May 26 2021

DAY TRIP: Oceanside

Covering 3.6 square miles, Solana Beach is loaded with restaurants, shops and attractions all within walking distance. But, if you’re looking to get out of town for the day without the stress of driving, head over to the Solana Beach Transit Station and hop on Amtrak’s Coaster!

Head north and in just a few minutes you’ll be in eclectic Oceanside. Located at the northernmost end of San Diego County’s coastline, “O’side” is home to some of Southern California’s widest beaches, historical landmarks and is one of 14 California Cultural Districts.
Step off the train and grab a donut and coffee at Parlor Doughnuts before heading west along Pier View Way to walk over the ocean on Oceanside Pier. You’ll see shops, fishermen and views far north to Camp Pendleton or south to La Jolla. The pier is 1,954 feet long, making it one of the longest piers on the west coast.

Continue north along “The Strand” to watch surfers, check out the bungalows and beautiful views on your way to Oceanside Harbor. Harbor Village, with it’s six-story lighthouse, is a quaint New England-style destination. Discover rows of docked sailboats, see people gliding by on top of paddleboards, and enjoy the array of restaurants and shops at this hidden gem. Local vendors provide boat rentals, kayak and SUP experiences… a great way to spend a couple of hours sightseeing from the water. Along the east side of the Harbor mouth are large letters that spell “Oceanside.” This sign not only welcomes visitors to the Harbor, but is a great location to snap a photo to document your adventures. After checking out the harbor, you’ll be ready for lunch at Stratford at the Harbor where you’ll enjoy delicious food with stunning views. Locals rave about the coffee cake and the fresh fish taco salad.

While heading back south, Learn about the evolution of surfboards—from wooden plank boards to fiberglass boards to the short-board revolution—at the California Surf Museum. Browse surfboard wax collected from the past 50 years, see Bethany Hamilton’s shark-bitten board, and shop the surf-themed gift shop. For more community culture, check out the Oceanside Museum of Art located blocks from the beach on Pier View Way. Kids will appreciate the interactive nature of the museum.

Before hopping back on the train, be sure to stop by Hello Betty Fish House for one of O-side’s best happy hours including street tacos, sliders, oyster shooters and craft beers outside on their sprawling patio.
Enjoy your scenic train ride back to Solana Beach where you can head back to your Stubbs Vacation Beach Home to refresh and rejuvenate for tomorrow’s adventure.

Apr 02 2021

Fun on the Water in San Diego

Watercraft Rentals

When you stay at a Stubbs Vacation Beach Home in Solana Beach, Del Mar or Encinitas, you’ll want to make the most of your time with an outing on our warm waters! Known for it’s perfect climate and top notch beaches, a day on the water is the way to go!

Head up to Carlsbad Lagoon where you can rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard or even an aquacycle from California Watersports. They also offer Bayliner speed boats, pontoons, and Craig Cat two-person pontoons. While out on the water, you’re sure to see jumping fish, snowy egrets and sandpipers. The lagoon is great for beginners due to its small size, calm waters, and minimal boat traffic.

For an all day adventure, pack a lunch and drive south to Mission Bay, San Diego. Mission Bay Sport Center has a wide variety of watercraft to rent. Jet Skis and Wave Runners, pontoon boats, sail boats, catamarans, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and pedal boats make a fun day for the whole family. They even have jet pack rentals so you can blast off above the water! While out cruising in Mission Bay, you may encounter a Great Blue Heron, Western Grebe or even dolphins!

San Diego Bay Cruises located in downtown San Diego offers not only a San Diego Harbor tour, but also sport fishing excursions, sunset cruises, dinner cruises and even snorkel and scuba diving. This is the best choice if you’re looking to be on a big sightseeing tour or chartered boat. There’s a wide variety of boats and ships to satisfy your whole family! Head out on a whale watching trip and be awed by these incredible sea creatures.

For an educational experience on the water, book a kayak tour at La Jolla Cove with Everyday California. Experienced guides will take you on an unforgettable tour of La Jolla Ecological Reserve, a Marine Protected Area that’s home to a thriving underwater ecosystem that boasts one of the highest concentrations of sea-life in all of California! Kayak through the underwater park to experience La Jolla’s Seven Sea Caves, one of San Diego’s coolest attractions. Seasons change, but we’re always running: throughout the summer months you’ll have a chance to see one of the biggest Leopard Shark gatherings in the world, and in the winter witness Gray Whales on their annual migration from Alaska to Baja California.

