Del Mar, California

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 15^th 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.

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.

Attractions for Couples

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 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

Where to Eat

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 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 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

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