There are miles of sandy shores to choose from in San Diego, but these sunny strips are two of the best places to spend a day at the beach. Which will you choose—Solana Beach or Coronado Beach? Keep reading to find out which one is right for your getaway.   
Explore everything else San Diego has to offer before your next getaway. We created a comprehensive guide to all our favorite things to eat, drink, do, and see in the area. Request your complimentary San Diego Travel Guide today.   

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How to Choose Between Solana Beach or Coronado Beach 

Solana Beach 

Solana Beach mixes urban experiences with suburban beach town feels to offer guests a unique getaway. Visitors truly get the best of both worlds. Located in North County San Diego, these beaches feature rugged cliffs and dramatic bluffs with intense surf and a series of intriguing caves waiting to be explored. 

Beaches

Fletcher Cove Beach is ideal for families and groups. A grassy park above the beach and easily accessible restroom facilities, you’ll discover a convenient space to swim, surf, picnic, and enjoy plenty of fun in the sun.  
Tide Beach is another favorite for its soft sand and fascinating tide pools. Hit the beach at low tide and be amazed at the wide variety of brightly colored sea creatures you’ll find.     

Nearby 

The Cedros Design District is within walking distance to both beaches and is an attraction of its own. Commonly called “The Avenue of Everything,” there’s always something to do. From antique furniture stores and quaint boutiques to European cafes and upscale art galleries, the hours pass quickly when you indulge in the culture here. Plus, you won’t want to miss the live music at Belly Up, which locals will tell you is the best music venue in San Diego.   

Coronado Beach 

Take a drive over the Coronado Bridge to discover a relaxing, upscale beach town with a great emphasis on being outdoors. Coronado offers it all if you enjoy biking, golfing, sailing, surfing, roller-skating, or playing tennis. Because Coronado is an island, it’s often seen as a separate entity from the rest of San Diego and the urban lifestyle. Instead, you’ll find extravagant beachfront homes peppering the shoreline and slow-paced afternoons.   

Beaches

Coronado beaches are long and vast, not disrupted by jetting bluffs like in Solana. Instead, you’ll find postcard-esque scenery with sandy beaches that quite literally sparkle in the sun. Coronado is regularly voted one of America’s best beaches and for a good reason! The beauty you’ll find here is astounding and always worth the trip over the bridge.   
Perhaps the most popular stretch of coast on the island is Coronado Central Beach, which runs parallel with Ocean Boulevard and features grandiose homes and the iconic Hotel del Coronado. Here you’ll find fellow beachgoers sunbathing, swimming, and exploring tide pools at low tide. There’s also a dog-friendly beach slightly north.   

Nearby

Orange Avenue is the center of Coronado’s restaurant and shopping scene, as well as its thriving art scene. Easily accessible from Central Beach, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of delicious cafes award-winning restaurants for every meal of the day. 

Book Your Stay with Monarch Luxury Villas 

If you still need to be swayed one way or another, contact our concierge services team for more details. We’re prepared to assist you every step of the way during your planning process. Whether you require transportation from the airport, grocery delivery, childcare, or scheduled reservations, our team of professionals will be at your service. Make this getaway truly spectacular with Monarch Luxury Villas. We invite you to check our luxury rental homes‘ availability and book your next stay with us today.   

Planning a vacation can be stressful you never know what you’re going to forget and how it’s going to affect your trip! If you want to make sure you think of everything for your upcoming getaway to California, you’ve landed on the right blog. Here, we’ll tell you three things you need to think about prior to your San Diego trip and take the burden of planning off of your shoulders. So, are you ready to get started? Let’s go!
To discover the best things to do in San Diego once you get here, download our free Travel Guide! This exclusive planning tool features all our top recommendations for local restaurants, events, shops, museums, outdoor activities, and more. 

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Answer These 3 Questions Before Going on Your San Diego Trip

How Will I Get There?

