Things to Do in Solana Beach, CA - Solana Beach Attractions
Things to Do in Solana Beach
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Annie's Canyon Trail, Fletcher Cove Park, Mountain Bike Tours, Art Galleries. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Annie's Canyon Trail, Fletcher Cove Park, Mountain Bike Tours, Art Galleries. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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- fromper adult$95
- fromper adult$113
Food & Drinkfromper adult$290
Surfing Lessonsfromper adult$105- fromper adult$90
- fromper adult$110
- fromper adult$105
- fromper adult$45
- fromper adult$80
On the Waterfromper group (up to 2)$129
Art Galleries
Scenic Walking Areas
Hiking Trails
Other Top Attractions around Solana Beach
What travelers are saying
- Genevieve EGrapevine, TX45 contributionsFirst, let me start by saying I am not a small woman. I am 5'8" and 230 pounds. After reading the reviews, I was very concerned about being able to not only fit through the narrow passage but also if I could physically manage the hike.
I had no problems whatsoever. I am not in great physical shape, but I do enjoy physical activities. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed it so much that we went back again over the weekend.
The actual slot canyon itself is not a long trail. I think it's about 1/4 of a mile. There are definitely some narrow parts, but the hardest part for me was the very last step out of the canyon. One review said it was waist high, and I thought surely it was an exaggeration. Of course, it depends on your height, but it was hip height for me (not too far off from waist height). A lot of people had to kneel to get up. My theory for why that step is so high is that it prevents (or at least highly discourages) people from going the wrong way. And it is definitely one way. There is no room to turn around or pass anyone.
It was a very unique hike and something you wouldn't expect to see along the coast in California. I highly recommend doing it!
There are a couple of ways to get there. I recommend the N. Rios Ave entrance. You can also take the Solana Hills trail.
HOWEVER....I do not recommend the Solana Hills trail unless you REALLY want cardio and enjoy long, steep hills. There is even a warning as you start that trail about how steep it is. Again, I thought, "How bad could it be?" It was crazy. Like a half a mile. All uphill. You have been warned, lol.Written August 14, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - EdwelshNorth Canton, OH7,282 contributionsThis park is fantastic. It has free parking, public stainless steel bathrooms, plus a new looking basketball court and playground. There is art work on the way down to the beach. Thank you to Ed Fletcher who developed and donated this area. The beach is beautiful, a mile long, surrounded by cliffs and stunning views. The lifeguards patrol from top of the cliff through a loudspeaker system. They keep dogs off the beach, there is a dog beach down a few miles. We spent a pleasant afternoon here on our recent trip.Written May 10, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Phil BSolana Beach, CA141 contributionsI live nearby and the Cedros Design District is bigger and better than ever. In recent years there are new furniture stores, a great pet store, a popular women's shoe store, and several great coffee shops. There's the BellyUp Cafe and Madeline's Frech Cafe for lunch. The area is one block from the Solana Beach train station, the first Amtrak stop north from downtown San Diego. Solana Beach has recently expanded its beach, a 3 block walk from Cedros, making it one of most beautiful in the area.Written November 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Charli V1 contributionCarruth is our go-to Sunday afternoon chill time before the work week begins. We enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. There is indoor or outdoor seating with heaters and a fire pit for cooler evenings. Live music is occasionally available. Great place to hang out after visiting the farmers market.Written April 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- HeyitsmeJulieSan Diego, CA214 contributionsThe set designs and productions are perfection! I go about 6 times a year. The set designs are stunning every single time!. There is not a bad seat in the house. The actors are world class and major players. It is small, but does not lack anything. Go see for yourself!
The manatees are a perfect time to go.Written February 12, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - byublueeyesNapa, CA30 contributionsMy daughters were entirely enchanted by this gallery. Mesmerized. Like love at first sight. When I was finally able to pull them away to get on with our day, they started making plans to earn money to buy one of the large acrylic prints. Stunning photography!Written April 11, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- notjudgemental1Calgary, UK52 contributionsSOLANA BEACH IS VERY UPSCALE AND CLEAN but people racing on bicycles abd drving vehicles do not respect pedestrians. The bike and the vehicle a king.
People here do not walk to grocery stores or take the bus.
DRIVERS ARE EVEN IMPATIENT IN THE CEDROS DESIGN DISTRICTWritten November 22, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - on_the_go_98765Tucson20,571 contributionsBegin this walk at the corner of Hwy 101 and Villa De La Valle (across the highway from Dog Park). It's entry is a beautiful arch dedicated to the long and varied history of Solana Beach. The mosaics set into the two arches are such artful, creative depictions spanning original Indians, traveling through its railroad past, and paying homage to all the things that make Solana Beach such a jewel.
The trail ends (or actually continues) at the Harbaugh Seaside Trail which overlooks Cardiff and the beach. But there's more! Begin the walk from one end, cross over and continue the walk back along the art installations along Hwy 101's various eclectic shops. It's like a mini-Laguna Beach art walk.
The Rail Trail does border the Coaster's tracks and The Cedros Design District on the other side of the railroad tracks.Written May 12, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ulrich SSan Diego, CA39 contributionsSince buying a slab of Monkey-Tree for our fireplace mantel this has been our go-to place for unique home decorating ideas and acquisitions. The Village satisfies a wide variety of from beach cozy to old-California and more formal styles. Also includes great music venue (Belly-Up Cafe) and great eateries.Written August 18, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- on_the_go_98765Tucson20,571 contributionsThis newbie of a trail traverses 3 acres of open space and connects Cardiff with Solana Beach. Hikers, dog walkers, and nature-loving photographers travel this trail regularly (no bikes). Native plantings generously dot the landscape and are designated with little white flags. It is permanent Open Space.
Find this trail just after the Solana Beach Rail Trail and just before heading down HWY 101 to the beach. It sits on a bluff, borders the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Preserve, and offers extensive views from an artistic shell-shaped observation deck (which continues the whole Hwy 101 imaginative tour of art installations.)
From Hwy 101 and Via De La Valle (Dog Park) and continue along to Harbaugh Seaside Trails. It is an easy walk and, the best part is returning on the other side of Hwy 101 to fully appreciate all the public art set in the sidewalk, located in front of small shops, and incorporated into the fabric of Solana Beach itself.
Solana Beach is creating an identity for itself that combines its love of nature with food for the art-lover's soul. This exceptional stretch of Open Space is icing on the cake!Written May 12, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - lucycanSan Diego, CA3,660 contributionsWalked by here on my way to the beach. There is a large outside area overlooking the beach with plenty of tables and benches to use. Great views of the ocean from the cliffs. Inside area to which I assume hosts community events.Written December 4, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mendy JCleveland, OH3 contributionsThis venue is one of the best small concert places to go to. The White Buffalo shows were amazing. Staff were nice and fast service. We will definitely come back. The Tavern next door was one or the best places to eat and drink. Joy is the best bartender in California! Kudos! Keep up the great work!Written March 9, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
