Just 18 miles north of downtown San Diego, lies one of the most beautiful, romantic beach communities in the world; Del Mar. While this little coastal gem may only be two square miles, it is filled with a rich culture and history, beautiful beaches and the world-renowned Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, “where the turf meets the surf.”
Founded in 1885 by Colonel Jacob Taylor, Del Mar was developed to be a vacation getaway, in part due to its perfect Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. It soon became an elegant retreat for many of the Hollywood stars of the silent film days, and continues to be a global destination point for visitors, vacationers, and residents alike.
Del Mar is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, and was even recognized by Time Magazine’s “100 Greatest Beaches in the World.” With three beaches, there is surely something to appease everyone’s taste buds. The northern half of Del Mar City beach, located from 15th Street to the River Mouth, is perfect for good swimming, catching a wave, or simply sunbathing in the luxurious rays of the sun. After a glorious day in the sun, pack a gourmet picnic and head up to the nearby Powerhouse Park or Seagrove Park to watch the breathtakingly beautiful sunset. For those with four-legged friends, Del Mar Dog Beach, located just across the racetrack, is a great gathering place for dogs to frolic on the beach and play in the waves.
It’s really the quintessential, laid- back, Southern California lifestyle that Del Mar offers that draws people in. There are abundant amounts of outdoor activities such as running on the bluff, surfing, cycling, or hiking nearby Torrey Pines Reserve. Community traditions, like Concerts at the Park in the summer, and the San Diego County Fair offer wholesome, family fun that really just adds to Del Mar’s quaint coastal charm.
Over the years, Del Mar has earned its reputation for being an equestrian-rich community. Every year more than 45,000 race fans attend Opening Day at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, where you can place big bets on fast horses, all while wearing your most fashionable hats! Del Mar is also home to the exquisite polo fields, and the 65 acre world-class equestrian facility, Del Mar Horsepark. There are many different stables and farms to suit riding styles from Western to Dressage.
Take a stroll through the beautiful, historic Del Mar Village, and enjoy the variety of unique shops, famous restaurants, and luxury beach style hotels that are sprinkled throughout the downtown. Visit the shops at Del Mar Plaza, where you will find three levels of fashion, accessories, and fine dining with a spectacular view of the ocean. Don’t forget to visit the Farmer’s Market on Saturday, where you can pick up fresh produce and sample some of the most delicious seafood Del Mar has to offer!
Everything about Del Mar, from its top-notch, award winning schools, to its world class beaches, contribute to making this quaint coastal community, a great place to not only vacation, but to live. The rich history of Del Mar gives you that small-town beach community feel, while still providing the excitement and awe of a bustling city, Del Mar is truly a wonderful place to visit or to live.
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