Cedros Entrance

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Cedros Design District, located in sunny Solana Beach and just a block from the Amtrak/Coaster train station, is a great place to visit, walk around, shop, and nosh. From the name of the place, 'design district' you might think that this is only a place for designers and architects. Not so!

Amtrak Train

Cedros Design District is a very walkable few blocks of stores that specialize in interior design, antiques, furniture, antiques, sculpture, wood working, arts and crafts made by local artisans, mosaic furniture, art galleries, a fabulous pet store, a nightclub, and a chic cafe. Cedros is fairly easy to navigate as the specialty stores are located along both sides of the street

Sidewalk

and plenty of free parking is spaced between the blocks.

To get you started on just some of the unique places you will find along Cedros, here is a list of some of our favorites to guide you on your journey:

• Zinc Café (132 S. Cedros) - This is the place to get your morning or afternoon started. Many locals gather at this charming outdoor/indoor café to perk up with some good coffee and a nice hot bowl of oatmeal or a healthy sandwich. The last time we were at Zinc, we heard the manager announce that they were out of oatmeal and that was at 10am, so you know that must be a signature bowl. Don't be surprised if a pooch is near your table since canines are welcome on the tree-filled patio.
• Mistral (146 S. Cedros) - Located just south of Zinc, pop into Mistral and smell the divine scents of French soaps, candles, body lotions and potions, etc. A number of French table linens and accessories are also available and feel free to ask if you don't see them. Most of the times we have visited, Mistral features a basket of goodies that are at a discounted price. This is a great opportunity for you to buy samples for yourself or for your guest bathroom.
• Muttropolis (227 S. Cedros) - If you have a dog or cat or know someone who does, check out the amazing variety of toys, food, furniture, and gadgets that will be sure to appeal to all the canines and felines in your life. This shop has been popular since the day it opened - once you walk in, you will know why.
• Cut & Dried Hardwood (241 S. Cedros) - Ever wonder where wood workers get their wood? Well, this shop/warehouse is one of those places. Many a wood worker has gone here to stock up on supplies, kibbutz with other wood workers, and have the opportunity to get just the kind of wood they have been looking for. If you are not a wood worker, Cut & Dried Hardwood also has a display of the various kinds of wood floor options if you are in the market for real wood floors.
• Leaping Lotus (240 S. Cedros) - On the opposite side of Cut & Dried Hardwood, behold the beautiful glass entrance of Leaping Lotus. Once inside, take your time browsing through the many collections of arts and crafts, beauty products, furniture, and kitsch collectibles. We encourage you to take your time because Leaping Lotus has two levels of shopping. You can easily spend an hour there and not realize it!
• Belly Up Tavern (143 S. Cedros) - You might decide that instead of shopping all day, you would prefer to do a little shopping in the late afternoon and then come hang out at the Belly Up. That sounds like a great plan.
  

  The Belly Up Tavern is actually located in the same Quonset hut it began in the early 1970s. If you notice, the Amtrak Solana Station's design appears to mimic that Quonset look.

  Solana Station

  Because of San Diego's military and defense contractor past, a number of Quonset buildings can still be found all over the County.
  

  Concerts are practically held every day of the week at the Belly Up. Tickets can usually be bought at the door but if you know you are going to a concert that will attract a lot of folks, we recommend that you buy the tickets in advance. The Belly Up does a good job of advertising its gigs in the weekly Reader and the City Beat.
  

  So, what can you expect? It is a large hall with a curved ceiling (it's a Quonset, remember), a long bar, and some cabaret setting located on either side of the stage. Please be aware that most concert goers usually stand and/or dance during the concerts. If you are not able to stand for long periods of time or don't want to, then be sure to ask when you get tickets.
  

  If you prefer to eat before the concert, you can dine at their adjacent restaurant, the Wild Note Cafe which offers bistro fare. The Wild Note Cafe also offers lunch.