North County San Diego is marked by rolling hills, palm tree-lined streets, and a cliffy coastline. North County stands in stark contrast to downtown's skyline and busy streets. It offers visitors a balance between laid-back beach culture, classic California cuisine, and 30 miles of pristine, cliff-lined coastline. North County San Diego starts just North of La Jolla and contains a blend of residential and quaint metropolitan areas. North County is the epitome of Southern California culture. We've got everything from world-class surf to Michelin Star restaurants, the best breakfast burritos this side of the border, and your favorite Oceanside hotel, the Green Room. Continue reading below for The Green Room Guide to North County San Diego.

North County San Diego Travel Guide

Del Mar

Just 20 miles north of downtown San Diego, Del Mar offers visitors and locals a dose of small-town coastal charm. The town's main attractions are Del Mar Beach and the area's many shops and restaurants. The main beach in Del Mar, California, is called Del Mar City Beach. It stretches from the mouth of the San Dieguito River to the south end near Powerhouse Park. If you're looking for great views, hit the Del Mar Canyon Preserve coastal trails or head south to hike in Torrey Pines. Surfers will find reliable waves at 15th Street, where a sliver of reef breaks up the miles of beach break. For foodies, MARKET Restaurant + Bar shines brightest as Del Mar's go-to fine dining establishment, offering locally sourced ingredients in a fusion of Asian and European Dishes.

Encinitas

Encinitas is a North County coastal town dotted with reliable waves, gorgeous coastal homes, and cozy cafes and eateries that'll make you want to slow down and stay awhile. If you loop in the Leucadia and Cardiff areas, Encinitas is saturated with surf breaks, a combination of beach and reef breaks that produce fun waves most of the year. From Seaside Reef and Swamis to peelers at Grandview and D Street. For seafood lovers, Encinitas's Fish 101 is an angler-owned eatery that serves fresh seasonal seafood. You can't go wrong with their fish tacos or poke.

Carlsbad

Carlsbad offers a mix of stunning beaches, sprawling golf courses, fun waves, and an upscale downtown in Carlsbad Village. Local e-bike and golf cart rental companies make getting around Carlsbad a breeze. Additionally, our South Oceanside hotel is just a stone's throw from downtown Carlsbad, giving Greenroom Hotel guests access to the best of both coastal communities. In terms of beaches and waves, we love Tamarack, Carlsbad State Beach, and the Ponto Jetties. When it comes to a night out, you can't beat a date night at Jeune et Jolie or its sister restaurant, Campfire, where French cuisine meets California ingredients.

Oceanside

While we may be biased, we think Oceanside is the most underrated destination in Southern California. We have it all: great waves, gorgeous beaches, award-winning restaurants, an iconic Pier and Harbor, and so much more. For us, a perfect day in Oceanside starts with a short bike ride to the beach with a surfboard under our arms. The Greenroom Hotel offers complimentary beach cruisers to help you explore our community. After a morning surf, we grab a hearty breakfast at one of our favorite spots, like the Plot or Ryes and Grind. After breakfast, we unwind at the Greenroom before heading out to paddleboard on the harbor. We'll start our night with dinner and drinks at Valle, an award-winning contemporary Mexican kitchen, before ending the night with live music and cold beer at The Pour House, just steps away from the Greenroom Hotel.

If you're ready to plan an unforgettable trip to North County San Diego, book your stay at the Greenroom Hotel. Our hotel gives guests access to the best of Oceanside and Carlsbad.