The small, coastal community of Solana Beach just north of Del Mar is best known for its arts scene with the Cedros Design District along with local boutiques, beautiful art galleries, and beachside restaurants all sitting along 1.7 miles of coastline. The walkable neighborhood is filled with plenty to do whether you’re interested in spending all day surfing at Fletcher Cove or are hitting up Pizza Port before a show at The Belly Up.
Here’s our guide to the best restaurants, shops, activities, and experiences in Solana Beach.
Restaurants | Things to Do | Shops
Fidel’s Little Mexico
Solana Beach Restaurants, Bars, and Coffee Shops
Pamplemousse Grille
Once a chef to high-profile celebs, chef Jeffrey Strauss has been cooking up French-inspired meat and seafood dishes at Pamplemousse Grille for nearly 30 years. Located across from Del Mar Racetrack, its dining room is adorned with touches of the French countryside, where guests savor entrees like lobster ravioli and juicy steaks.
Address: 514 Via De La Valle, Suite 100
Hours: Closed Monday; Tuesday–Friday, 4:30 p.m.–9 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 5 p.m.–9 p.m
Phone: (858) 792-9090
Ranch 45
Part butcher shop, part specialty grocery store, and part counter-service restaurant, Ranch 45 is the perfect spot to order a breakfast burrito and grab some steaks and wine to enjoy at home later that night. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this casual eatery is all about the meat, with specialties like burgers, steaks, hot dogs, pastrami, carne asada, and tri-tip on the menu.
Address: 512 Via De La Valle, Suite 102
Hours: Thursday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday–Wednesday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m
Phone: (858) 461-0092
Rudy’s Taco Shop
Get your fix of California burritos, street tacos, and other Mexican staples at family-owned joint. Rudy’s Taco Shop also recently remodeled its dining area which includes a full bar for tequila and mezcal cocktails and a self-serve salsa bar.
Address: 524 Stevens Ave., Suite 1
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Phone: (858) 755-0788
T’s Cafe
No-frills homestyle restaurant T’s Cafe has been a Solana Beach fixture since 1978, known for its many egg benedict options and housemade bloody mary’s. Occasional live music draws a crowd in the evenings, where dinner is served in the form of patty melts, Reubens, and chicken & waffles.
Address: 271 S. Coast Hwy 101
Hours: Monday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.; Tuesday closed; Wednesday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.; Thursday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5 p.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Phone: (858) 755-7642
Lana
The newest addition to Solana Beach’s dining scene, Lana has a neighborhood restaurant feel with upscale California cuisine. The region’s bounty is on full display here with locally sourced produce and proteins found in dishes like its seabass agua chile, blue mussels, and wild mushroom pasta and pizza (cooked in a wood-fired pizza oven). Lana’s recently launched brunch service has favorites like huevos rancheros, steak & eggs, and French toast.
Address: 437 S. Highway 101
Hours: Wednesday–Friday, 4 p.m.–9 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5 p.m.–9 p.m.; Monday–Tuesday closed.
Phone: (858) 286-1211
The Naked Cafe
Choose healthy California cuisine for breakfast and lunch at The Naked Cafe, where coconut French toast and breakfast burritos star alongside draft kombucha and turmeric lattes. Salads, bowls, tacos, and wraps dominate the lunch menu, and vegetarian options are always plentiful.
Address: 106 S. Sierra Ave.
Hours: Daily, 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Phone: (858) 259-7866
The Fish Market
Seafood restaurant The Fish Market offers sandwiches, pasta dishes, fish & chips, chilled seafood, and seasonal fresh catch plates. The menu changes according to availability, but its clam chowders—both Manhattan (red) and New England (white) styles—remain best-sellers year-round. Stop by the retail counter to buy fresh seafood to go.
Address: 640 Via De La Valle
Hours: Monday–Thursday & Sunday, 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Phone: (858) 755-2277
Rare Society
Helmed by chef Brad Wise, modern steakhouse Rare Society’s menu features shareable meat boards with a selection of cuts like Wagyu and dry-aged steaks that are cooked on a wood-fired grill. Other specialties include oysters Rockefeller, seafood towers, and parker house rolls.
