Del Mar is a laid back beach town on the Pacific coast about 20 minutes from San Diego. Called “the place where surf meets turf," Del Mar is famous for its beautiful beaches, world-known racetrack, wonderful weather, and upscale living. Del Mar is a place where you can spend the day on the beach doing nothing or fill it with non-stop action.
Del Mar is 25 minutes (20.3 miles via I-5 N) from San Diego.
Del Mar Beaches
There are about two plus miles of fine sandy beaches in Del Mar, making it perfect for sunbathing, walking, or having a picnic. Del Mar City Beach is the most popular, and its northern part between the River Mouth and 15th street is considered the best in the entire San Diego area, with moderate surf and great swimming.
Bluffs line the southern side of the beach, and there are several trails leading down to the beach. Across from the racetrack is a popular dog-friendly beach, naturally called Dog Beach. It is located where San Dieguito River empties into the sea, creating a broad expanse of sand perfect for volleyball. It is not the best for swimming because of strong currents and shallow sandbars. However, it is protected from the wind and is great for making sand castles.
Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve
Hiking through Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve , you can imagine how California looked before humans shaped it to their liking: wild, spectacularly beautiful, rich in plant and animal species, unspoiled, and untamed. Torrey Pines reserve is a 1,750-acre reserve located on the rough cliffs above Torrey Pines State Beach that was established to preserve the Torrey Pine tree and other native plants and animals in their natural environment.
There are about 3,000 of America's rarest pine trees- Pinus torreyana- in the reserve. This tree does not grow anywhere else except in the reserve and on Santa Rosa Island near Santa Barbara. The reserve also protects one of the last Southern California salt marshes and waterfowl refuges. About eight miles of challenging hiking trails will take you through this magnificent coastal wilderness of pine trees and sandstone canyons where every turn offers another spectacular view of the ocean.
Del Mar Race Track
Del Mar Race Track, where the "turf meets the surf" is aDel Mar Thoroughbred Club horse racing track located in the lovely beach town of Del Mar, about 20 miles from San Diego. It is one of the biggesthorseracing venues in the States, with the capacity of 44,000 spectators.
The racing season is between July and September, and the races have become major social events in the country ever since the venue opened its doors in 1937. The racetrack also hosts concerts on the Seaside Stage, and tickets are free with admission to the racetrack.Kids under 17 enjoy free rides, games, and activities while their parents are having fun at the racetrack.
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA, Phone: 858-755-1141
L'Auberge Del Mar
L'Auberge Del Mar is a high-end resort overlooking Del Mar Beach and the Pacific Ocean in the charming village Del Mar, across the street from outdoor shopping mall at Del Mar Plaza. The resort is surrounded by five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. The rooms are bright and elegant with colorful tropical décor. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, marble bathrooms and free wifi. Some rooms have balconies, patios and/or beach views. Suites also have living rooms, pull-out sofas and fireplaces. Guests enjoy two restaurants, a lounge with live music and an outdoor bar by the pool. There's also a spa, a free beach gear, an area shuttle and access to a fitness center and tennis courts.
1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014, Phone: 858-259-1515, L'Auberge Del Mar Video
Del Mar Farmers Market
The Del Mar Farmers Market is a small but robust farmer's market located at the south end of Del Mar Village. The DMFM offers most of the traditional farmer's market fare you would expect, including honey, fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
Unlike many other markets, however, this one is known for its international cuisine, meats, and seafood; seafood in particular is not something often found at a farmer's market. The cheeses and antipasti offerings are also noteworthy. Visitors to the San Diego area might enjoy stopping at the DMFM to buy some goodies for a picnic basket and heading down to the beach for a tasty lunch with a view.
1050 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014
Coya Peruvian Secret
Coya Peruvian Secret is a charming family owned open-air Peruvian restaurant located in the heart of Del Mar's European-style downtown. It is famous for its traditional ceviche and wonderful, warm atmosphere. Literally on the street, the restaurant's tables are surrounded by a profusion of blooming bougainvillea and tasteful Peruvian traditional textiles.
