Solana Beach extends just south of Cardiff by the Sea eastwards towards the affluent neighborhood of Rancho Santa Fe.
Solana Beach became more settled in 1918 after the building of the Lake Hodges Dam. Coastal Route 101 passes through this upscale beach town which includes Cedros Design District, Belly Up Tavern, Pizza Port, Surfride, and is a great commuting point due to having both Amtrak and Coaster trains stop through it.
Solana Beach hosts the Fiesta del Sol music fest annually which kicks off the unoffical start of summer. It also hosts weekly farmer's markets, and has beach access at multiple points including Fletcher Cove.
Many people like Solana Beach because of St. James Academy and it's walkability.