There are several ways to get to San Diego from the destination you’re coming from. The first is planning a fun road trip. This is a great option if you’re traveling with friends and want to start vacation with an adventure. If you’re short on time and want to get to San Diego more quickly, then flying is your best option. That being said, you will need to rent a car when you land, and the airport car rental center offers plenty of options for that. If you’re looking for a more luxurious option, you can take the shuttle downtown and head over to San Diego Prestige. This rental company specializes in luxury cars and yachts! 

 What Will I Do?

San Diego is a vibrant city with relaxing beach vibes. It’s a perfect destination for travelers looking to unwind while enjoying the pleasures of a Southern California way of life. Here are some of our favorite things to add to your travel wishlist:

Where Will I Stay?

One of the most important aspects of your San Diego vacation is where you decide to stay. Don’t neglect your standards simply because you’re away from home! At Monarch Luxury Villas, we offer the best properties in the area. From stylish downtown condos to lavish villas by the ocean, you will find exactly what you’re looking for. Enjoy a glass of Champagne by the pool, hire a private chef to cook you dinner, and sleep the night away in your luxurious bed!

Plan a Fabulous Stay with Monarch Luxury Villas

view on rue villaNow that you’re more secure in your travel plans, it’s time to make them a reality. Browse our beautiful selection of properties at and pick the one that fits your needs the most. Whether you are traveling with your better half on a romantic getaway or taking your family on a fun adventure, we have what you need! Relax in a splendid and luxurious home, minutes away from all the wonderful things to do in San Diego.
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La Jolla Underwater Park makes for a great daytime activity if you want to get out on the water and spice up your beach routine. The park offers educational exhibits and a chance to experience the fabulous underwater world of the Pacific Ocean. From kayaking to snorkeling to admiring the wildlife, you won’t get bored at La Jolla Underwater Park. Read on to discover how to make the most of your day there and start planning your visit today.
Learn more about San Diego’s top attractions in our exclusive and free Travel Guide. This planning tool is filled with some of our favorite local recommendations for restaurants, events, museums, shops, outdoor adventures, and more.

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How to Plan the Best Day at La Jolla Underwater Park

What Is La Jolla Underwater Park?

La Jolla Underwater Park is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego. It’s a dream come true for divers and outdoor enthusiasts. If you spent your childhood days dreaming you were a mermaid or discovering the lost city of Atlantis, you’ll love visiting La Jolla Underwater Park and exploring this marvelous and mysterious underworld. With more than 6,000 acres to snorkel, you’ll have enough to keep you occupied for days!

What Can You Do at the Park?

One of the main activities in the park is snorkeling. There are so many beautiful coves and underwater vistas to discover, including a 500-foot canyon, kelp forests, and a wide variety of wildlife like dolphins, leopard sharks (don’t worry, they’re not dangerous), and even baby gray whales depending on the time of the year! If you’re not sure about snorkeling, you can still enjoy the park from above the water. Bike along the coastline with some binoculars, or even go kayaking

How to Get to La Jolla Underwater Park

Now that you know what to expect from your day at La Jolla Underwater Park, it’s time to find out how to get there. Luckily for you, La Jolla Cove isn’t a big area, which makes it easy to navigate. Plus, it’s close to a lot of our villas so you can either drive or even take a scooter! If you take your car, note that parking can be quite tricky, especially in the summer months, so we highly recommend parking in the nearby parking garages to avoid any tickets. 

Find Your Dream Villa in La Jolla

view on rue villaDid you know that Monarch Luxury Villas offers a variety of luxury villas right in La Jolla? Browse our selection today and find the one that matches your vacation plans. Whether you are planning to visit with friends or your family, you’re sure to find a villa that will accommodate your party. If it’s a couple’s trip you’re planning, Charming Prospect II is ideal. You’ll love the modern decor and high-end amenities of La Jolla Village. Are you traveling with a larger group? View on Rue is for you. The luxurious amenities and breathtaking ocean views speak for themselves. 
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Have you started planning your next vacation but are unsure of where to stay? Choosing between a beach house and a mountain villa can be tricky after all, the vacation you’ll get at either location will be fantastic, but the experience will be different. In this blog, we’ll help you decide! Read on to discover what type of traveler you are and whether you should go for a mountain or a beach vacation.
Set on traveling to Southern California? Learn more about all the wonderful things the San Diego area has to offer in our exclusive, free Travel Guide. Access our favorite recommendations for local restaurants, events, shops, museums, outdoor activities, and more. 

