How to Get to North County San Diego: Your Guide to a Seamless Beach Vacation

Planning your perfect beach getaway to Solana Beach, Del Mar, Encinitas, or Carlsbad? Whether you’re flying, driving, or taking the train, getting to North County San Diego is easier than ever. With multiple convenient transportation options, you’ll be relaxing in one of our stunning coastal vacation rentals in no time.

Flying to North County San Diego

New! Commercial Flights into Carlsbad Now you can fly directly into McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) in Carlsbad with American Airlines and JSX—just 22 minutes from the Stubbs Vacation Rentals office! This small, traveler-friendly airport makes your arrival smooth and stress-free.

• McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) – Located in Carlsbad, just 20 minutes from Solana Beach. Ideal for private and limited commercial flights.
• San Diego International Airport (SAN) – The region’s major airport, about 25 miles from Solana Beach, with nonstop flights from across the U.S.

Taking the Train to Solana Beach

• Amtrak Pacific Surfliner – Travel in comfort with breathtaking coastal views from Los Angeles, Orange County, or beyond. Arrives directly at the Solana Beach station.
• Coaster Commuter Train – A convenient option for local travel between Oceanside and downtown San Diego, with a stop in Solana Beach.

Driving to North County San Diego

• Interstate 5 (I-5) – The fastest route for road trippers heading to the coast.
• Historic Highway 101 – Take the scenic route through charming beach towns like Del Mar, Encinitas, and Leucadia.

Local Transit & Rideshare Options

• NCTD Breeze Bus – Connects Solana Beach with nearby cities including Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Del Mar.
• Uber, Lyft & Car Rentals – Easy and flexible transportation options to explore the coast at your own pace.

 Book Your North County San Diego Vacation Rental

No matter how you get here, one thing’s for sure—you’ll never want to leave. Book your stay with Stubbs Vacation Rentals and enjoy the best of coastal San Diego. From oceanfront homes to charming beach cottages, your perfect escape awaits in Solana Beach, Del Mar, Encinitas, or Carlsbad.

Browse vacation rentals and start planning your beachside escape today!

Spring Break in San Diego: Sun, Sand & Endless Adventure

Make this Spring Break unforgettable with a coastal escape to San Diego! Whether you’re craving relaxation or adventure, San Diego County’s beach towns offer something for everyone. From world-class attractions to scenic oceanfront experiences, here’s your guide to the best things to do this spring.

Music, Wildlife & Ocean Thrills

🎶 Museum of Making Music

Dive into the fascinating world of music! This unique museum showcases the evolution of instruments and music-making from the early 1900s to today. Try your hand at playing various instruments, and if you’re lucky, catch a live performance during your visit.

🦁 San Diego Zoo

A must-visit destination, the San Diego Zoo revolutionized cageless exhibits and is home to over 4,000 animals in immersive habitats. Walk at your own pace or hop on a guided bus tour. For a breathtaking aerial view, take the Skyfari gondola and see the zoo from above!

🌊 SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival

Set sail on a culinary adventure from March 1 – April 28, featuring globally inspired dishes, craft brews, and live entertainment. This food festival is the perfect blend of flavor and fun, adding an extra splash to your Spring Break.

Coastal Relaxation & Island Escapes

🏖 Beach Bliss

Nothing says Spring Break like a day at the beach! Whether you’re catching waves, sunbathing, or testing your balance on a stand-up paddleboard, San Diego’s shores provide the perfect setting for relaxation and adventure. Feeling bold? Try parasailing for a bird’s-eye view of the coastline!

🏝 Coronado Island

A short drive (or ferry ride) from downtown San Diego, Coronado Island is full of charm. Stroll through the historic Hotel Del Coronado, explore boutique shops, and enjoy waterfront dining with spectacular sunset views.

💆 Indulgent Spa Day

Unwind with a rejuvenating spa experience at one of San Diego’s top-rated spas. From soothing massages to refreshing facials, pamper yourself with the ultimate relaxation experience during your coastal retreat.

Adventure Awaits

🚋 San Diego Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley

Explore the city stress-free! This iconic trolley takes you to top attractions like Old Town, Balboa Park, Seaport Village, and more. Ride the full loop for a guided city tour, then hop off to explore your favorite stops.

🐋 Whale Watching Excursions

Spring is prime whale-watching season! Witness the majestic gray whale migration as they journey from Alaska to Baja. Book a guided boat tour or catch a glimpse from San Diego’s coastal cliffs.

Book Your Perfect Spring Break Stay

Your Spring Break getaway starts with the perfect vacation rental. Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat, family trip, or group getaway, we offer stunning oceanfront and luxury rentals designed for ultimate comfort.

Click here to book your San Diego escape today—Spring Break starts here!

California King Tides are naturally occurring and predictable events are when the highest and lowest tides hit our shores and create an even more dramatic coastline. At high tide, the powerful waves often crash against seawalls and extend beyond their usual natural borders. The extreme low tides expose tide pools rarely seen and allow miles of beach walking and extended exploration.

