Del Mar is a beach town in San Diego County and home to Del Mar Races and Sann Diego County Fair. The town is beautiful and has numerous luxury resorts, parks, beaches, and gourmet restaurants among other things.
Nestled between the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean and scenic coastal bluffs, Del Mar exudes a laid-back charm and natural beauty that captivates all who visit.
From lounging on sandy beaches and watching stunning sunsets to exploring charming village shops and indulging in delectable cuisine, there’s something to delight every traveler’s senses.
Whether you’re interested in horse racing at the famous Del Mar Racetrack, enjoying outdoor activities like surfing and hiking, or simply embracing the relaxed coastal vibe, Del Mar promises an unforgettable experience and a warm Southern California welcome.
You will have fun riding the waves, swimming, and basking in nature’s beauty in the city. Here is a list of the 23 best and most fun things to do in Del Mar.
Things To Do In Del Mar
1. Watch The Sunset At Sunset Seat
The sunset from this location is simply mesmerizing! Sunset Seat is one of the most picturesque locations to watch the sunset in California.
The sunset Seat is an old Torrey Pine carved into a lovely artistic bench where visitors can sit while watching the sunset and enjoying the surrounding views.
Make sure you come with your camera. Trust me you will want to capture every moment.
2. Spend A Day At Del Mar Beach
For a fun day out with friends or family, visit Del Mar Beach. The beach features over 2 miles of fine sandy beach ideal for walking, playing, sunbathing, and having a picnic.
Are you with kids? Have fun building sand castles and playing volleyball at the beach. You can enjoy a swim or surf the crystal blue waters.
3. Hike Crest Canyon Loop Trail
Canyon Loop Trail is a peaceful, quiet, easy 2.2-mile-long loop trail, and it’s the best place to hike the Crest Canyon. The trail is popular for hiking, trail running, and walking and it takes an average of 28 minutes to complete hiking this trail.
The Crest Canyon Loop Trail is open all year round so you can visit anytime. The trail also offers scenic views and dogs are welcome.
4. Explore Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve
Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve is a 2,000-acre wilderness island in the community of La Jolla in San Diego, California, and home to America’s rarest pine trees.
Go on an adventure and tour the wild, unspoiled, untamed, uniquely beautiful reserve.
This reserve is also rich in a variety of species of flora and fauna and it secures one of the last Southern California salt marshes and waterfowl refuges.
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5. Run Along Dog Beach With Your Pup
The famed Dog Beach in San Diego is the country’s first beach that allows dogs to run free off-leash and swim in the water.
The dog-friendly beach is the only place dogs run around off-leash on Del Beaches.
While your dogs play around and exercise their bodies, you can take a breather on sand bars near the river mouth and the reefs north of it.
6. See Horse Racing At Del Mar Race Track
Del Mar race track is a Del Mar thoroughbred horseracing track that hosts major meets situated in the beautiful beach town , just about 20 miles from San Diego.
With a capacity of over 44,000 spectators, it is one of the largest horse racing venues in all of America. The race track also features trackside dining and suites.
What’s more? racetrack hosts concerts on the Seaside stage and admission is free! Children also get to play games and enjoy rides for free.
7. Be One With Nature At Seagrove Park
Seagrove Park is a breathtaking grass park that offers an intimate ambiance tucked in between towering palm trees and encompassed by panoramic ocean views.
Situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific ocean, the park is always lush and green and just a few meters away from the Beach. You can visit and enjoy the cool and fresh breeze from the sea and enjoy the scenic views.
8. Shop At Del Mar Farmers Market
Del Mar Farmers Market is a small yet lively and bustling farmers market. At the market, you would find vendors displaying their fare including fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, and flowers.
Unlike other farmers’ market, Del Mar Farmers Market also features restaurants selling international cuisines and seafood.
it s a great place to shop and mingle with the locals. This way you will be able to learn more about the culture of Del Mar.
9. Shop Till You Drop At Del Mar Plaza
For a fun shopping experience, visit Del Mar Plaza.