Address: 330 S. Cedros Ave.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday–Thursday & Sunday, 5 p.m.–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 5 p.m.–10 p.m.; Tuesday closed.
Phone: (858) 771-0181
Rustic Root
Find American comfort food and cocktails in a buzzy scene at Rustic Root, reminiscent of its sister restaurant in the Gaslamp. Happy hour and other weekday deals bring upbeat energy to the bar and lounge and guests are also drawn to its patio overlooking Highway 101. Lobster pappardelle and aged ribeye are two of its signature dishes but you should definitely save room for ice cream and gelato sundaes from its roving sundae cart.
Address: 343 S. Highway 101, Suite 100
Hours: Monday, Wednesday–Friday, 4 p.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.; Tuesday, 4 p.m.–10 p.m.
Phone: (858) 381-4800
Claire’s on Cedros
Charming cafe and bakery Claire’s on Cedros is a favorite among locals for breakfast and lunch, serving up French toast, pancakes, egg benedicts, omelets, sandwiches, and salads. Be sure to join its waitlist online ahead of time to score a table faster.
Address: 246 N. Cedros Ave.
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Friday–Sunday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.
Phone: (858) 259-8597
Fidel’s Little Mexico
What started as Fidel Montanez’s barber shop serving tacos in the 1960s is now one of North County’s busiest Mexican restaurants, Fidel’s Little Mexico. This indoor/outdoor, multi-level eatery has a sizable menu of tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tostadas and other specialties, but you’ll find the best value from its weekday lunch special.
Address: 607 Valley Ave.
Hours: Monday–Thursday & Sunday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Tuesday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Phone: (858) 755-5292
Tony’s Jacal
Following his WWII military service in 1946, Tony Gonzales and wife Catalina opened Mexican restaurant Tony’s Jacal inside his parents’ home. The building has since been expanded but Tony’s continues to serve the same turkey tacos, chile rellenos, and other staples that keep longtime patrons returning time and again.
Address: 621 Valley Ave.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 4:30–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 4:30–9:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon–8:30 p.m.; Tuesday closed.
Phone: (858) 755-2274
Bongiorno’s New York Pizzeria
Order New York-style pizza by the slice or full pie at Bongiorno’s New York Pizzeria, plus stromboli, calzones, hero sandwiches, pasta, and salad. They deliver within Solana Beach, Cardiff, and Del Mar, but guests can also place carryout orders or dine in to enjoy its thin, foldable slices.
Address: 524 Stevens Ave.
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Phone: (858) 755-2646
Solana Sumptuous Cookies
Previously a North County outpost of Uncle Biff’s California Killer Cookies, Solana Sumptuous Cookies is a gourmet sweets shop with premium cookie mix-ins like fresh raspberries, toffee almonds, and roasted marshmallows. With more than 18 cookie flavors, guests can pair any treat with ice cream or an over-the-top hot chocolate drink for an even sweeter afternoon.
Address: 150 Solana Hills Drive
Hours: Monday–Tuesday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Wednesday & Tuesday, 8 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Thursday–Friday, 8 a.m.–9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Phone: (858) 925-6300
Bangkok Bay
Flavorful curries, noodles, and rice dishes are at the heart of Thai restaurant Bangkok Bay. Family-owned and operated for more than 20 years, Bangkok Bay has great weekday lunch specials that include rice and soup. Go-to dishes include pad thai, drunken noodles, panang curry, and summer rolls.
Address: 731 S. Highway 101, Suite 1B1
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 5–9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 5–9:30 p.m.; Saturday, noon–3 p.m. and 5–9:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon–3 p.m. and 5–9 p.m.