San Diego King Tides most often occur in December of each year during a full moon or new moon. Consult a tide chart where you are able to see the exact times of the highest and lowest tides. At least an hour before and after the listed low and high tides will yield extreme tides worthy of exploration!

California King Tides is the perfect time to plan a winter getaway in San Diego County! Book your stay and don’t miss this extraordinary time of year on the coast!

PRO TIP: The days before and days after the official King Tides dates often still present extreme tides.

Where to Go

For those of you staying with Stubbs, you’re in luck! At the north end of Solana Beach at the border of Cardiff-by-the-Sea is South Cardiff State Beach, known locally as “Seaside.” Park here and head south to easily explore the tidepools. The rocks here are 45 million years old and contain clam fossils.

Another local spot is Swami’s in Encinitas. Made famous for it’s surf break, Swamis has abundant sea life to explore. This area is a Marine Protected Area.

San Diego’s most popular low tide spot is at Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma. The southern end of Cabrillo has many rock depressions that create tide pools filled with sea creatures. For more info on Point Loma and Cabrillo, check out our blog DAY TRIP: Point Loma

Tips for Tidepooling

Check the tides! Negative low tides are ideal. Tides in San Diego, CA

– Bring sturdy footwear as the rocks can be slippery from water and algae.
– Wear sunscreen and a hat.
– No animals, shells or rocks can be removed from the tide-pool area.
– Rocks should not be moved, no organism attached to a surface should be removed by force.

The tide pools are home to hundreds of sea creatures, please be a considerate visitor and don’t pick them up, don’t move their furniture (in the form of rocks and shells), don’t transport them to a bucket or another location because it can kill them. The local tide pools have thousands of visitors each year and you need to be protective of these gentle creatures.

If you’d like a more “hands on” experience, head to Birch Aquarium in La Jolla to visit their Tide Pool Plaza.

Enjoy winter golf in San Diego with a stay in our centrally located rentals.

Close to top courses and the Farmers Insurance Open, January 22–25, 2025, our properties are perfect for your golf getaway!

Click for more info on the Farmers Insurance Open in Torrey Pines, La Jolla, California

Call or visit VacationBeachHomes.com to book!

Local Public Golf Courses Near Solana Beach

LOMAS SANTA FE EXECUTIVE GOLF COURSE – Solana Beach

Lomas Santa Fe Executive Golf Course was voted one of the “Top Short Courses,” by Golf Range Magazine for the past two years. Lomas Santa Fe Executive features panoramic ocean views paired with cool ocean breezes, and is described as “a hidden and under-used jewel” by the San Diego Union Tribune.

LomasSantaFeGC.com

 

ENCINITAS RANCH GOLF COURSE – Encinitas

Encinitas Ranch Golf Course is located on a magnificent sweep of bluffs and has a constant view of the Pacific Ocean throughout the golf course. Golfers appreciate this golf course layout because of its many golf amenities – such as five sets of tees, open fairways, and bunkers. Everyone has a chance to post their low score when they play Encinitas Ranch!

JCGolf.com/Encinitas-Ranch

TORREY PINES GOLF COURSE – La Jolla

Located in La Jolla, California, Torrey Pines Golf Course sits on the coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and is recognized as the premier municipal golf course owned and operated by a city. It offers two picturesque and, due to its yearly hosting of the PGA TOUR’s Farmers Insurance Open event, widely recognizable championship 18-hole golf courses. It is surely the most accessible public facility for the die-hard enthusiast wishing to play at a world-renown facility that nearly all golfers know by name.

TorreyPinesGolfCourse.com

AVIARA GOLF CLUB – Carlsbad

Named by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine as one of the best resort golf courses in America, Aviara Golf Club overlooks the Batiquitos Lagoon nature preserve in beautiful Carlsbad, California. The only coastal California course designed by Arnold Palmer, Aviara Golf Club features a memorable layout: par 72 over 18 holes and 7,007 yards uniquely sculpted around rolling hillsides, native wildflowers, and plenty of bunker and water challenges.

GolfAviara.com

And for the kids:

PELLY’S MINI GOLF – Del Mar

Pelly’s Mini Golf course has cute decor and pleasant general ambiance. The grounds are well maintained and feature trickling waterfalls and ponds with Koi and goldfish. The general tone is more natural “garden” and less sugary “candyland.” There are two courses to choose from: Surfin’ Safari and Ocean Adventure. Educational facts are located at each hole.

DelMarGolfCenter.com/PellysMiniGolf

FUN FACT! Carlsbad, California is called the “Golf Manufacturing Capital of the World.” Many top golf companies call Carlsbad home, including Callaway, TaylorMade, Titleist, Cobra Puma, Aldila and Honma Golf.

 

Keywords: San Diego Oceanfront, Oceanfront Rental San Diego, Vacation Rental, San Diego Golf, Torrey Pines, Lomas Santa Fe, Del Mar Golf, Torrey Pines Golf, La Jolla Golf, Rancho Santa Fe Golf, Solana Beach Golf, Del Mar Golf, Oceanside Golf, Oceanfront Vacation