Score 86/100 · Order: Surf, swim, or relax at Fletcher Cove · Free
Solana Beach is the beach for people who want a calmer North County experience. Fletcher Cove is the main access point, with a small park, restrooms, and stairs down to the sand. The surf is good for intermediate surfers, and the beach is usually less crowded than Del Mar or Encinitas. The village of Solana Beach is a short walk away, with shops and restaurants for a post-beach meal. The scenery is pretty, with bluffs and a relaxed pace. It is the best beach for visitors who want to avoid the bigger crowds.