Del Mar is a coastal community in San Diego, California, the name is Spanish for “on/by the sea”. Historic Highway 101 passes through Del Mar along the coast. The city is known for its beaches, racetrack and expansive fairgrounds. The racetrack and beaches earned Del Mar its nickname of surf n’ turf. Time Magazine ranked the Del Mar beaches #4 in the 100 greatest Beaches in the World. During Hollywood’s heyday Del Mar was a popular destination for the stars and was a particular favorite of Bing Crosby. Del Mar has about 2,081 households, a population of approximately 4,500, predominantly white collar workers, and predominantly Caucasian. Two of the Del Mar religious institutes are the Living Water Lutheran Church and the Saint Peters Del Mar Church. Being a popular vacation destination you can find hotels along the Del Mar coast, like the Hilton San Diego Del Mar; this historic Hotel Indigo Del Mar and L’Auberge Del Mar.
Recreation, Culture and Entertainment
The free-Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary features state-of-the-art facilities for many bird species. Family’s can enjoy the Pelly’s Mini Golf course at the Del Mar Golf Center where you can also take lessons. You can enjoy art at the Del Mar Art Center where there are exhibitions, lectures, poetry readings and demonstrations by visiting artists. The Erik Skoldburg Gallery features contemporary art by this local artist. In summer you can attend the Twilight Concert Series at Powerhouse Park where there are live music performances. The Powerhouse Park Community Center offers art and culture activities throughout the year. The Del Mar Plaza deck is the venue for live entertainment overlooking the sea. There are two public tennis courts in Del Mar. Del Mar has a number of great spas most of which are located within hotels.
Outdoor Activities
The top attraction of Del Mar is the beach. Visit Dog Beach, Del Mar Beach, North Del Mar City Beach and South Del Mar City Beach. There are a myriad of beach activities like scuba diving, surfing, swimming, volleyball and even whale watching which can be done from Seagrove Park or anywhere along the Del Mar cliffs. Golfers can visit the Grand Golf Club at the Grand Del Mar Hotel. Get out and about in the 4,000 acres of Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve where there are historic adobes, hike trails and cycle paths. Adventurous people can try hand gliding or hot air ballooning above Del Mar with Torrey Pines Gliderport. Powerhouse Park and Seagrove Park offer outdoor play areas. You can go horse riding at Del Mar Mesa Ranch or Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. If shopping is your idea of an outdoor activity then head for Del Mar Plaza for high-end retail therapy. The village of Del Mar is home to a variety of boutiques and quaint restaurants.
Restaurants and Cafes
Technically not located within Del Mar the Grand Del Mar Hotel is where you’ll find Southern California’s only 5 star and 5 diamond restaurant, Addison. Kitchen 1540 is another classy restaurant in the L’Auberge Del Mar, here they use vegetables from their own hydroponic garden. The Marriott Del Mar has the Arterra restaurant and the Brigantine Del Mar serves seafood in a restaurant with sea views. Trip Advisor names Market restaurant and Bar; Jake’s Del Mar and Sbicca as Del Mar’s top eateries. Bistro C at Del Mar Inn serves Californian cuisine in casual surroundings. For fresh produce visit the Saturday farmers market.
Festivals and Special Events
Every summer the Del Mar Horse Races are held at the Del Mar Racetrack by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Del Mar is home to the Del Mar Fairgrounds which host numerous events throughout the year. The San Diego County Fair in June and July is one of the largest and oldest fairs in the country. October welcomes the Del Mar Taste & Art Stroll when there is a free art walk, live music, craft areas for kids, a pet parade and special deals in restaurants. The weekly Del Mar Artisan Market is held alongside the Farmers Market.
