Find the Best Things to Do in Del Mar
By Katie Dillon
San Diego Local Expert
About Del Mar
Photo courtesy of ewan and donabel
Home to the Del Mar Racetrack, “where the surf meets the turf,” this beach town springs to life during summer racing season as the rich and famous descend to place their bets. Year-round, the family-friendly beaches and Torrey Pines State Park provide visitors and residents with plenty of outdoor fun. Upscale shopping and fine dining keep residents and visitors entertained. Del Mar is located north of La Jolla and south of Solana Beach.
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See & Do
The beach here is flat, sandy and easily accessible. On the north end, Del Mar also boasts one of San Diego's dog beaches where Fido can run around with like-minded canines. Volleyball court posts are available for those with nets and volleyballs. Just be mindful that parking in the summer and during weekends can be a hassle.
Eat
Many of Del Mar's best restaurants have ocean views or ocean breezes, at best. There's no better place to watch the sunset than from Pacifica Del Mar or other restaurants located in Del Mar Plaza. Grab a glass of wine, some friends, and feel the stress melt away while enjoying California coastal, Italian, or your cuisine of choice--it can all be found in Del Mar.
Party
Del Mar's nightlife can vary from an upscale experience, largely catered to older, single residents or a casual place for beach goers to enjoy the sunset. Flavor Del Mar, located in Del Mar Plaza, is a nice mix where guests dine on locally-sourced, California cuisine while watching the sunset over the ocean. There's also a late-night happy hour and DJ on Friday evenings until closing time.
Stay
A private, landscaped walkway to the beach, ocean breezes and a renowned spa are just a handful of the offerings L'Auberge Del Mar is known for. This perfectly located, upscale hotel is within walking distance to the boutiques on Camino Del Mar as well as some of Del Mar's finest restaurants.
Shop
Boutiques line Camino Del Mar, the main street running through this upscale downtown area. Start at Del Mar plaza where shoppers will find everything from men's shirts at Gary's Studio, high-end women's boutiques, a grocery store, to equestrian wear. Then, casually wander down Camino Del Mar to see the rest of the stores, from resale to cigars. It's not a long walk, so flip flips will do.
