A Local’s Guide to the Best of the Best in Del Mar & San Diego’s Coastal Communities
By Ashley Tatum | Global Luxury Real Estate & Design | Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
✨ Relocating to the San Diego Coast? Here’s What Only a Local Knows
If you’ve ever dreamed of morning surf sessions, coffee by the bluffs, and sunset dinners steps from the ocean — welcome home.
San Diego’s coastal communities blend luxury, lifestyle, and local charm like nowhere else. As a born-and-raised San Diegan, I’ve spent my life exploring the hidden corners, neighborhood gems, and design details that make each area along our coastline unique.
Whether you’re relocating for work, lifestyle, or a change of pace, here’s your insider guide to the best of Del Mar, Solana Beach, La Jolla, and beyond — and why working with a true local makes all the difference.
🏖️ Del Mar: Classic Coastal Luxury
Del Mar is where laid-back living meets timeless sophistication. Think seaside dining at Jake’s, boutique shopping, morning walks along Dog Beach, and architectural masterpieces with panoramic ocean views.
💎 Local Tip: The best sunset isn’t from a restaurant — it’s from the benches above Seagrove Park with a glass of wine and a blanket.
🎨 Solana Beach: Creative, Coastal, and Connected
A community with soul and surf — Solana Beach is known for its vibrant art scene and Cedros Avenue Design District. From live music at Belly Up to ocean-view modern homes, it’s the perfect mix of creativity and coastal comfort.
💡 Insider Pick: Brunch at Claire’s on Cedros, then stroll the Sunday market for fresh flowers and home inspiration.
🐬 La Jolla: Grandeur Meets the Pacific
La Jolla is elegance defined — from estates in the Muirlands to oceanfront penthouses at Windansea. It’s where sophistication, natural beauty, and culture meet.
✨ Must-do: A golden hour dinner at George’s at the Cove and a stroll through La Jolla Village.
🌺 Encinitas & Cardiff: Laid-Back Coastal Cool
For those who crave community and surf-town soul, Encinitas and Cardiff-by-the-Sea deliver. Locals start their mornings at Lofty Coffee, surf at Swami’s, and end the day with Seaside Market’s famous “Cardiff Crack.”
☀️ Where locals unwind: Cardiff Reef at sunset — no filter required.
Why Local Expertise Matters
Relocating to San Diego isn’t just about buying a house — it’s about finding your place.
Each coastal neighborhood has its own rhythm, micro-climate, and lifestyle. From bluff-top restrictions to community nuances, a third-generation San Diegan knows how to guide you through it all.
When you work with me, you’re not just getting a REALTOR® — you’re gaining a local advocate who lives, works, and breathes the San Diego lifestyle every day.
🏡 Ready to Make the Move?
From Del Mar’s elegance to Solana Beach’s creative edge, your dream home — and your dream lifestyle — are waiting.
📩 Let’s talk about what home means to you. Reach out for your private relocation consultation and start your next chapter on the San Diego coast.
Ashley Tatum
Global Luxury Real Estate & Interior Design
Coldwell Banker | Del Mar, CA
🌐 AshleyTatumRealEstate.com
📸 @ashleytatumrealestate
✨ Born & Raised in San Diego | Local Expertise, Global Reach