Solana Beach (solana meaning "sunny" in Spanish), is located in North San Diego County, between Del Mar and Cardiff by the Sea. It takes about 30 minutes to get here from San Diego. More of a residential beach, Solana Beach is not crowded and is a great family friendly destination. The beach lies below the bluffs and slopes graced with over 6000 homes of this community that lies west of Coastal Route 101. Along Route 101, you will find art, craft and antique galleries, surf shops, restaurants and hotels. Fletcher Cove is one of the most popular beaches in the city, offers public parking, and is a good place to access the entire coastline of Solana Beach. Other places to access the beach are along Sierra Avenue or Pacific Avenue between Ocean Avenue and Solana Vista Drive. The beaches are well-supervised with life guard stations and there is a one-mile long shallow stretch for wading. There is a two mile paved trail east of Route 101 that is safe place to walk or bike. If you like nature trails and hiking, adjacent and east of Solana Beach lies 100 acre San Dieguito Park, north lies the San Elijo Lagoon and Nature Reserve, and south lies the San Dieguito River Regional Park and Lagoon.