Top Rated Parks to Visit in Solana Beach

"Start the day in Balboa Park and try to get there early because this park is HUGE (and by huge I mean there is a freeway and several other roads running through it). Balboa park isn’t just green space, its packed with the best of San Diego’s museums and you’ll want to do some pre-planning to decide which museums you want to see in the time available (half a day). I’m a space and science nerd so I made a beeline for the Air and Space Museum."

"Not only does Timken Museum house American, French and Russian works of art, but it’s one of the most important Mid-Century buildings in San Diego. Find it in the Plaza de Panama. (Location: Balboa Park)"

"Balboa Park is one of the largest urban cultural parks in the United States. It has been home to a pair of world's fairs, and many of the buildings here were built for these expositions.[Learn more]"

"Located on the sands of Mission Beach, Belmont Park takes you back to when amusement parks were simpler. Carrying on the tradition of old-time family fun, San Diego's only beachfront theme park is home to the historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, as well as other classic rides like Beach Blaster, Chaos, Krazy Kars, Vertical Plunge, Tilt-A-Whirl, Liberty Carousel, Crazy Submarine, and Thunder Boats. Popular in the 1930s and 40s, the park received a $2 million renovation and reopened in 1990."

"Built in 1925 by sugar magnate John D. Spreckles, this amusement park reopened in the late 1980s and is the only beachside amusement park in Southern California. Perhaps the biggest draw is the Giant Dipper, the original wooden roller coaster. The Plunge, the largest indoor heated pool in California, has its fans, as does the Wavehouse, a huge fitness center that shares the same building."

"3146 Mission Boulevard San Diego, CA 92109 858-488-1549 Ride Hours: Monday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Tuesday-Thursday: 11:00am-8:00pm Ride Hours: Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00am-9:00pm Store hours vary 5 Stores plus multiple kiosks Major Attractions: Roller Coaster, Beach Blaster, Wave House and Specialty Shops"

"At the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, you can travel back in time and soak up some of the rich culture from San Diego's early days. The park recreates the feel of the Mexican and early American periods, from 1821 to 1872, when this settlement grew from a small Mexican pueblo. Visit a working blacksmith shop, shop for authentic Mexican crafts, browse the art studios, enjoy live Mariachi music, and dine on a sunny patio at one of the atmospheric restaurants."

"Built in 1825 after attacks from the Spaniards’ enemies waned, Old Town San Diego was the first town in the city to have ever been built."

"On the west flank of Point Loma is a glorious 68-acre park protecting rough-hewn ocean bluffs, caves, natural arches and tidepools. There’s no mystery to the name, as you may not find a better spot within easy reach of downtown San Diego to watch the sunset. And as with many high vantage points on the Southern Californian coast, there’s a good chance of spotting gray whales between December and April."

"The Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a beautiful 68-acre local treasure on the western side of Point Loma. The park has numerous dramatic scenic spots that include coastal bluffs, arches, and sea caves. Don’t forget to snap some golden hour pics and watch the incredible sunset."

"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is another excellent addition to your list of things to do in San Diego. This aptly named park is the best place to watch the sunset around. Plus, there are arches, caves, and incredible coastal bluffs to hike around and view."

"San Diego has its own version of Central Park: The Waterfront Park, located along the Embarcadero in Little Italy. Opened in 2014, it's become a family-favorite destination for locals. The 12-acre park is just a stone's throw from the bay and is decked out with tons of innovative ways to entertain kids including a splash pad and slide––but it's the giant fountain, with its many jets, that is the park's main attraction."

"Enjoy a day at this public park that features interactive splash fountains, beautiful gardens with distinct themes, picnic areas and a lot of playing ground and equipment for kids. Unleash the kid in you and play in the splash fountains or unique playing ground. Take a walk along the waterfront while capturing great pictures."

