Beach & Breezes

Perched above the Pacific, this Solana Beach apartment offers the kind of ocean views that make it hard to leave the living room – or the terrace, where you can watch the sun drop into open water. The bedroom looks out to sea too, so mornings arrive gently. Down a private staircase, the beach is right there, while the gated community wraps you in zen landscaping, koi ponds, two swimming pools, and two spas. Highway 101's restaurants and cafes are just a short stroll away, and the Cedros Design District is less than a mile on foot.

Home truths:
* At full occupancy, one guest will sleep on a small single bed in the living area. This is best suited to a child.
* The only bathroom here is an en-suite off the bedroom – at full occupancy, privacy may be limited.
* You'll have access to the on-site swimming pools and tennis courts here. They're shared with the complex's other guests.
* There's no air conditioning here – the apartment is cooled by the ocean breeze instead. That works well on most days, but if you're visiting during a hot spell, it's worth bearing in mind.
* There are multiple staircases to navigate around the community and to reach the beach.
* Underground tandem parking is included, but the clearance is low – it's best suited to a smaller or standard-size vehicle.