The aesthetics are simple and unassuming, letting the food shine. If you have never tasted Peruvian food, Coya Peruvian Secret is going to open your eyes. Start with Ceviche Mixto with fresh local fish, jumbo shrimp, octopus, Peruvian scallops, calamari, and New Zealand Green Lip mussels. For the main course, try Aji de gallina, a pulled chicken breast in aji sauce with walnuts, parmesan, and aji.
If you still have any space left, go for Quatros leches with strawberries and merengue. It is impossible not to fall in love with Peruvian food once you taste it prepared in just the right way, like in Coya Peruvian Secret. If you are lucky, there will be a guitar player strumming in the corner.
1140 Camino Del Mar, CA 92014, Phone: 858-792-0821
Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar
Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar is a relaxed Del Mar hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean, only a mile from Torrey Pines State Beach, four miles from Torrey Pines Golf Course and ten miles from the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego. Hotel rooms and suites are cozy and pleasant and are equipped with mini-fridges, coffeemakers, microwaves, desks, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Upgraded rooms have balconies with ocean views, whirlpool tubs, kitchenettes and fireplaces. Guests enjoy complimentary underground parking, a seafood restaurant and bar, two outdoor pools, a European-style day spa, a business center, a fitness room and a snack shop.
710 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014, Phone: 858-755-1501
Jimmie O's
After a day of activities in Del Mar, Jimmie O's is a great place to grab a local craft beer and perhaps a bite to eat. With patio seating and customer acclaimed food, Jimmie O's is in walking distance from the shops of Del Mar, the dog beach, Power House Park, the San Diego Fairgrounds, and the Thoroughbred Club, as well as most hotels in Del Mar.
The Fish Tacos and Cajun fries come highly recommended. Jimmie O's offers not only big screen TVs for catching sporting events, but also karaoke, a DJ, and a dance club.
225 15th Street, Del Mar, CA 92014, Phone: 858-350-3735
Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary
For an adventure that is both educational and enjoyable, visitors should consider a stop at the Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary's mission is to re-socialize and re-home parrots in need, while also educating the public about these beautiful and exotic birds. Visitors to the sanctuary walk among the birds and talk with them, as well as assisting with feeding them.
Staff members are available to help with handling those birds who like to be handled and to educate visitors about parrot care. While enjoyable for the human visitors, this daily routine helps the parrots become socialized and gives them a better chance to be re-homed, thus creating an advantageous situation for all.
2132 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014, Phone: 858-481-3148
Poseidon Restaurant Del Mar
The Poseidon Restaurant Del Mar embodies the Southern California lifestyle - laidback yet sophisticated. Executive Chef Mourad Jamal comes to the Poseidon by way of Morocco, Southern France, and Disney World, bringing with him a world of experiences and recipes. These are reflected in the restaurant's numerous menus.
Whether guests are there for lunch, brunch, dinner, dessert, bar food, or just to enjoy a local craft beer with a view of the famous Del Mar sunset, the available culinary options are impressive. Of particular note is the Mini-Taco menu available Mondays and Thursdays.
1670 Coast Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014, Phone: 858-755-9345
Jake's Del Mar
Another dining option of note in the Del Mar area is Jake's Del Mar. Part of a family of restaurants in the Southern California area, Jake's offers lunch, dinner, and bar menus but is most famous for its extensive Sunday brunch offerings.
The breakfast selection of brunch includes favorites such as Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Langostino Lobster Omelet, and Banana Stuffed French Toast. But the star is the Eggs Benedict with a choice of ten different toppings. Those looking for something more lunch oriented might wish to try the Mac & Cheese Stuffed Meatballs or Lobster & Shrimp Rajas Tacos.
1660 Coast Boulevard, Del Mar, CA 92014, Phone: 858-755-2002
Market Restaurant + Bar
In 2006, locally born and raised professional Chef Carl Schroeder opened his now award-winning Market Restaurant + Bar in Del Mar. With two creative and innovative professional chefs in the kitchen, this restaurant promises a culinary adventure that is sure to impress. The menu consists of a selection of seasonal dishes created from fresh, locally grown, hand-selected ingredients.
