Solana Beach, Life in the Sun, Sand California

Vacation Tip: Belly Up Tavern

SOLANA BEACH, CALIF. — Prince Harry had as great a time visiting Solana Beach and the local Belly Up tavern several years ago. He was shown in those sleazy British tabloids (and US rag mags, as well,) dancing, drinking tequila and hugging a beautiful blonde during a break in military training. Locals tell a different story, saying he was with a very well behaved group of guys and also was mellow and nice, fitting in with his flannel shirt, jeans and ball cap.

What's not to fit into in Solana Beach? The north San Diego beach town with a name that means "sun" is a small slice of paradise, and a taste of the Big Easy. Kind of a mix between a surf community, artist colony with Cedras Arts District, golf and sports mecca with Del Mar's racetrack nearby, retirement community, and suburb providing an easy commute to San Diego thanks to the local train stops, Solana Beach really has everything anyone could want. A lively arts & entertainment scene next to the beach offers enough to do that locals don't ever have to leave.

At Belly Up (bellyup.com),bands appear most nights of the week with plenty of tribute fare, original acts and well knowns. A Night With Taj Mahal, Walter Trout (winner of dozens of top blues artist awards,) and many sell-out acts such as Hugh Laurie attract visitors to tiny Solana Beach with its modest population of less than 13,000 and 3.6 square miles of land.

If you're looking for a sunny vacation that's big on easy, you can do San Diego remotely, taking trips into town on the Coaster or other trains that stop at Solana Beach station. Life can be so sweet, on the sunny side of the street!

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