Phone: (858) 792-2427
Sunny Side Solana
Vegan-friendly cafe serving breakfast and lunch, Sunny Side Solana is marked by bright yellow umbrellas that feel apropos for its name. While there’s plenty of traditional breakfast fare to choose from (vegan egg substitutes available), guests especially love anything with short rib here, including eggs benedict, mac and cheese, and breakfast hash. Don’t skip the bottomless mimosas.
Address: 159 S. Highway 101
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Phone: (858) 345-1670
Seven Seas Roasting Co.
Catch a buzz at Seven Seas Roasting Co., a small-batch coffee roaster that sources beans from micro farms around the globe. Flavored lattes like the mango coconut, banana split, or lavender honey are prepared with housemade syrups and double espresso shots.
Address: 312 S. Cedros Ave.
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m.; Friday–Sunday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m.; Tuesday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m.
Phone: (619) 800-7931
Kai Ola Sushi
Ready your chopsticks for Hawaiian-style sushi rolls named after local beaches at Kai Ola Sushi. The Moonlight, Beacons, and Stone Steps rolls are solid choices, but you may also want to save room for a poke bowl, ramen noodles, and kombucha on tap.
Address: 112 S. Cedros Ave.
Hours: Monday–Thursday & Sunday, noon–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, noon–10 p.m.; Tuesday, noon–9 p.m.
Phone: (858) 345-1973
Pizza Port
Solana Beach is home to the original Pizza Port location, where pizza and craft beer reign supreme in a casual, family-friendly setting. Build your own pizza or opt for one of its specialty pies like the BBQ chicken or pizza Solana, which pair well with Pizza Port’s well-loved Swami’s IPA.
Address: 135 N. Highway 101
Hours: Monday–Thursday & Sunday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Tuesday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Phone: (858) 481-7332
Carruth Cellars
Sip vino made from Sonoma grapes at urban winery Carruth Cellars’ tasting room. Order sauvignon blanc and its popular Unicorn blend by the glass or bottle, or opt for a flight of five pours to choose your new favorite. Visit during weekday happy hour when a handful of wines are 30 percent off.
Address: 118 S. Cedros Ave., Suite C
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 1–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, noon–10 p.m.; Sunday, noon–8 p.m.; Tuesday, 1–9 p.m.
Phone: (858) 847-9463
Things to Do in Solana Beach
Belly Up Tavern
Intimate local music venue and longtime Solana Beach icon Belly Up Tavern has played host to up-and-coming new artists as well as established groups like Black Eyed Peas, Mumford & Sons, No Doubt, The Killers, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Belly Up has maintained its reputation as North County’s most beloved live music venue since it opened in 1974. Today it holds up to 600 guests and is also used as an event space for private shows.
Address: 143 S. Cedros Ave.
Phone: (858) 481-8140
Madison Gallery
Contemporary artwork from around the world is showcased at Madison Gallery, where it focuses on internationally recognized artists in a variety of media. The gallery has rotating exhibitions throughout the year and offers free admission for all guests.
Address: 320 S. Cedros Ave., Suite 200
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, closed.
Phone: (858) 523-9155
Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery
Be prepared to ooh and ahh at fine art photos by world-renowned ocean and surf photographer (and local resident) Aaron Chang. His incredible photographic prints line the walls of Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery alongside surfboard sculptures for an up-close look at surf, sand, and sea.
Address: 415 South Cedros Ave., Suite 110
Hours: Monday–Tuesday, noon–5 p.m.; Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Phone: (858) 345-1880
North Coast Repertory Theatre
Theatrical performances come to life at North Coast Repertory Theatre, where classic and contemporary works are performed in an intimate setting with just under 200 seats. The nonprofit community theater features seven plays throughout its regular season, and is often lauded for its diverse selections.
Address: 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Suite D
Phone: (858) 481-1055
Solana Beach Farmers’ Market
Browse from 60 vendors at the Solana Beach Farmers’ Market, held every Sunday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. in the Design District. Find organic produce, prepared food and drinks, handmade gifts, fresh florals, and more—all while jamming to live music.
