The city of Del Mar, is 20 minutes north of Downtown. The Village of Del Mar dates back to the1880’s. The village is full of high end shops and restaurants. It is best known for the world famous Del Mar Race track. There are a couple of hotels that are legendary in the area. The Stratford Inn, and the L’ Auberge Del Mar. Another great hotel in the area is the Del Mar Motel On The Beach. Yes, on the beach, is is right on the Ocean.
Del Mar CA – Paradise by the Sea
Del Mar, California offers 2.5 miles of sandy beach along the Pacific Ocean and excellent conditions for water sports and beach activities. Del Mar is 15 miles north of the San Diego city limits, 5.7 miles south of Encinitas, and covers a land area of 1.7 square miles with an elevation of 120 feet above sea level. This coastal community is easily accessible from Interstate 5 and has a wide variety of custom homes.
Things to do in Del Mar
Things to Do in Del Mar
Del Mar is one of the most beautiful, romantic resort beach towns in the world, and this living guide provides a wealth of information, including hotels, romantic getaways, vacations, beach…
Popular Beach Activities in Del Mar
Del Mar Beaches and Parks Ranked #4 in Time Magazine’s “100 Greatest Beaches in the World,” Del Mar’s 15th Street Beach is quintessential small-town San Diego, California. The expansive Del…
Pet Friendly Del Mar
In San Diego, there are many dog parks, and two dog beaches. One is in Ocean Beach, the other in Del Mar. The one in Del Mar is off leash…
Best Del Mar Day Hikes
Best Hiking Trails in Del Mar Around Del Mar, you’ll find more than a pretty coastline. You’ll also discover sprawling lagoons and wetlands teeming with wildlife. All that natural beauty…
Insider Guide to Del Mar
Del Mar is a city best navigated in the mindset of a local. A coastal community located twenty minutes north of Downtown San Diego, Del Mar teems with restaurants, beaches,…
Del Mar Outdoor Recreation Ideas
Outdoor Activities in Del Mar In addition to dining and shopping fun, beautiful Del Mar offers an exciting range of activities for active folks looking for outdoor recreation by the…
Del Mar is the Spanish name for “by the sea.” Located along the ocean, this picturesque beach town is known for the Del Mar Racetrack, an American Thoroughbred horse racing track, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Each summer, the San Diego County Fair is hosted here. Residents enjoy these events along with sunny summers and milder winters.
Hollywood stars with an affinity for horse racing first brought the world’s attention to this charming seaside resort. In fact, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, famous throughout the world, is home to exciting horse races every year, during the months of July, August, and September.
Inland hotels offering affordable prices are within an easy distance to fun in the sun. Beachfront hotels offering luxury amenities are within a stone’s throw to the crystal blue waters. Balconies overlooking the beach, suites the size of townhomes, and luxurious spas pamper guests with accommodations fit for royalty. Click here for a wide selection of Del Mar hotels.
The Del Mar County Fair is one of the truly enjoyable highlights. Running from mid-June through July fourth, the fair offers endless fun for all. From concerts to exhibits to games to carnival rides, each year the Fair has a central theme displayed throughout the grounds. Nationally known singers, musicians, and entertainers head the list of entertainment.
Wine tasting tours are a must in the midst of nearby fantastic wineries. A historical village showcasing quaint buildings and winding streets that give it character and charm is another must-see for the history buff. Art galleries, designer boutiques, fashionable shops, gourmet restaurants, and fine dining establishments with an ocean view provide hours of pleasurable moments.
Lovingly sandwiched between the San Dieguito River to the north and the Torres State Park to the south, Del Mar has an amazing capacity for beauty and enjoyment. Attractions, great climate, and recreation by the sea are a perfect reason to visit Del Mar CA. You’ll never want to leave.
Stay in Del Mar, Play in San Diego
Visitors to San Diego will find that Del Mar, California is the ideal home base for exploring the beach and beyond. San Diego’s theme parks, museums, famed Gaslamp Quarter and Convention Center, and other attractions are just a short drive away from centrally-located Del Mar.
Here’s a quick look at what to do in Del Mar and Greater San Diego:
Day 1: Arrive in Del Mar via convenient freeway access from San Diego International Airport or neighboring Southern California locales; Del Mar is just 30 minutes north of the airport, 90 minutes south of Los Angeles, and 2 hours east of Palm Springs.
Check into your ocean-view hotel and take a stroll around Del Mar Village, the collection of shops, restaurants, and art galleries nestled along Del Mar’s “Main Street,” Camino Del Mar. Grab a snack at Hotel Indigo’s Oceanview Bar & Grill or make reservations for the ultimate culinary experience at L’Auberge Del Mar’s renowned Kitchen1540.
Day 2: Visit the famous Del Mar Racetrack or Fairgrounds, taking in a thrilling horse race, summer concert, or event – See Del Mar Events Calendar for the latest happenings.
