San Diego and North County Area Information
Welcome to San Diego, California's second largest city. Bordered by Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, Camp Pendleton and the Anza-Borrego Desert and the Laguna Mountains, San Diego has 4200 square miles offering numerous options of living and working in "America's Finest City".
With a growing and varied economy, San Diego offers opportunity for all those who seek it. Industries such as banking, bio-tech, wireless telecommunications, education, tourism, construction and defense keep San Diego's economy thriving.
Real estate has continued to increase in value throughout San Diego for a variety of reasons. In addition to the gorgeous weather, and great economy, San Diego's natural borders of Mexico, the Pacific and Camp Pendleton have created a very favorable landscape for real estate appreciation. In San Diego, unlike many other 'boom' real estate markets, you can only build in one direction-east. That helps San Diego homes retain their value and continue to appreciate.
Encinitas
Solana Beach
Rancho Santa Fe
Carlsbad
Del Mar
Bordered by Solana Beach and Carlsbad, Encinitas is located along six miles of Pacific coastline in northern San Diego County. Encinitas has an approximate population of 60,000 and is characterized by coastal beaches, cliffs, flat-topped coastal areas, steep mesa bluffs and rolling hills. Encinitas was incorporated in 1986, drawing together the communities of New Encinitas, Old Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Olivenhain and Leucadia.
Downtown 101 is a coastal shopping district over 100 years old featuring historic architecture, quaint shops, sidewalk cafes, and restaurants framed by beautiful flower baskets. Sit in an outdoor café and enjoy the sea breezes, sunshine and the relaxed beach life.
The beaches in Encinitas are exceptional. There are many stretches of beach that lie between Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Leucadia. The surfing is unbeatable and many surf contests are held throughout the year in Encinitas. The Rob Machado Surf Classic is held every October at Cardiff State Beach. Popular for short boarders and long boarders alike, Encinitas beaches offer something for everyone.
The San Elijo Lagoon Reserve is the largest coastal wetland in San Diego County and is home to nearly 300 different bird species throughout the year. There are 7 miles of trails that wind through the lagoon for runners and hikers alike.
There is a significant flower growing industry in the City and many people claim that Encinitas is the Flower Growing Capital of Southern California. As Encinitas has developed, it has grown up around the pre-existing flower growers. Quail Botanical Gardens is a beautiful oasis to visit with an Amazon Rainforest and the largest display of bamboo in the world. The gardens of the Self Realization Center are beautiful and sit overlooking the ocean in a serene garden-like setting.
Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the new Encinitas Ranch Golf Course, a championship 18 hole par 72 course with panoramic ocean views. This public facility has five tees available and can be enjoyed by golfers of all abilities.
The natural beauty of Encinitas, along with temperatures between 40 and 85 degrees year-round make Encinitas a spectacular place to live.
Solana Beach, situated north of Del Mar and south of Cardiff by the Sea, is a mostly residential beach community offering sun splashed, family-friendly beaches and some of the best antique and art shopping in San Diego County. Like other beach communities in north San Diego County, the cultural heart and soul of Solana Beach is Coast Route 101. Along 101, you'll find an interesting mix of surf shops, restaurants, hotels, arts-and-crafts galleries and everyday grocery and drug stores.
The beach lies below the wind- and water-sculpted sandstone bluffs that run the length of Solana Beach west of 101. Fletcher Cove Beach Park, a small beach with public parking, restrooms, and seasonal lifeguards, dissects the bluffs. This cove was constructed years ago by cutting out a portion of the bluffs with hydraulic water hoses and steam shovels. A 2-mile, paved walking and bike path has recently been constructed on the east side of 101. This path offers a comfortable course, safe from traffic, with benches to sit on and enjoy the unique flavor of Solana Beach.
South Cedros Ave., south of Lomas Santa Fe and east of 101, is a mecca for antique and decorating shops. Along with antiques you will find imported and local crafts and other items of art, perfect for home decorating with the local flavor of Southern California. Several outdoor cafes and restaurants complete the walking attractions of the Cedros Ave district.
Solana Beach is just minutes away from the Del Mar Thorougbred Club with live horse racing running late July through early September and various other year round events.
Rancho Santa Fe is an unincorporated area located in the North County of San Diego. The "Ranch" as it is fondly called is a California Historic Landmark and is known for its large lots, rural ambiance and celebrity residents.
