...the Cedros Design District. Art galleries, furniture stores, design boutiques, great restaurants line for five blocks and create a magical and fun environment.
We especially enjoy SoLo, a huge space in a refurbished warehouse that showcases various designers and artists such as Eames, Knoll, mid-century modern and vintage American furniture, British Kaki, Dos Dueños pewter, semiprecious jewelry, fine designer stationery and modern hand-blown glass work.
Aside from furniture and design, the 3rd Thursday of every month features live music and exhibits. There's also a yummy Farmers Market here every Sunday from 2pm - 5pm.
Just over an hour south of Los Angeles, the pretty little beach town of Solana Beach is worth the drive. And don't forget to head over to Encinitas (just 10 minutes away) to check out Grounded and Gardenology.
Check and support more great stores that have been featured on Apartment Therapy:
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Tom Black Espadrille
Comments (5)
Hooray! I've been waiting for somebody to blog about this....I live in Carlsbad and make regular visit to Cedros. Love it!
always a favorite, lots of great shops on this block. Fantastic wood/hardware store too.
Also, there is a great clothing shop mixed in with the furniture treasures:
Cut Loose, at 143 S. Cedros
Great natural fabric, cotton and linen, comfortable but stylish clothes that are actually affordable! Nice quality, too.
How funny, I was just in that area for the first time yesterday, even though I've lived in San Diego for ages. Awesome little street with all sorts of great stores like this one. Oh, but FYI- its Solana Beach, no Solano :)
I live in Solana Beach, and haunt Cedros Ave. quite regularly.
You should also check out a new little shop called "Interior to the Exterior". It's only been on the street about a month and the owners are so nice and knowledgeable.
Solo is my favorite stopping place, and I have purchased so many beautiful, decorative things there. The also have an awesome collection of books on architecture, design and food!