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Solana Beach Condos, Del Mar Shores Beach Park, Cardiff by the Sea Rentals

Feb 04 2021

Craft Breweries in San Diego

San Diego Breweries – Delicious Beers with a Coastal Vibe

San Diego has been called the “Craft Beer Capital of America.” As of 2018, the county was home to 155 licensed craft breweries, the most of any county in the United States. Based on 2016 sales volume, three San Diego County breweries rank among the 50 largest craft brewers in the US: Stone, Green Flash and Karl Strauss. San Diego County brewers have pioneered the Double India Pale Ale or Double IPA. The most notable breweries around San Diego featured below.

Stone Brewing Co.

Stone is the largest brewery in Southern California and the ninth largest craft brewery in the United States. he company produces eight beers year-round, as well as special releases and collaborations. In addition to the brewery and tasting room it has two brewery restaurants, in Escondido and San Diego, five “company stores” and tap rooms. Both restaurants are large and have unique atmospheres, including beautiful gardens, waterfalls and bocce ball courts. If you’re bold, try the Arrogant Bastard Ale.

www.stonebrewing.com/

Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Karl Strauss opened it’s doors in 1989 and kicked off the city’s craft beer industry. Today, they continue to lead in creating innovative beers in a wide range of styles. In 2019, they brewed more than 140 different beers. The main tasting room is located in Pacific Beach, and there are 4 other restaurants around the county, each with their own persona featuring a huge koi pond and beautiful landscaping and an “industrial chic” feel. Patrons rave about the food. Try the Red Trolley Ale.

www.karlstrauss.com

Ballast Point

In 1996, a small group of San Diego home brewers started a quest to make better beer. They focused on ingredients to find a perfect balance of taste and aroma. They are committed to social responsibility and environmental awareness. You can find Ballast Point Restaurants and Tasting Rooms in Little Italy, Miramar, and Linda Vista. Everyone raves about the Sculpin IPA.

www.ballastpoint.com

Pizza Port / Port Brewing Co. / Lost Abbey

Right here in Solana Beach is the original location of Pizza Port. Started by siblings with a passion for home brewing, their hobby became a business in 1992. They serve great pizza and great local brews. Try the California Honey with your Pizza Carlsbad.

Port Brewing and Lost Abbey are spin offs of the Pizza Port brand, each with their own personality. Port Brewing features West Coast-style beers including Wipeout IPA, while Lost Abbey has Belgian-inspired and premium beers like Judgement Day Quadruple Ale.

Port Brewing’s tasting room is in Solana Beach, while you’ll find The Lost Abbey in San Marcos, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and San Elijo.

www.pizzaport.com | www.portbrewing.com | www.lostabbey.com

AleSmith

Also located in Miramar, AleSmith Brewing Company was founded in 1995. They continue to be recognized as one of the world’s foremost craft breweries. Consistently ranked in the World’s Top Ten list on the consumer generated website www.ratebeer.com, AleSmith is currently ranked #6 out of 33,000+ breweries worldwide. Family-owned and community-minded, AleSmith celebrates diversity, charity and the desire to deliver world-class beer with 5-Star service to our customers. Try the Nut Brown Ale with some mexican food or grab a growler, fill it with .394 Pale Ale and head back to Solana Beach for sunset with friends.

www.alesmith.com

Visit VacationBeachHomes.com to book your vacation rental in Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cardiff by the Sea or Encinitas for your visit to the International Beer Festival in June or the San Diego Beer Week in November.

San Diego International Beer Festival June 18 – 20, 2021

San Diego Beer Week – TBA – Traditionally held in November.

Feb 03 2021

Hiking Around Solana Beach

You don’t have to go far to explore some great hiking trails in and around Solana Beach. Whether you are heading out for a jog, some bird watching or just need some fresh air, these three parks will satisfy your outdoor needs.

Nature Collective / San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center

Nestled between Cardiff, Encinitas, Solana Beach and Rancho Santa Fe, the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is peaceful and beautiful. From sunrise to sunset, explore 7 miles of easy-to-moderate trails and hike the quarter-mile, moderate-to-strenuous Annie’s Canyon Trail. Trails connect wetland habitats of coastal strand, salt marsh, freshwater/brackish marsh, riparian scrub, coastal sage scrub, and mixed chaparral. Sharp eyes will spot mule deer, Great Blue Heron, or California King Snakes. Kids will enjoy TRACK Trails, a nature-themed scavenger hunts to win prizes online.