Address: 444 S. Cedros Ave.
Hours: Sunday, 12 p.m–4 p.m.
Fletcher Cove Beach Park
Nicknamed “Pillbox” by locals, Fletcher Cove Beach Park has it all: a playground, picnic tables, basketball courts, restrooms, outdoor showers, and some grassy areas. Flanked between sea cliffs, this tucked away cove is a great place for little ones to play in the surf, even if the sandy beach area is on the smaller side.
Address: 111 S. Sierra Ave.
Tide Beach Park
Just north of Fletcher Cove, Tide Beach Park is accessed by a large staircase between sea cliffs that extends down to where smooth stones and large, flat sandstone rocks dot the landscape. Thanks to a nearby reef, tide pools fill with sea creatures that can be spotted during low tide, making for a fun place to splash around.
Address: 302 Solana Vista Drive
Annie’s Canyon via Solana Hills Trailhead
An alternative route to Annie’s Canyon trailhead in Cardiff, the Solana Hills trailhead lets you access this photo-worthy slot canyon from Solana Beach. It takes about an hour to complete the popular 2.3-mile loop, and the hike includes some narrow passageways and ladders.
Address: 450 Solana Hills Drive
Solana Beach Shops & Boutiques
SoLo
For all gifting needs, look no further than SoLo—a collective of several shops under one roof with merchandise that’s carefully curated by eight women. Here you’ll discover new and antique furniture, books, jewelry, home decor, stationery, and other unique finds.
Address: 309 S. Cedros Ave.
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Phone: (858) 794-9016
Pink Lagoon
Upscale women’s boutique Pink Lagoon sells designer clothing from brands like Citizens of Humanity, The Upside, and Perfect White Tee, alongside fine jewelry, shoes, and beauty products. The shop also offers personalized wardrobe design and styling services for those who appreciate a discerning eye for fashion.
Address: 143 S. Cedros Ave.
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Phone: (858) 792-0882
Tucci Boutique
Shop from luxury designers at Tucci Boutique where women’s clothes, shoes, jewelry, bags, and other accessories all have a sophisticated SoCal style. Find clothing brands such as Apiece Apart, Mother, and Sablyn, plus a collection of home fragrances in the form of candles, room sprays, and oil diffusers.
Address: 130 S. Cedros Ave.
Hours: Monday–Thursday & Tuesday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, noon–5 p.m.
Phone: (858) 259-8589
Indigenous by La Rue
Woodworking shop Indigenous by La Rue creates custom wood slab tables and other furniture, with a specialization in made-to-order river tables and live edge furniture. At its Design District showroom, woodworking is complemented by home goods that were handmade by indigenous people around the globe.
Address: 107 S. Cedros Ave.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday–Tuesday, closed.
Phone: (858) 333-2665
Kern & Co.
Luxury showroom Kern & Co. is a one-stop-shop for high-end furniture, along with home décor and accessories including lighting, rugs, artwork, and bedding. Inquire about residential interior design services from owner Susan Spath who can transform homes to look as perfectly styled as her showroom.
Address: 130 S. Cedros Ave., Suite 100
Hours: Monday–Thursday & Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Phone: (858) 779-0779
The Lomas Brand
Family-owned men’s and women’s clothing boutique The Lomas Brand has comfy loungewear and other casual pieces that match San Diego’s beachy lifestyle. This is the spot to go for buttery-soft tees, sweats, and outerwear that’s all designed locally.
Address: 205 N. Highway 101
Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Sunday–Tuesday, closed.
Phone: (760) 639-9645
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Neiki Solana Beach
Local artisans sell their work at eclectic little shop Neiki Solana Beach, where owner Neiki Pawling carries jewelry (some made by her), clothing, home goods, and spiritual items. Browse for handmade souvenirs and gifts that show off Solana Beach’s artsy side.
Address: 301 N. Highway 101
Hours: Monday, Wednesday–Saturday, 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Tuesday, closed.
Phone: (760) 845-1269
