The city of Solana Beach was called Lockwood Mesa prior to 1923, when the original subdivision plan for community was developed. Though the area grew slowly but steadily throughout the rest of the century, booms occurred in the decade after World War II and then again in the last quarter of the century. In 1986, the community incorporated as a city. Solana Beach received national publicity in 2003 upon becoming the first city in the continental U.S. to enact a smoking ban on its public beaches. This trend is continuing in many California coastal towns and cities.

Though set on stunning coastal bluffs, for a long time Solana Beach had no beach access. Later, a gap was cut out in the bluffs, providing ocean access. There are now three small beaches in the city, but the crashing surf makes them better suited to surfers and body boarders than to swimmers and sunbathers. The three beaches include Fletcher Cove, a cobblestone beach with a park that overlooks the ocean; Seascape Shores, just south of Fletcher Cove; and Tide Beach Park, which is a good place to explore tide pools and is popular with snorkelers.

For a break from the mall scene, there’s the Cedros Design District, a hip hotbed for artistic treasures, boutiques, health and beauty spas, and charming cafes, some of which feature live entertainment. For more information on the Cedros Design District, see “Points of Interest” below.