Top Things To Do in Del Mar, California
Del Mar is a small, affluent, seaside town in San Diego County, California, and it’s the place to be in the summertime!
Del Mar has attractions that will appeal to a huge variety of locals and tourists alike. The city offers two miles of sandy beaches, including Del Mar City Beach and Del Mar North Beach, both of which are popular for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The area also offers numerous parks and outdoor spaces, such as the Del Mar Cliffs Preserve and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, where visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.
There is delicious food and an active night life. There are stores to shop from and games to play at the Fair Grounds. Perhaps most thrilling of all is Del Mar Racetrack, host of some of the country’s most prestigious Thoroughbred races.
Top Attractions in Del Mar
Del Mar Plaza
If you’re a socialite- successful or aspiring- Del Mar Plaza is where you will want to begin.
The event calendar is chock-full of gatherings at all hours of the day. The Monarch Ocean Pub provides live music weekly. Kim Kelly Fit provides fitness classes for all ability levels. Nearly every restaurant also features daily happy hour specials!
Del Mar Village Downtown
No matter what you’re looking for, you can likely find it in Del Mar Village. The shops downtown have luxury clothing boutiques, jewelers, and shops to please pampered pooches. There is even a farmer’s market, where certified farmers provide locals with the best in fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and more!
One of the most eclectic shops is St. Peter’s Thrift Shop. The shop relies on donations of gently used clothes, jewels, toys, books, and decor. Proceeds from the shop benefit several local charities, and those who live in the area are encouraged to volunteer to help the shop provide for the community!
Del Mar Fair Grounds
The Del Mar Fair Grounds provide the traditional experience of a state fair with some modern California twists! Children can enjoy rides during the day such as bumper boats, carousels, and a massive Ferris Wheel. Art from local artists- even those as young as elementary school- is on display. Kids have the opportunities to take part in hands-on activities such as agriculture and animal husbandry, woodcrafting, and creating chalk drawings!
At night, however, is when the Fair Grounds really come alive. During the summer, the Fair Grounds host many popular concerts. This year, featured acts include Boyz II Men, Stephen Marley, and Nelly. There are also several tribute acts, such as The Fab Four (a Beatles tribute) and I Am King (a Michael Jackson tribute).
Hot air ballooning is a popular activity in the San Diego County area, including in Del Mar. Seeing the beautiful coastal scenery and panoramic views from the basket of a hot air balloon is truly a unique experience.
Several companies offer hot air balloon rides in the area. Flights typically take place in the early morning hours around sunrise or in the late afternoon to early evening hours before sunset, as these times provide the most stable weather conditions.
A typical flight might take you over the beautiful landscapes of Del Mar, the nearby Torrey Pines State Reserve, and the greater San Diego area. On clear days, you might be able to see as far as downtown San Diego to the south or the mountains to the east.
Del Mar Cuisine
Market Restaurant + Bar
If you are looking for an upscale dining experience, the famous Market Restaurant & Bar has multi-course meal options that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the taste buds. This high-end restaurant is renowned for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes. They also have a great variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes!
Poseidon Restaurant
Located right on the beach, Poseidon offers great seafood options with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean.
Pamplemousse Grille
If you're in the mood for French-American cuisine, Pamplemousse Grille offers a wide variety of dishes made with organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Sbicca
This bistro offers American cuisine with a variety of dishes from seafood to steaks and has an extensive wine list. Plus the rooftop terrace with ocean views!
En Fuego Cantina & Grill
A favorite spot for Mexican cuisine lovers, En Fuego Cantina offers a variety of classic Mexican dishes.
Jake’s Del Mar
For waterfront dining, there is also Jake’s Del Mar. This restaurant specializes in delicious seafood, and gluten free dishes are available. The restaurant also donates a portion of all sales of the daily special to the San Diego Food Bank.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
For those who want to commune with nature, Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve is right along the coast as well. Here, visitors can hike alone or with guided groups. The trails are an excellent place to engage in both vigorous exercise and cleansing rest.The Reserve protects the wildlife native to Southern California, including migrating sea birds and the Torrey Pine for which it is named. Reserve restrictions bar pets, but people who wish to clear their minds will be able to observe several other animals in their natural habitats.
The trails in the Reserve can also reach the Torrey Pines State Beach, which allows for a mix of natural and man-made pleasures! Those who visit the park will find excellent swimming, paddleboarding, and surfing opportunities. Boats, kayaks, and anglers are also welcome!
Del Mar Beaches
The Del Mar Beaches lie along the edge of both the Pacific Ocean and the San Dieguito River, and there are several attractions available along this long coast.
River Mouth is also known as Dog Beach, and it is a popular spot for pups escorted by their people. Powerhouse and Seagrove provide picnic facilities for families.
Of course, there are beaches aplenty as well! Del Mar City Beach provides a great opportunity for visitors to surf, swim, or simply lay out in the sun.
Del Mar Racetrack
Last but certainly not least is the historic Del Mar Racetrack. This track, launched by superstar Bing Crosby in the 1930s, has played host to several memorable racing moments.
It was here that Seabiscuit ran a tough-as-nails match race against the classy Ligaroti. It was here that Best Pal became the first California-bred equine millionaire.
Most famously, Del Mar has hosted two editions of the Breeders’ Cup, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end championship series. In 2017, Good Magic broke his maiden in a dominating Breeders’ Cup Juvenile win, and Horse of the Year Gun Runner sealed his supremacy in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
In 2021, highlights included Loves Only You and Marche Lorraine taking home Japan’s first Breeders’ Cup honors, and Knicks Go capping off his own Horse of the Year campaign with a win in the Classic.
Del Mar’s 2023 summer meet begins on July 21st, so now it is is the perfect time to learn how to bet on horses.