The menu does however change daily as the chefs find exciting new menu items that take advantage of the best produce, seafood, and meats available at any given time of the year. They offer a dinner, sushi, and tasting menu, meaning guests are sure to find something new and exciting for their Del Mar dining experience.
3702 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014, Phone: 858-523-0007
Pacifica Del Mar
What would a visit to Southern California be without some spectacular seafood? Pacifica Del Mar is an award-winning seafood restaurant featuring both coastal cuisine and stunning views. The restaurant's dramatic setting is the perfect canvas for the highly acclaimed cuisine. The Pacifica offers a lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menu, as well as a 2-course Sunset Dinner menu.
Starting at 6pm, this pre-fixed price menu includes offerings such as Sugar-Spiced Salmon with Chinese Long Beans, Mustard Sauce, and Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Cavatappi Pasta with Rock Shrimp, Artichokes, Spinach, and Arugula Pesto, and Mustard Catfish, Mustard Marinade, Green Onion Aioli and Yukon Potato-Corn Succotash.
1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014, Phone: 858-792-0476
Best Western Premier Hotel Del Mar
Located in a quiet a residential area along a main thoroughfare in Del Mar, California, Best Western Premier Hotel Del Mar has magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. It is only a mile from Torrey Pines State Beach and Crest Canyon Park hiking trails. The rooms are modern and comfortable, offering balconies with the view of the ocean or pool. All rooms have flat-screens, free Wi-Fi access, iPod docks, microwaves, mini-fridges and coffeemakers. Some rooms also have wet bars. Guests enjoy a large pool, a restaurant, a hot tub, a gym, laundry service and a small store. The hotel is less than two kilometers from the Del Mar Racetrack and Fairground..
720 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014, Phone: 858-755-9765
Hilton San Diego-Del Mar
Hilton San Diego-Del Mar is an upscale hotel across from Del Mar Racetrack, a short drive from the beach and less than four miles from Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The rooms are warm and elegant, with custom beds, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, a desk and free wifi. Suites have separate living areas; balconies, whirlpool tubs and wet bars. Club rooms have access to a lounge that provides free breakfast, drinks and appetizers. Guests enjoy free area shuttle, a restaurant with outdoor seating and fire pits, an outdoor pool, two hot tubs, a fitness center, a ballroom and large meeting space.
15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014, Phone: 858-792-5200
Seagrove Park
Located on an elevated bluff overlooking the 2-mile Del Mar Beach, the Seagrove Park is a popular meeting place for Del Mar locals and their visitors. The park offers sweeping views of the ocean and guests can settle in to relax on the large grassed area, surrounded by lush gardens.
There is plenty of space for children to run around and play ball games or Frisbee and there is also a children’s playground and restrooms. If you feel like taking a walk you can stroll along the perimeter walking path. Seagrove Park is a great place to enjoy a picnic on a pleasant summer day and leashed dogs are welcome.
Sea Grove Park, 15th Street and Coast Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
San Dieguito Country Park
You will find San Dieguito Country Park nestled just a short distance from the ocean, where it provides a fun outdoor recreation area much loved by Del Mar locals. People come here to get some exercise or walk their dogs along 5 miles of maintained hiking trails or to make use of all the other facilities which include 5 playgrounds, a baseball field, basketball court and picnic areas. There is also a fitness circuit on Activity Hill as well as various lookout points for great views out over the ocean. Children can have active fun on 2 TRACK trails (these are special hiking trails designed especially for kids).
San Dieguito Country Park, 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Del Mar, CA 92014
Cucina Enoteca Del Mar
Perfectly combining the flavors and aromas of Italy with wonderful Californian fresh produce and wines, the Cucina group of restaurants was the first to offer a retail wine shop inside their restaurant. All their food is fresh and seasonal, showcasing the best organic California produce and the exceptional wine list features more than 200 wines, mostly Italian and Californian. They even make their own charcuterie, sausages and fresh pasta on site. A typical dinner menu will include a good selection of appetizers including seasonal favorites like Tempura Stuffed Squash Blossoms and Grilled Octopus. There will always be a selection of home-made pastas, salads, pizza and delicious meat, fish and poultry entrees.
Cucina Enoteca Del Mar, Flower Hill Promenade, 2730 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014, 858 704 4500
