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Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy the Ride! A Day in Solana Beach San Diego

Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy the Ride! A Day in Solana Beach Print E-mail
Written by Molly
August 18, 2009

Bike_200x200DATE: Hoist your cruisers into the back of your Jeep and park downtown, OR rent bikes from Wheel Fun Rentals at the Holiday Inn across from the Maritime Museum. Then go south to W. Ash Street and over 2 blocks to Kettner Blvd. Head south for a block and a half and you will be at the train station. (Either bring coffee or adult beverages-open containers are allowed on the trains until 9pm- and stash some snacks... or, if need be, there is a Starbucks across the street). Once you've purchased tickets for the Coaster- a double decker Euro style train- all aboard!! There is a special place for bikes (look for the bike symbol on various entrances.) Go to the second story of the train and enjoy your early morning joe as you pass by beautiful coastal views. Once you get to Solana Beach, head straight for Claire's on Cedros for breakfast and then enjoy Cedros Avenue (it's right behind you!). If you're not in the mood for breakfast, stop off at Zinc, a quaint little cafe at the beginning of the strip. Order a muffin and get to know the Solana locals. They don't mind if you bring a board game! They are all about play!

Next, cruise up and down Cedros on your beach cruisers. They have great shops (Hopefully your bikes have baskets.) When you are finished meandering around, head back towards Zinc next to Lomas Sante Fe Drive and work your way towards the water. You should see Fletcher Cove Beach Park- a very clean beach with a basketball court, playground, and picnic tables. Across the street to the east is Naked Cafe. At this point you will either be ready for a nap on the beach or ready to refuel with some food!

Thoughtful Detail: Plan ahead for a picnic on the picnic tables (or on the beach with a blanket) at Fletcher Cove. Call ahead to Naked Cafe and preorder your lunch for take out! It's that easy!

BLOG:  We all know San Diego is great by car, boat, and plane... but did you know that it is top-notch by train? This first-class eco-friendly romantic day date or play idea is so balanced because it provides relaxation, exercise, gourmet food, and great views... oh, and did I forget shopping?!

Wheel Fun Rentals is my recommendation for bike rentals because it is so conveniently located near the train station, and they are flexible with pricing and returns. In the past, they have even been kind enough to put air in our own beach cruisers for free!

Ok, Ok... I know most people think sticky seats and nightly stabbings when they think public transit- BUT HOLD YOUR HORSES! When we were first forced to ride the Coaster from downtown to Solana Beach (we were headed to the Del Mar Races), we went into shipment-shock!  Much like the double decker trains in Europe, the Coaster is clean, comfortable, and rider-friendly. There are no sketchy hustlers or screetching haults. It's a joy ride my friend. And once you get to Del Mar the ocean views will have you saying, "I choo-choo-choose public transportation!" Your bikes even ride in style. Tickets are about $12 round trip.

Brand new to the area is Claire's on Cedros! This Eco-Friendly restaurant has a cool design and great food... it fits into the neighborhood like a sustainable super-star! It's only one block away from the beginning of the Cedros shopping strip.

When we first walked into Zinc for a cup of coffee we were surprised to find everything we've ever loved about a Saturday morning: A sweet married couple on the patio petting their dog, a local man leaning on the fence enjoying a latte and the newspaper, and, inside, a friendly game of scrabble in the corner of the cafe. My oh my! This place was the perfect beginning to my day in Mayberry. Zinc is a cozy little cottage with great coffee and breakfast treats.

And speaking of Mayberry, no street is more perfect than Cedros Avenue! Its sparkling clean streets boast the best boutiques, art studios, and furniture shops in San Diego. People who shop here clearly have personality because these stores are about as far away as you can get from the big bad corporate types.

Naked Cafe is by far the best strip joint in town! And by "strip joint" I mean healthy little hideaway cafe... family appropriate. The fresh food options at this cafe are great both on the enclosed patio or ordered to-go for a picnic by the park across the street. We really think this is the best place to eat during the day because we prefer healthier options. If you are looking for something a bit more heavy, Pizza Port is where all the locals go for handcrafted beer and pizzas. Pizza Port is your best bet for people watching!

Fletcher Cove Beach Park is a quick bike ride from the train station. It has basketball courts, a playground, picnic tables, and it's located right next to the lifeguard station (great for the views and for safety.) It's clean and crime free. You can also walk down to the sand and hang out at the beach.  Perfect for a sunny day of play!

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