Del Mar Travel Guide
The Top 5 Can't-Miss Things to Do and See in Del Mar, California
Tiny but mighty, the slight stretch of beaches and coastal living that is Del Mar is making a name for itself in Southern California. Del Mar embraces the SoCal lifestyle to a tee, known for its beautiful beaches, competitive racetrack, exquisite dining, and some of the most spectacular, gorgeous sunsets on the planet. There is so much to explore and do in this little town just north of La Jolla and about a hundred miles south of Los Angeles. Many people drive down from the congested concrete jungle of LA to breathe in the fresh salt air and feel the salt water of the Pacific tides lap around their toes.
Del Mar, California, is a city located on the coast. Only 1.8 miles long, the town has become an exciting tourist destination with the racetrack, which features the Pacific Classic Stakes, one of the richest horse races in the country. The city is also home to some of the best golf in the country and hiking trails that allow for beautiful ocean views.
What are the top five things to do in Del Mar? Well, we are glad you asked. Let’s start your Pacific coast adventure with a few suggestions.
Catch Some Sun on the Beach
There are a variety of beaches to explore in this seaside oasis. Del Mar City Beach is the most popular. The beach is sandy, wide, and easily accessible near Powerhouse Park. It is a relaxing environment with plenty of room for sunbathing, strolling, or just walking your dog. The surf is not overly powerful and is an excellent place for family swimming.
South of the city is Torrey Pines Beach which has very nice amenities, like bathrooms, lifeguard towers, and plenty of beach space for either swimming or surfing. High cliffs border the beach. Be prepared to pay for parking. The beach is less crowded than other beaches to the north, but if you need a place for a hike and a few quiet moments contemplating life, this is a great beach to walk along.
If you need a beach to let your puppy lather up in the surf, try Dog Beach near the racetrack.
Watch the Horses Run
The Racetrack at Del Mar is one of the best places in the states to watch thoroughbred horses race for almost 800,000 dollars in prize money daily. The primary season is during the summer months (July to September). Even if you don’t feel like putting any money down, there are a variety of activities to suit young and old. The racetrack hosts the Pacific Classic Stakes on September 1, 2022, and awards over a $1 million first place purse.
Founded in the 1930s by Bing Crosby and other developers, the Del Mar was the racetrack where Seabiscuit sprinted his famous race against Ligaroti; winner takes all ($25,000 purse). It was the first race broadcast nationally by NBC radio and was run in front of 22,000 fans. The horses battled every inch of the way, but at the wire, Seabiscuit won by a nose. (This race was a couple of months before Seabiscuit defeated War Admiral).
The racetrack has an incredible history, has been remodeled inside and out, and offers tourists a chance to walk where celebrities lived and played in the sun.
Explore the Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday from May through September, the quaint Farmers Market opens with offerings of honey, fruits, veggies, and all kinds of interesting, tasty delectables. The non-profit market has a mission of introducing organic farmers and artisans to the public, offering them a public venue to showcase their small businesses while promoting healthy, sustainable living. Plan on wandering the outdoor market to find some beautiful gems, including Good Day Honey, to Jamtastic, to New leaf Farms, the number of vendors goes on and on. There is a crowd usually, but the trip is well worth rubbing elbows with the Del mar locals who love the simplicity of the market. Many beachgoers stop by the Farmers Market to load goodies before heading to spend the day at the surf.
Enjoy a Romantic Dinner With An Oceanview
No one can go wrong with a romantic seaside dinner, where the sunsets glow and light-up lovers' hearts. Many of the restaurants in Del mar are next to the ocean and offer beautiful vistas and exquisite cuisine.
Jake’s Del Mar - is a restaurant mentioned as one of the top 100 most scenic restaurants in the United States by Business Insider magazine and a top beachfront bar by San Diego reviewers. The restaurant has a casual decor, with a wooden beach vibe that serves unbelievable seafood with such a grand presentation that you will not want to dig in but just admire the colors of the food and how it is arranged before you. this is a great place to sample the best of the beach, serving everything from burgers and brews.
Pacifica Del Mar is another top-winning restaurant with several varieties of seafood and exceptional ocean views. The decor is more refined and elegant than Jakes Del Mar, and you will pay a bit more for the experience, but the restaurant is a great way to spend a romantic evening forgetting about everything but the beauty of your lover sitting across from you. Don’t forget to check the wine list that Wine Spectator has rated with an Award of Excellence.
Talk To a Parrot
One of the best family-friendly ways to spend time in Del Mar is to visit the Free Flight Bird Sanctuary. The large aviary is home to hundreds of species of exotic birds and parrots who need re-socialization and connection. Many parrots will interact with you when you walk through, and you can even adopt a bird to take home. This is a beautiful spot for little ones to have a unique experience, learning about these vibrant creatures, helping feed them, and spending a day making memories. There are always staff members on around to assist and educate. Check out admission prices on their website at freeflightbirds.org. We encourage you to donate or buy a T-shirt that can help support this critical mission.
The folks at Free Flight also have boarding services for pet birds of all types. From parrots to Macaws to Cockatoos, this facility can handle it.
What is the Best Place for a Wedding/Rehearsal Dinner?
There are several beautiful places to choose if you are looking for a place to host a wedding reception or an intimate rehearsal dinner. Consider L'Auberge Del Mar with its stunning ocean views. The venue offers two choices that can accommodate up to 200 guests, The beauty of the sun lingering over the water of the Pacific is the stuff of storybook fairy tales. Plan your next event here if you genuinely want to make a lifelong memory.
And what wedding would be complete without a limousine or charter bus to transport everyone to and from the event? Many families have found that the most efficient way to ensure that everyone arrives and safely makes it home is to consider renting transportation from the San Diego sedan and limo.
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