San Diego is a city that embodies the appeal of Southern California. The sandy beaches, gourmet restaurants, and picturesque ocean views make San Diego one of the most desirable cities to live in the country. But while the downtown area and city limits are gorgeous, many suburbs outside of San Diego offer just as good of a Southern California lifestyle.
Let’s look at some of the picturesque cities and towns that are short drives away from San Diego and provide a great place to make a home.
Del Mar
Del Mar is a coastal city situated a quick 25-minute drive from San Diego. This small town is famed for its luxury homes and picturesque beaches. It is also one of the most eventful hubs in the area. This is because every year, events held at the San Diego Fairgrounds and Del Mar Racetrack, both located in the city, bring millions to this community.
While Del Mar has a small population of just over 4,300, it is a thriving community with so much to see and do. Excellent shops, restaurants, and galleries line this town, and its high safety ratings make it ideal for families.
Chula Vista
Chula Vista is a major city in its own right, a huge suburb home to roughly 270,000. Chula Vista is a 20-minute drive south of San Diego and is a thriving, scenic community. It offers numerous stunning natural sites that need to be seen to be believed.
Chula Vista has coastal landscapes and beaches, hiking trails that wind through canyons and mountains, and an excellent school system. It is a safe, beautiful city ideal for families.
Carlsbad
Carlsbad is a city that draws in international crowds every year, many of whom are heading to the famed Legoland California. However, there is much more to this city of 115,000, located 35 minutes north of San Diego.
Carlsbad has some of the best beaches in the state. It has excellent shopping districts and natural parks with wildlife and hiking. It also houses the Flower Fields, 50 acres of beautiful flowers.
Santee
Santee has a unique location, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the mountains of Cleveland National Forest. It is a quieter mid-sized suburb that is home to roughly 57,000 residents. It is a 25-minute drive northeast of San Diego.
Santee is a popular destination for outdoor recreation lovers. While it doesn’t have beaches, Santee has excellent mountain biking and hiking trails and is known as a haven for rock climbers. It has top-notch public parks as well.
Coronado
Coronado is a city on a peninsula along San Diego Bay directly across the water from the city, meaning it has unmatched San Diego skyline views. It is a brief 13-minute drive to the city. Coronado has a small population of around 25,000 but is a hugely popular tourist destination, so it feels much bigger.
Coronado has multiple scenic beaches that look out on San Diego, numerous well-known parks ideal for strolling around, and top-notch restaurants to enjoy.
Solana Beach
Solana Beach is a scenic beach town only 25 minutes north of San Diego. It is a peaceful, relaxed city home to around 13,000 residents. It is an affluent community with homes situated on coastal bluffs that look out on the water.
Naturally, Solana Beach has excellent sandy beaches with ideal surfing conditions. It is also famed for its restaurants, nightlife, and shopping at the Cedros Design District.
Oceanside
Oceanside is a coastal Southern California city with the classic look and feel one would expect from the region. This thriving metropolis has beaches, surf shops, and palm trees and is home to around 175,000 residents. It is a 40-minute drive north of San Diego.
Oceanside is a hub for surfers with wavy beaches and the famed California Surf Museum, which chronicles the sport’s history. It also has a thriving art scene with the Oceanside Museum of Art and numerous galleries and installations.
Encinitas
Encinitas is a suburb situated north of San Diego near Solana Beach and Carlsbad. This coastal city has it all, including top-notch dining and shopping, stunning nature, and numerous cultural attractions. Encinitas is home to around 62,000 and is about 30 minutes away by car from San Diego.
Encinitas has an eclectic downtown that houses many of the city’s top restaurants and boutique shops. It is also a must-see for surfers, with beautiful sandy beaches. Many homes in this affluent suburb offer jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean.