"Located in downtown San Diego along the bay near Little Italy San Diego, Waterfront Park is perhaps best known for its interactive splash fountains and its extensive, family-friendly open spaces. Outdoor movies in the park and other free events are held here in summer. (Location: Downtown San Diego)"

"Carlsbad has an extremely photogenic coastline with a few tiny caves to add some foreground to your photographs. Although the caves not nearly as impressive as La Jolla’s caves & coves or even Sunset Cliffs, it’s definitely worth a day trip!. We originally came out here in search of a cave called Sarah’s Cavern."

"Moonlight State Beach in the seaside town of Encinitas is one of the most visited beaches in North County because of its spacious sandy area and fun amenities like fire pits, sand volleyball courts, and a snack bar. There's also a large section of the beach that is reserved exclusively for swimmers, so you can hang out in the water and not worry about colliding with a surfboard (if you want to surf, nearby Swami's Beach is known as the surfing mecca in Encinitas). There is a paid parking lot near the beach as well as free street parking around the entrance."

"This beach earns its name because residents in the early 1900s used to picnic under the stars here. Today, Moonlight State Beach is a popular beach choice with North County San Diego locals and visitors. A picnic area, restrooms, volleyball courts, tennis courts, equipment rentals, a snack bar and more are just a few of the conveniences offered here."

"Moonlight Beach is a treasure trove of one-stop-shop beachiness with fairly easy parking, picnic areas, fire pits, a play area, volleyball courts, a snack shop, and showers for after swimming. This is one seriously family-friendly beach. Get there early enough and you’ll almost certainly see dolphins frolicking in the surf."

"It is 3 miles of dog-friendly, running heaven and has over 20 fitness stations. These stations include everything from pull up bars for working your arms to plank stations for crunches. Because it isn’t well-known, this park is almost always uncrowded, rendering it quiet and peaceful."

"If you want to reward great service, you can leave a tip for your delivery person. The tip amount is always up to you."

"Chef Patrick Ponsaty’s will tempt you with his menu (Oscetra Petrossian caviar, lacquered Maine lobster, côte de boeuf for two) and you’ll be seriously seduced at table 3, an ultra-elegant private space with it’s own magical chandelier. 6106 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe. (858) 771-1871 or ponsatys.com"

"What is it: Wes Anderson would feel at home inside this clubby, atmospheric cocktail bar with fanciful taxidermy and oil paintings of animals. Why go: Dimly-lit den attracts a cocktail crowd with serious talent behind the bar, but a menu that showcases exotic meats—ergo, the wild animal decor—more than measures up. Highlights include quail-topped deviled eggs, antelope sliders with smoked gouda and braised rabbit hand pies with duck fat crusts."

"This classic and stylish bar in the City Walk section is one of the most fun restaurants in San Diego. Stop into this lush and relaxing bar and pub for some local brews or a cockta..."

"Head to Lion’s Share for a delicious and totally unique meal at one of the most famous restaurants in San Diego!. They serve modern American fare and the menu features exotic meats"

"A French Gothic cathedral meets a death metal bar in this unique and eclectic eatery. Located in the former Alchemy space in South Park, KINDRED is an exclusively vegan restaurant with the aesthetic of a European comic magazine blended with a 1920s Parisian cocktail bar and a menu to match. Offering an array of unusual and delicious food, the menu features dishes such as cornmeal-crusted tempeh on a rye pita with kale fennel kraut, smoked beets, and Sriracha Thousand Island sauce, spicy Grilled Seitan skewers, and Memphis BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich with crispy house-made potato chips."

"You’ll happily go vegan for a day at cocktail bar/restaurant KINDRED. This South Park eatery serves both awesome vegan cuisine and creative drinks—all in a beautiful, funky space. KINDRED offers dinner and drinks daily and brunch on weekends."

"This South Park rebel makes its mark with the rarely-seen pairing of top-notch craft cocktails with a chef-powered, vegan menu. Add a dose of seriously eye-catching design and you’ve got a winner."

"Came here on Saturday evening - party of 3 and there was plenty of seating available!. We don't eat onion and garlic and I saw the menu had some item..."

"Along with a lot of other classic dishes you would find at your local sushi place... But you get to serve y..."

"The food is good, I found most of the item that I tried were I believe to be warm as per health specifications that's the reason I go back."