The original land grant was made to Lebrado Silva in 1831. Juan Maria Osuna, the alcalde (Mayor) of San Diego took possession of the land in 1836. His family gradually sold off the land, owning only about 200 acres in 1906 when the Santa Fe Railway bought the land that made up the "San Dieguito Land Grant" in order to plant eucalyptus trees. The goal was to use the trees as railroad ties. However, the trees proved unacceptable for this use and residential development became the goal. The completion of the Lake Hodges dam in 1917 brought water to the area and construction of the village began in 1922.
Planning and respect for the environment have been hallmarks of the "Covenant" (as the original subdivision is called) from the beginning. Lillian Rice, a local architect, planned the subdivision, and her vision and meticulous design continue to guide it today. The winding roads were laid out to slow down drivers and ensure that they would enjoy the scenery. The Spanish Colonial Revival style of architecture was standard for all the public buildings--school, library, the Inn, the civic center--designed by Rice. She also designed a number of private residences in this style.
The civic center of Rancho Santa Fe survives today much as Rice planned it and is jealously guarded by residents from unnecessary changes. The minimum lot size established by the covenant--two and half acres--ensures that the homes in Rancho Santa Fe are private and highly desirable. The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe has hosted numerous celebrities and is a well-loved destination for Californians and other visitors who want to get away for a vacation.
The Rancho Santa Fe zip code is highly desirable and other communities have grown up around the "Ranch" over the years. Fairbanks Ranch, Hacienda Santa Fe, The Summit, Del Rayo, Morgan's Run and recently Rancho Cielo and the Crosby Estates surround the original covenant and share in its ambiance.
The Ranch is known for its horses--there are bridle paths throughout the ranch; its golf and tennis; and its proximity to some of the best beaches in Southern California. Some of the finest horse trainers in the country live here and the area was the site for the equestrian events during the 1984 Olympics. Polo is also a favorite pastime.
Carlsbad or "Village by the Sea," is 48 square miles of rolling hills with seven miles of scenic coastline enjoyed by residents and guests who come to play. Located 35 miles north of San Diego and 86 miles south of Los Angeles, Carlsbad is easily accessible from either city and well worth a drive up or down the coast to see. Old world charm co-exists with modern day pleasure in a city where the oldest building in town dates back to 1887 and the newest Legoland amusement park has been around just a few short years.
Carlsbad is named for the popular 19th century Karlsbad Spa in Europe. When sea captain, John Frazier, drilled a well and struck water in the 1880s, it appeared to have the same mineral properties as water in Karlsbad, Bohemia. Continuing a proud tradition for which the city was named, Carlsbad is home to two world class spa resorts: La Costa Resort & Spa and Four Seasons Resort, Aviara.
Carlsbad attracts guests from around the world and is also flower friendly as a premier growing region for poinsettias and ranunculus. Beginning in March and running for several months, flower lovers are abuzz at the arrival of spring which brings an endless sea of colors to local fields. People come from near and far and pay a small fee to get a glimpse of nature's perfect beauty. The bird of paradise got its start here and is the city's official flower.
Legoland theme park, Carlsbad flower fields, a downtown shopping village with a European flavor, a shopping mall and family oriented vacation beaches are a few of the things you can do and see when you visit. There is also surfing, jet skiing, parasailing and sky diving for additional thrills.
If golf is your bag, there's Aviara, an 18-hole public course, Rancho Carlsbad, a public 18-hole executive course and Encinitas Ranch, 18-hole public course. LaCosta Resort offers two 18-hole courses open to hotel guests and Shadowridge/ Vista features an 18-hole private course as does Vista Valley Country Club.
Del Mar offers a beautiful, 2.5 miles stretch of Sandy Beach. Excellent conditions for surfing, boogie boarding, swimming and just lounging in the sun. Dog lovers will enjoy bringing their dogs to the Del Mar dog beach to run free (limited time of year). Visitor's can enjoy a leisurely picnic at one of the two parks adjacent to the ocean or enjoy outdoor dining at any of the fabulous restaurants along the beach. The Powerhouse Community Center is a wonderful community asset for private and community events in Del Mar.
Del Mar remains one of the most beautiful destinations along the Western Coastline. The City is comprised of two square miles of coastal land and has a population around 4,500.
