Looking for sun, surf, and seaside sophistication? Head to Del Mar, California! Nestled along the San Diego coastline, Del Mar is known for its luxurious charm, sandy beaches, and famed racetrack. With scenic views, gourmet dining, and year-round sunshine, it’s a perfect escape for beachgoers, foodies, and coastal adventurers.
Del Mar, CA Highlights:
- For Horse Racing Fans: Visit the Del Mar Racetrack – Watch thrilling live races from July to September and November through December.
- For Beach Lovers: Relax on Del Mar City Beach – A family-friendly stretch of coastline perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnics.
- For Hikers: Explore the Torrey Pines State Reserve – Hike scenic trails along coastal cliffs with sweeping ocean views and unique flora.
- For Shoppers: Stroll Del Mar Plaza – An upscale open-air mall with ocean views, boutiques, and cafes.
- For Sunset Seekers: Watch the sunset from Seagrove Park – This grassy oceanfront park is ideal for romantic moments or family picnics.
Best Time to Visit Del Mar, CA
The best time to visit Del Mar is from March to November for beach weather, outdoor dining, and seasonal events. Summer is peak season for racing and festivals, while spring and fall offer warm weather with fewer crowds. Winters are mild and quiet, ideal for a peaceful retreat.
How to Get to Del Mar, CA
- By Car: Del Mar is located just off I-5, about 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego and 1.5–2 hours south of Los Angeles.
- By Train: Take the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner to nearby Solana Beach Station, then use a local shuttle or rideshare to reach Del Mar (5–10 min).
- By Air: Fly into San Diego International Airport (SAN), which is about 25–30 minutes from Del Mar by car.
Where to Stay in Del Mar, CA
- Recommended for Families: Hilton San Diego/Del Mar – Family-friendly hotel near the racetrack with a pool and on-site dining.
- For Couples: L’Auberge Del Mar – A luxurious seaside resort offering spa treatments, ocean views, and romantic ambiance.
- For a Boutique Stay: Les Artistes Inn – An artistic, cozy hideaway with uniquely themed rooms near the beach and downtown.
Best Things to Do in Del Mar, CA
⮕ Del Mar Beaches
Relax on golden sand and enjoy a romantic sunset by the ocean.
© Courtesy of michaelpeak - Fotolia.com
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
Hike coastal bluffs and admire exciting views on a spring outdoor trip.
© Courtesy of siajames - Fotolia.com
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
Watch thrilling races and enjoy an exciting weekend with live entertainment.
© 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
Unwind in seaside luxury and savor a romantic couples getaway.
© 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
Where to Eat
⮕ Del Mar Farmers Market
Browse fresh produce and enjoy an affordable, local food experience.
© Courtesy of bergamont - Fotolia.com
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
Savor bold flavors and discover an unusual culinary gem on a fun trip.
© 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
Stay near the beach and enjoy an easy, relaxing coastal escape.
© 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
Grab casual bites and enjoy lively nightlife on an exciting weekend outing.
© 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
If you are interested in local events:
- For Racing Enthusiasts: Del Mar Horse Racing Season (July–September & Nov–Dec) – A summer tradition since 1937, featuring racing and concerts.
- For Foodies: Del Mar Village Taste & Art Stroll (October) – A fall celebration with tastings from local restaurants and galleries.
- For Holiday Fun: Holiday of Lights at the Racetrack (December) – Drive through festive light displays at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–90 Minutes of Del Mar, CA:
- For Culture: Balboa Park & San Diego Zoo (30–35 min) – Museums, gardens, and the world-renowned zoo in the heart of San Diego.
- For Coastal Charm: La Jolla (20–25 min) – Explore tide pools, boutiques, sea lions, and upscale restaurants by the shore.
- For Beach Lovers: Carlsbad (25–30 min) – Relax on quiet beaches or explore LEGOLAND California with the family.
- For Wine and Scenery: Temecula Valley Wine Country (75–90 min) – Sample award-winning wines in picturesque rolling vineyards.
- For Surf & Sun: Encinitas (10–15 min) – A laid-back surfer town with coffee shops, bookstores, and Swami’s Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is Del Mar known for?
- Del Mar is a laid-back beach town on the Pacific coast, famous for its beautiful beaches, world-known racetrack, wonderful weather, and upscale living.
- What can you do in Del Mar?
- 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.
Plan Your Trip