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Mountain Vs. Beach Vacation: Which One Is for You?

 

Your Mountain Adventure

A mountain vacation is an exciting adventure for nature lovers. The Southwest is home to some of the most stunning outdoor areas in the country, including the magnificent Lake Tahoe. It’s the ideal choice for couples and families wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can reconnect with nature and with yourself, and marvel at the scenic beauty of the mountains. 
What to Do
Mountains are the perfect playground for hiking. Here, you’ll have the chance to soak up the scenery while getting some exercise. Did you know San Diego has a variety of fun hikes for you and your family? Iron Mountain Trail, for example, is a favorite among locals. If you’re in the Lake Tahoe area, we highly recommend the Cascade Falls Trail! Remember to bring a camera so you can capture the views of the lake. Are you more interested in the mountains of Park City, Utah? No problem. The rugged trails of the Rocky Mountains are perfect for sharpening your hiking skills and endurance. 
Where to Stay
Luckily for you, Monarch Luxury Villas offers mountain homes in both Lake Tahoe and Park City, Utah. Take a look at our Marla Bay Lake Lakefront Escape. This home provides spectacular views of the water and the perfect amount of space for your luxurious family mountain getaway. 


Your Beach Retreat

A beach retreat, on the other hand, offers an entirely different experience. This type of vacation is ideal for those who want to unwind in sunny weather, soak up the sun on golden beaches, and smell the salty ocean air from their private balconies. San Diego and its surrounding towns offer the beachy, California dream vacation you seek.  
What to Do
Relaxing at the beach is the primary goal of a beach vacation, and Southern California the perfect place to do it. San Diego, La Jolla, and Encinitas offer a wide variety of beaches to choose from. La Jolla Shores Beach, for example, is one of the most popular in the area, and for a good reason. You’ll love its family-friendly atmosphere and long stretches of white sand. It’s also a fabulous spot for water sports. Windasea Beach is another favorite of ours. This beach even features rocky coves along its shore where you can relax while enjoying more privacy. 
Where to Say
If you’re going to go on a beach vacation, you really ought to rent a home by the ocean. ake a look at our Dreamy Seascape Villa. You have never seen such incredible ocean views! You’ll love relaxing on the spacious deck and sipping on a cocktail while gazing at the famous Bird Rock.

Find the Perfect Home Away From Home With Monarch Luxury Villas

Monarch Luxury VillaNow that you have a better idea of what your next vacation will look like, it’s time to find your ideal home. Monarch Luxury Villas offers a wide range of properties in the mountains and along the beaches of Southern California. Experience the luxury and exclusivity of these high-end homes, and create memories with your loved ones that will last you a lifetime. 
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Each beach in San Diego offers its visitors something unique and special. Windansea Beach is no exception. You’ll find Windansea Beach in La Jolla, surrounded by palm trees and beautiful views. Head to this beach to find secret alcoves and some of the most competitive surf in California. 
There’s more to discover in San Diego. You won’t want to miss a thing. Access our complimentary San Diego Travel Guide to unlock the possibilities for your next vacation. 

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Kick Back and Relax by the Shore at Windansea Beach

Relax in the Sand

Windansea Beach is the best place in San Diego to take a stroll along the shore. This beach, in particular, tends to be less crowded than some of the others in La Jolla, which makes it perfect for casual visits and relaxing by the water. Pick up your favorite book, get comfortable, and soak up the San Diego sun. You might even spot some local surfers riding the waves. 

Indulge in Water Sports

Speaking of surfing, Windansea happens to offer some of the most intense and challenging surfing conditions in San Diego. The tide is strong, and the waves break hard into the rocky floor. It’s smart to be cautious when attempting to ride these waves. If you’re not an expert, you can have plenty of excitement by watching the seasoned locals try their hand.

