis by the Sea, Timeless Furnishings & Patio, Kern & Co. Cowgirl Trading Post and for true Italian Imported furniture and accessories you must visit Bellini's Antique Italia.

Right down the street parallel of Cedros on the corner of the 101 and Lomas Santa Fe Dr. is Rustic 101. A great place for custom hand crafted furniture, doors & gates.

Travel a half mile North from Fletcher Beach and you will find Tide Beach Park. Tide Beach is known for its tide pools and large reefs. 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 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Parking is limited to street parking only and there are no public restrooms but is equipped with showers. 

Travel a half mile South from Fletcher Beach and you will find Seascape Surf or Cherry Hill known to the local surfers. An excellent place for recreational beach fun with it's large sandy beaches and water related activities. A free public parking lot is located across the street from the beach. Public showers are located above the beach access, but there are no public restrooms. Lifeguards are on duty at Seascape Surf only during the summer months from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Head another quarter mile south to Del Mar Shores. This beach is known for it's scenic views. A large staircase leads down to the beach. There are no public showers or restrooms but is an excellent place for surfing and water activities. Lifeguards are on duty at Del Mar Shores only during the summer months from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Hiking Trails

San Elijo Lagoon, Solana Beach

MILEAGE: 7 miles

TRAILHEAD: Solana Vista, North Rios, Manchester, Santa Helena, Santa Inez, Santa Carina, North Solana Hills, La Orilla

HIGHLIGHTS: Trail weaves through freshwater marsh, riparian and chaparral habitats with great views of the lagoon, interpretive signage to let visitors appreciate the plants and animals. Free, guided nature walks on the second Saturday of each month. Learn more
  

Buy Local San Diego Produce 

Farmers Markets are certified by the County Agricultural Commissioner, ensuring that the produce is being sold by the grower, is grown in California and meets all California quality standards. These criteria ensure that you receive the freshest produce for the right price.

Solana Beach Farmers' Market (Cedros Design District)

Sunday: 1 pm - 5 pm

410 Rosa St. at Cedros
Solana Beach, California 92075
Map

Manager: Sean Macleod
Phone: (858) 755-0444
Website: cedrosdesigndistrict.net

Solana Beach School District