Perched between the coastal communities of Del Mar and Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Solana Beach boasts a chic and sophisticated culture all its own. As one of North County's most popular surfer hangouts, Solana Beach continues to cultivate street cred for its hip boutiques, eclectic nightlife and cheeky cafes.

From Cedros boutiques to the infamous Belly Up, Beer Buddies at Pizza Port, stylish Downward Dog at Haute Yoga and relaxed beach time at Fletcher’s Cove, discover the top ten local picks for Solana Beach lifestyle.

The Belly Up Tavern
A true Solana Beach landmark, the notorious Belly Up is one of the most famed music venues in San Diego. The Belly Up Tavern is known and loved for its intimate atmosphere and great acoustics – a combination that makes for an amazing experience. While big names always make a stop at Belly Up, this venue also makes room for local bands and rising stars as well as special events and themed parties. Even better, The Belly Up serves strong drinks at an affordable cost. Cheers! (pictured main)

Station Sushi
Locals love the vibrant and laid-back atmosphere, cozy outdoor patio overlooking Highway 101, and unique sushi rolls. Now for a taste: you don’t want to miss the Psychedelic Orange Crush roll with salmon, asparagus, avocado, gobo root, and orange flying fish eggs, or the Mary-Juana Ocean roll with spicy tuna, crab, avocado, smoked and fresh salmon, in a tempura crisp.

Tucci Boutique

Every lady needs a dependable boutique for frocks, accessories and ensembles guaranteed to turn heads. Tucci Boutique has you covered with everything from cocktail dresses to swimwear, jewelry and handbags. Tucci carries high-end designs from the likes of Calypso and Missoni and is the ideal Solana Beach store to hit up before a night on the town. (pictured below)

Surf and Saddle

After a long day at the beach, or a rough Monday at the office, there's no better place to stop for a cold beer than Surf and Saddle. This dive bar has been a hit with locals for years, but more recently a younger crowd has been combining forces with the "regulars" to play some pool and mix up the jukebox sound. This local watering hole draws a crowd every day of the week with various themed nights (you can rock out on stage to guitar hero or even race goldfish!). Don't forget to head over to see Randy at the hot dog stand next door for some late night grub.

Pizza Port

It’s a local crime to visit Solana Beach without paying your dues at Pizza Port. This surf culture inspired restaurant and bar brews their own beer, cooks up great pizza, salads, appetizers and more, and offers a newly expanded outdoor patio perfect for any time of day. Rule number one: no matter what, never say no to Beer Buddies. 

Haute Yoga
This beach-side yoga studio introduces locals to a cleansing yoga experience. Haute offers teachings from expert yogis and is open to all levels with heated rooms and regular studios. All classes at promote physical and mental well-being. (hauteyoga.com)

Do's and Lipstick
Every SoCal native knows you can't hit the streets or the sand without a one-of-a-kind haircut and necessary brow wax. A new addition to the Cedros Design District, Do's and Lipstick has all the character and talent you could ask for in a full service salon.
   
Naked Café 
The Naked Café satisfies North County’s craving for quick, healthy and delicious food. For breakfast, try such items as Fuzzy Monkey Pancakes with roasted grains and fresh bananas. If you want to Look Good Naked, choose items off this cheeky menu, including the Soy Sausage and Sun-Dried Tomato Omelette with egg whites, Jack cheese, green onions, served with mixed baby greens and black beans. Located next to Fletcher’s Cove beach, Naked Café is a dining staple in Solana Beach, even favored by local celebrity guests Jack Johnson and Kelly Slater.

SoLo Cedros

Located in a restored warehouse in the Cedros Design District, SoLo is the perfect place to gift shop for that special someone. From one-of-a-kind furniture to eclectic wrapping paper, cards, and photography books, SoLo has a little something for everyone. Local merchants and designers showcase their specialty items at SoLo, so plan on spending quite some time browsing the large showroom full of unique finds.

Fletcher's Cove
There's definitely no shortage of sandy hotspots in San Diego, but we locals know there is a distinct feel at each beach up the coastline. Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach is known for the all-ages playground, picnic areas and basketball courts overlooking the Pacific waves. This truly local beach is ideal for a Sunday out with the family or some much needed R&R all on your own. Even better, parking won’t take you hours with a large parking lot and plentiful street spots available. (111 S. Sierra Ave.) pictured below

Insider Tip: More Solana Beach businesses we can’t live without are Mirabella Mansori, Hot Rock Jewelry, Cedros Soles, The Glow Bungalow, Salon Radius, Beach Grass Café, Tidewater, Fidel’s Little Mexico and Masuo’s.