Explore the Beach

Due to the rocky terrain and intense waves, visitors can find secluded alcoves along the beach that are perfect for the explorers at heart. Don’t hesitate to take a look around. You never know what books and crannies you might come across.

Check Out the Surf Shack

Don’t miss the recreated version of the old surf shack. Surfers built the original shack in 1946. A high tide destroyed it in 2015, but locals have since rebuilt the shack as a monument. This historical landmark is a symbol of the surf culture in La Jolla that dates back to the early 90s. Plus, it’s a great photo opportunity!

Stay to Watch the Sunset

There are many places in the area to catch a glimpse of a San Diego sunset, but Windansea Beach is at the top of that list. There’s something magnificent about watching the sun sink behind the Pacific Ocean. You won’t find better views than these. 

Stay With Monarch Luxury Villas

Sunset Villa III backyard with poolIf Windansea sounds like a dream, then there are plenty of places to stay in the area. When you stay with Monarch Luxury Villas, you are guaranteed the most personalized vacation experience around. We customize and plan every experience just for you that matches your interests and needs. 
Browse our portfolio of luxury villas to find the perfect fit for you. From private pools and hot tubs to helicopter rides and private surf lessons, Monarch Luxury Villas provides it all. After you book, our expert concierge team will be in touch to start planning a vacation unique to you. We look forward to hosting your stay. 
 

Exploring San Diego always involves beautiful views and great memories, but it’s even more special when you’re able to bring your four-legged friend along for the journey. Lucky for you, there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches in San Diego where your pup is free to roam and explore. Here are the best leash-free, dog-friendly beaches in the area. 
Planning personalized, exclusive experiences just for you is our specialty! Access our complimentary Travel Guide to discover the best parts of San Diego and help you dream big when planning your next vacation. 

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The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches In San Diego For Your Furry Friend

Ocean Beach Dog Beach 

W Point Loma Blvd. and Voltaire St., San Diego, CA 92107
You can find San Diego’s most popular dog beach on the northern end of Ocean Beach, north of the bike path. This beach, in particular, attracts more people due to its convenient proximity to downtown San Diego. The expansive area of flat sand provides plenty of room for your pup to run and even splash in the ocean. You can usually find an array of different breeds frolicking in the sand and enjoying a day in the sun. What better place to do that than at the beach? After all, pups like to cool off in the water too!
You’ll also find a large, well-marked parking lot for visitors with large pawprints painted on the concrete and a paw-shaped sign that reads “Dog Beach.”
Directions 

Fiesta Island Park

Fiesta Island Rd. and Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
Consider heading to Fiesta Island Park for a space that feels a bit more intimate than Ocean Beach. You’ll feel more like you’re hanging out on the shore of a lake rather than the Pacific Ocean. You’ll find a designated area to take your pup off the leash. Although there isn’t a designated parking lot, most visitors park directly on the beach. 
Local tip: Fiesta Island Park is a great place to watch a sunset!
Directions

Del Mar North Beach

3200 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014
You can find North Beach, Del Mar’s only dog-friendly beach, in the James Scripps Bluff Preserve south of Solana Beach. However, pets are still required to have a leash from June 16 through Labor Day. 
There are also beach volleyball courts, as well as a trailhead that leads to a stunning overlook above North Beach. You’ll find metered parking available nearby. 
Directions 

Coronado Dog Run Beach

Ocean Blvd. and Ocean Dr., Coronado, CA 92118
It’s no surprise that Coronado has a beach area specifically for your beloved pup. You’ll find a vast expanse of flat, white sand and an array of beachgoers lounging with towels and umbrellas. There is a park area, although it’s preferred that dogs only play on the beach. You’ll have plenty of room to enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather with your pooch by your side. 
Directions

Stay With Us at Monarch Luxury Villas 

Lux at La Jolla Shores deck and patio areaMonarch Luxury Villas has an impressive collection of San Diego’s most beautiful homes in each of these areas. Whether you stay in the relaxing beach town of Coronado or near the excitement of downtown San Diego, you’re sure to enjoy your time when you book with us. Imagine private pools, ocean views, personal chefs, and in-home spasーno dream is too big!. You’ve never experienced luxury like this. Our hand-selected homes are the perfect setting for every beach vacation. Which will you choose? Browse our portfolio of villas, and book your stay with us today. 
 

