Solana Beach is where Coast Highway 101 begins and heads north through San Diego’s famous coastal beach communities. Unlike Pacific Beach, Mission Beach and Ocean Beach to the south, the north coastal towns are much more laid back and less commercial. Solana Beach is a small town, with some nice beaches that hug the coastal cliffs that the north coast is known for. The beaches are not as readily accessible, which means they aren’t as crowded. The Coaster and Amtrak trains make a stop at the Solana Beach station, just a few yards from popular Fletcher Cove Beach. Don’t miss: the Solana Beach Design District, which includes the awesome Belly Up Tavern for concerts, and Pizza Port, famous for its award-winning microbrews.

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