Solana Beach is buzzing with new energy

The biggest energy shift in North Country right now — it’s underway in Solana Beach. From the north end of Cedros to the buzz along Coast Highway, the new arrivals are cropping up in every corner with explore-now allure. Here, we present the legendary tastemakers and breakout stars collectively cementing its destination status for a new era of design lovers. Plus: A vivid culinary scene takes shape with — count ‘em — three new concepts underway. We test the waters so you can jump right in. 

Just say yes. With vintage cred and design bonafides, Yes Yes Collective is the potent new design HQ of Cedros Avenue. All hail: Industrial chic royalty, Jennifer Price, who decamped SoLo for prime real estate here. The experienced scavenger showcases prestigious found objects alongside the striking black-and-white photography of her late father Jim Price. Yes Yes Collective is the concept of co-founders Jenifer Zoutendyk (formerly of the Antique Warehouse) and artist Cara Golden. The vendor mix-mastery — clothing, art, beloved vinyl — is a study in distinction. “You can’t say ‘Yes Yes’ without smiling — because discovery, inspiration, and joy are at the heart of what we do,” says Golden. 

Tile can be the “it” factor in any interior. And Devon Wilson is the definitive source when it comes to elevating the design element from mundane to magnificent. Her chic new showroom on Cedros Avenue (across from the train station) features a curated selection of tile, stone, and slabs from all over the world. The most talked about: her own debut line. “It’s soft and organic with a pillowed edge,” says Wilson, her outfit matching the airy showroom. The design school grad worked at European Bath before launching her own business five years ago. Today, she’s amassed a top-tier portfolio of projects in North County, the Desert, Montana, and beyond. Her indoor-outdoor showroom is both a laboratory and high-designed hangout. 

Cool moms love Natalie Borton. The hoop earrings. The “Sol Crafted” oversized totes. The chocolate suede Natalie Belt with gilded hardware. Oh, and the refined Tom Cruise sunnies? They are classified under Borton’s “outfit completers.” “All the designs are born from the desire in my own life to have this effortless, elevated, everyday style without overthinking it,” says the influencer from her eponymous new flagship on Coast Highway. The breezy shop serves as an office, a slow-fashion showroom, and community centerpiece where events are planned for new drops (Thatch, Yearly Co, Abby Alley), and holiday parties like Mother’s Day, naturally. In stock: leather bags, monogrammed rings, ceramics, and gifts for the minimalist you love. 

Cross the threshold of Anne Sneed’s HQ, and it’s clear you are in legitimate design territory. Clean, light, and open, Sneed united two warehouse spaces on North Cedros to create a singular vision that evolves the showroom concept. “I was longing for something authentic,” says Sneed. “Our clients love coming here and looking at bright, fresh things.” On this day, that includes bespoke dining chairs, a Jim Gibson light fixture, local art, and a patina planter sourced from the Paris flea market. Working at the peak of her power, Sneed’s space reflects a collaborative approach where clients are introduced to new and classic vendors. “We want them to step out of their comfort zones.” 

There’s just something so wonderfully kooky about the helter-skelter process in which Yael Gmach arranges art. Whether it’s family heirlooms or blue chip contemporary art, the result is Gesamtkunstwerk — a creative process where different art forms are combined to create a single cohesive whole. “I get to speak art,” says Yael, a whirling dervish with single-name celebrity. “It is not a static business.” Since 2008, the frame shop has tripled in size, taking over three spaces on North Cedros with Yael as the ringleader for community events, gallery openings, and rousing arty parties. From barely-there minimalist frames to loud-and-proud polka dots, she’s malleable in the milieu. “It’s been about the frame for 1,000 years,” she says. 

The ratio is shifting. Once upon a time, Encinitas had all the restaurants and Solana Beach had all the shopping. In March, Rustic Root tipped the scales when it debuted a buzzy indoor-outdoor eatery on Coast Highway. The corner spot was designed by Davis Ink and architect Arch5 Design Studio with sustainable cred — constructed with wood sourced from The Hotel Del’s renovation. Next up on Coast Highway? There’s the forthcoming Lana, a coastal concept from the hospitality vet who opened Herringbone, The Marine Room, and Waypoint Public. Mia’s, meanwhile, is a Baja-Med vision taking shape in the old Alce with the Bluewater Grill owners reconfiguring the space for open-air conviviality. Over on Cedros Avenue, restaurateur Mario Guerra brings us Bodega by Valentina, a version of the popular Leucadia eatery. “Bodega by Valentina is our sibling concept,” says GM Todd Henderson. “It has the same genetics, but is very much grown up.”