There are miles of coastline in La Jolla waiting to be explored. Each beach offers a different, unique experience for its visitors, and it takes some knowledge of the area to choose the right one for you. Here is your guide to the best beaches in La Jolla to help you navigate La Jolla like a local. 
There’s so much more to the area beyond its beautiful beaches. You’ll want to discover every inch of the city during your stay. We’ve compiled a complimentary Vacation Guide to inform you of the very best the San Diego area has to offer. Unlock the guide to discover hidden gems, award-winning restaurants, entertainment options, and more. 

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These Are the Best La Jolla Beaches to Visit

La Jolla Shores Beach

La Jolla Shores is one of the most popular beaches for visitors in the area. It can get crowded during the summer months, but the experience is well worth it. While many beaches in La Jolla tend to reside in small coves tucked between rocky bluffs, La Jolla Shores resembles a more conventional beach with long stretches of smooth, white sand. This mile-long beach offers a family-friendly environment. There are multiple sand volleyball courts and lots of opportunities for watersports like surfing, jet skiing, and paddle boarding. It’s also the only kayak launching spot in the area. If you walk behind the beach you’ll find a large playground for children, as well as Kellogg Park. Here, you’ll find excellent spots for a wonderful mid-day picnic. 

Children’s Pool

If you’re visiting the area, you have to witness the seals and sea lions that have become so well known in La Jolla. Children’s Pool has been home to these animals since the 1990s, and they now use the beach to raise their pups. You’ll find some animals lounging in the sand and curious young pups splashing in the waves. A concrete sea wall surrounds the small cove, topped by a paved walkway that extends farther than the shoreline. If you walk to the end, you might find a pup peeking its head out of the water to see you! The beach is usually closed December through May to protect the seals during their pupping season. Although, you can still catch a glimpse from behind the seawall. 

Shell Beach

Shell Beach has definitely earned its name. It’s a true hidden gem of La Jolla. The large bluffs on either side enclose the beach to create a secluded environment. While the beach is quite small and rocky, there’s plenty to see here. Dig around in the tide pools at low tide to discover some incredible shells, marine life, and sea glass. You’ll also be able to spot Seal Rock just offshore. The only access point is down a flight of concrete stairs beside an engraved sign that reads “Shell Beach.” Parking can be found along Coast Boulevard.

La Jolla Cove Beach

La Jolla Cove Beach is a true haven for snorkelers and divers. The San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve protects this cove due to the vast amount of marine life present here. The beach is quieter than others, and you might even see a stray sea lion venture up to the shore. 

Windansea Beach

Windansea Beach is best known for the incredible surfing found here. It’s generally less crowded than other beaches, so it’s also great for a relaxing walk by the ocean. The beach was once marked by a historic surf shack built by surfers in 1946 using palm leaves. A high tide destroyed the shack in 2015 but has since been rebuilt by locals. You won’t find a better place to watch surfers ride the waves while witnessing a famous La Jolla sunset. 

Stay with Monarch Luxury Villas 

Luxe at La Jolla Shores open air patio that looks out over the La Jolla shore When you book your stay with Monarch Luxury Villas, you’ll always experience the very best of San Diego. Allow us to show you what luxurious living feels like on the California coast. Our complimentary concierge service will be prepared to plan every detail of your trip. Whether you’re interested in scheduled lessons for a particular water sport, yacht tours, or hot air balloon rides over the city, we will craft a one-of-a-kind experience just for you. Few have achieved the level of personal service that we consistently provide. 
You might find yourself at home in the Luxe at La Jolla Shores vacation home. This contemporary villa offers three bedrooms to comfortably sleep up to six guests. You’ll also find a hot tub on a private patio that overlooks La Jolla Shores Beach. The Pacific Ocean will be just steps away from your back door. This beautiful property offers so many more amenities that will make your vacation unforgettable. Book your stay with us today.