Solana Beach enjoys a sunny and fortunate location along the beach in the North San Diego County.  The name actually means "sunny" in Spanish.  There is evidence that the area's earliest settlers were California Indians who thrived on the area's abundant sunshine, seafood and wildlife in around 9000 BC.

The Spanish traveled through the area on their way to Monterey in 1769. Their trek north is still commemorated by the El Camino Real which runs through the eastern edge of the town.  The area was part of the Rancho San Dieguito granted to Juan Maria Osuna in 1840.

Solana Beach, like many of the beach communities in North County San Diego, has several different business districts.  Along Highway 101 there are shopping centers, restaurants and small shops that serve both residents and the visitors who flock to the beach.  This area is bounded on the east by the railroad tracks that run along the coast to Los Angeles and San Diego. 

Solana Beach is currently working on landscaping this strip as part of the Coastal Rail Trail. Eventually the  trail will stretch from Oceanside to San Diego along the tracks. This multi-use pathway will include paths for running, biking and walking as well as benches and other amenities. Improvements along this strip will also help the businesses located in this area. A new public art sculpture by Betsy Schulz will be displayed at the Solana Beach entrance to the trail.