Hankering for the great outdoors? Try a round of golf at the exclusive Torrey Pines Golf Course or spend the day exploring Balboa Park, where stunning gardens are interspersed with museums, performing arts venues, and historic sites – highlights include the San Diego Air & Space Museum, Art Institute, and Old Globe Theatre, which is a replica of Shakespeare’s renowned stage.
As the sun sets, hit the Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego for a taste of San Diego nightlife. This historic center has evolved into a thriving entertainment district, replete with bustling nightclubs, cocktail lounges, and music venues. Not your style? Head back to Del Mar for a glass of wine overlooking the moonlit ocean at the beachfront Jake’s Del Mar, followed by a walk along the beach under a starlit sky.
Day 3: After breakfast or brunch at one of Del Mar’s quaint cafes, get ready for adventure, San Diego-style. Love amusement parks? Spend the day at one of several famous San Diego theme parks, including SeaWorld, Legoland, San Diego Zoo, and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Prefer something a little out of the ordinary? How about hang-gliding or a hot air balloon ride? Check out these and other unique things to do in Del Mar.
Let’s not forget San Diego’s biggest attraction — its beaches. Del Mar boasts two miles of uninterrupted coastline with multiple access points for an easy day of sun, surf, and sea. So, if you’ve had your fill of exploring, grab a beach down and stroll down to the shore to participate in Southern California’s favorite pastime — relaxing on the beach.
Del Mar has some great surf, if you have a surfboard and want to try surfing, don’t forget your wetsuit. For most of the year the water in Southern California is very cold, but with the right websuit you will be toasty warm. Also, check with the lifeguard for information on rip currents. Del Mar has a great little park on the beach. Parking, is at a premium in the city.
Del Mar Attractions
Located in San Diego’s North County, Del Mar California offers the world-famous Del Mar Racetrack and San Diego County Fair. It’s also the perfect home base for a San Diego vacation without the expense and crowds of the big city. The kids can explore exciting close-by San Diego attractions like Sea World, Legoland, and the San Diego Zoo while parents can take in the peaceful scenic views and fine dining in Del Mar Village. Wherever you end up going you’ll never run out of things to do in Del Mar!
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Del Mar horse racing season takes place every summer from mid-July to Labor Day. The iconic Del Mar racetrack gates opened in 1937 and the momentum and excitement have kicked up every July since. Tickets and season info for the DelMar race track available at www.dmtc.com.
San Diego Del Mar Fair
The Del Mar Fair is huge every year. It goes on usually the last two weeks of June into the first week of July at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. You’ll find the Fair grounds adjacent to the Del Mar Racetrack, 20 miles north of downtown at 2260 Durante Blvd. Take the 5 to the Via De La Valle exit and go west to Jimmy Durante Boulevard and turn left. The grounds will be on the right.
Since 1880, Del Mar Fairgrounds hosts the world-famous San Diego Fair every summer starting in June. Learn more about the concerts, entertainment, attractions, exhibits, food, and fun at www.sdfair.com. The Del Mar Fair in San Diego is well-known for its world-class attractions and Del Mar is an easy 20-35 minute drive from all the top stops.
Unique Activities
Looking for things to do in Del Mar that’s a bit out of the ordinary? From hang gliding and hot air ballooning to exotic birds and canyon hikes, here are a few ideas to inspire your sense of adventure!
Torrey Pines Gliderport – located just 10 minutes from Del Mar – invites you to get airborne! Offering coastal paragliding, hang gliding, pilot school, flying lessons and much more, all in beautiful San Diego, CA.
Take a drive through Del Mar on Historic Highway 101 from laid-back Oceanside to luxurious La Jolla. Drive down the coast and enjoy the diverse and vibrant communities along the way that capture the true essence of a Southern California vacation.
Drift through the clouds in a hot air balloon ride while sipping champagne and enjoying panoramic Pacific views. Due to favorable wind conditions and unique geography, Del Mar is among the few places in the world where a balloon can fly both at sunrise and sunset.
The Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary is a state-of-the-art open house sanctuary for all species of exotic birds, open to the public seven days a week.
Take the family for a fun round at Pelly’s Mini Golf at the Del Mar Golf Center, which also offers junior golf lessons, group events and birthday parties.
Spanning over 4,000 acres, Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve’s natural beauty, rich natural resources and historical adobes make it a popular location for hiking and cycling. The protected preserve is also a great location for wildlife viewing, containing over 175 bird species, 500 plant varietals and rare reptiles, amphibians and mammals who reside within the canyon.
Homes for Sale in Del Mar, CA
An attractive assortment of upscale homes interspersed on hillsides tucked in between canyons give way to awe-inspiring panoramic views. Real estate in Del Mar is not cheap, but if you’re thinking of relocation, these Del Mar real estate agents will help you find the best home values in the area.
Quaint shops, fine dining, and outstanding schools are great benefits to homeowners in Del Mar. An abundance of ocean view properties is available as well as spacious homes complete with a private pool. Whether you’re searching for a three- to five-bedroom house, gated or luxury estate, Del Mar is a must-visit. Visit the majestic Torrey Pines State Beach, situated just south of Del Mar.