https://thenaturecollective.org/

San Dieguito River Park

Starting at the ocean in Del Mar, the San Dieguito River Park has more than 65 miles of trails. Trails are open year-round for day use free of charge and offer all levels of difficulty. Most trails are open to hikers, bikers, and equestrians. Our backbone multi-use trail – the Coast to Crest Trail – extends from the ocean at Del Mar to the San Dieguito River’s source on Volcan Mountain near Julian. About 48 miles of the planned 71 miles of the Coast to Crest Trail is completed. In addition, over 20 miles of auxiliary trails within the River Park are open. Auxiliary trails are not part of the Coast to Crest Trail, and may have limited use regulations which will be clearly noted.

http://www.sdrp.org/

San Dieguito County Park

Located just a short distance from the Pacific Ocean in beautiful Del Mar, San Dieguito County Park offers a variety of recreational activities including 5 miles of hiking trails, five playgrounds, a baseball field, a basketball court, a wedding gazebo, pavilions and picnic areas, and BBQs. Discover picturesque views from Activity Hill – complete with 10 fitness stations, three hillside ladders and lookout platforms, two suspension bridges, and two TRACK Trails for kids. Look out to see the coast and miles of north county communities. Look down to see large open lawns lined with mature trees and two tranquil duck ponds.

http://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/SanDieguito.html

Book your stay today!

Stubbs Vacation Beach Homes offers many properties that would be the perfect home base for all your explorations.

May 05 2020

The Beaches of Solana Beach

The City of Solana Beach encompasses 1.7 miles of beachfront bordered on the north by Cardiff State Beach, and on the south by the City of Del Mar. The beachfront is divided into four main Beach Parks: Fletcher Cove, Tide Beach Park, Seascape Surf, and Del Mar Shores. These beaches provide a wide variety of recreational activities for City residents and visitors. Below is a description of each beach park located in the City of Solana Beach when not affected by Covid-19.

FLETCHER COVE: Fletcher Cove, also commonly known as Pillbox because of its history as a WWII Gunnery installation, is the main beach park in the City of Solana Beach. Located at 111 S. Sierra, at the end of Plaza street where Lomas Santa Fe Boulevard meets the beach, Fletcher Cove offers easy public access.
A public parking lot located at the Cove as well as free street parking ensure that parking is seldom a problem for visitors traveling to the beach by vehicle. Fletcher Cove is also conveniently located only a few hundred yards from the Solana Beach train station, providing easy access to those visitors traveling to Solana Beach via Amtrak and the Coaster rail lines.
Public access leads from the parking lot to a beautiful beach with excellent recreational opportunities for surfing, surf-fishing, swimming, body-boarding, jogging, and walking. There are public showers and restroom facilities as well as picnic tables, playground and a basketball court located on top of the bluffs next to the Marine Safety Department Headquarters.
Lifeguards are on duty year round at Fletcher Cove, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the winter months, and from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during the summer months.

TIDE BEACH PARK: Located approximately 1/2 mile north of Fletcher Cove, Tide Beach Park can be reached via the public access located at 302 Solana Vista Drive, at the intersection of Solana Vista and Pacific.
Parking at Tide Park is limited to free street parking. The park is equipped with showers, but there are no public restrooms. The beach itself is mostly known for its large reef, or “Table Tops,” and its beautiful tide pools located at the park’s northern border. Tide Park provides excellent recreational opportunities for surfing, surf-fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, body-boarding, jogging, and walking.
Lifeguards are on duty at Tide Park only during the summer months from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

SEASCAPE SURF: Known to many surfers as Cherry Hill, Seascape Surf (or Seascape Sur) is situated approximately 1/2 mile south of Fletcher Cove. Public access to the Beach Park is provided via a stairway located at 501 S. Sierra Avenue.
In addition to free street parking, free parking is also available in a public parking lot located across the street from the beach access. Public showers are located above the beach access, but there are no public restrooms. Wide sandy beaches provide excellent recreational opportunities for beach activities such as walking, jogging, and Frisbee throwing. Seascape Surf is also an excellent location for surfing, surf-fishing, swimming, body-boarding, snorkeling, and other water related activities.
Lifeguards are on duty at Seascape Surf only during the summer months from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

DEL MAR SHORES is located approximately 3/4 miles from Fletcher Cove at the City’s Southern border. Access to Del Mar Shores is provided via a public stairway located at 180 Del Mar Shores Terrace.
There is free street parking as well as three small free public parking lots located near the intersection of Del Mar Shores Terrace and Sierra Avenue. There are no public showers or restrooms located at the beach park. However, the beach park does provide a scenic viewpoint and excellent recreational opportunities for surfing, surf-fishing, swimming, body-boarding, snorkeling, jogging, walking, and picnicking.
Lifeguards are on duty at Del Mar Shores only during the summer months from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.