This shopping complex is a high-end, dog-friendly shopping complex with specialty boutiques, gourmet restaurants, stares, and beauty salons.
Here you would find many of the celebrity brands you need. The plaza also provides spaces for hosting special events.
10. Experience Fine Dining At Coya Peruvian Secret
Downtown Del Mar, lies Coya Peruvian Secret, a restaurant offering sophisticated Peruvian cuisine in an idyllic vine-covered cottage with patio seating.
The gourmet restaurant boasts of serving dishes made only with the freshest locally sourced ingredients.
Their menu includes Ceviche Mixto with fresh jumbo shrimp, local fish, octopus, calamari, Peruvian scallops, New Zealand Green Lip Mussels, Aji de gallina, parmesan, aji, and a pulled chicken breast in aji sauce with walnuts.
If you haven’t tried out any Peruvian dish before, visit Coya Peruvian Secret for a thrill.
11. Escape to North Bluff Preserve
North Bluff Preserve is a park in San Diego County located close to Del Mar Beach that overlooks North Beach spreading over a wild stretch of land.
Ideal for walking and enjoying nature views, the park is a top coastal photography location so make sure to come along with your camera to take some nice photos.
12. Enjoy A Balloon Ride With Magical Adventure Balloon Rides
Magical Adventure Balloon Rides provides balloon tours for guests throughout the year. Watch the sunset, see the lush greenery, and tower above the elegant homes from the sky.
The company also offers special packages, including a sunset engagement or re-commitment flight, and a sunset private basket flight.
13. Visit Camino Del Mar
Most likely the most visited street in Del Mar, Camino Del Mar is a shopping and dining destination where locals and tourists are entertained every day.
Make sure to visit on an empty stomach to dine at any of the fine restaurants on the street.
14. Learn How To Surf At Del Mar Surf School
Del Mar has some amazing beaches and you do not want to miss out on any of the fun. Learn how to ride the waves at Del Mar Surf School.
You can enroll for private lessons, semi-private lessons, small group lessons, or group lessons. You get to have lessons on the use of a surfboard and wetsuit, real wave surfing, and whitewater practice.
15. Get Fresh Items From Solana Beach Farmers Market
Open from 12 pm to 4 pm, Solana Beach Farmers Market is an old market in Del Mar offering everything you need from fruits and vegetables to baked goods and potted herbs.
Here, you will also find orchids, eggs, seafood, international cuisine, cheese, bread, honey, kettle corn, and fruit juice.
16. Grab A Bite At Jimmie O’s
Jimmies O’s is a lively bar, restaurant, and nightclub in Del Mar. With patio seating, the facility offers great meals including Fish Tacos and Cajun fries, large screen TVs, a DJ dance club, and a karaoke stand.
Visit with your friends for a fun night out.
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17. Visit Fletcher Cove
This is an expansive coastal park that features a unique viewing deck, picnic tables, wide-open grassy spaces, a kid’s play area, and a basketball court.
The park is an ideal place to host a picnic while enjoying the panoramic views of the ocean.
18. Feed The Birds At Free Flight
Free Flight is a fun hands-on bird sanctuary where exotic parrots interact with visitors. The sanctuary primarily focuses on re-socializing and re-homing parrots in need, while also sensitizing the public about the birds.
Here, you can walk among the birds, talk with them touch them and even feed them. The staff is very knowledgeable and will assist you in handling the birds and teach visitors about parrot care.
19. Hike The Coast to Crest Trail
Hikers will love the Coast to Crest Trail. The trail starts from the San Dieguito Lagoon and stretches to the San Dieguito River’s headwaters at Vulcan Mountain in Julian.
The views are spectacular and you can make the most of this fun place in Del Mar by unwinding on the beach at the end of the trail.
20. Dine At Poseidon on the Beach
The Poseidon on the Beach is a beautiful laid back restaurant in Del Mar. The restaurant blends the ambiance of the beach scene with a relaxed and informal dining atmosphere.
The restaurant has an impressive menu; whether you are coming around for bar food, lunch, brunch, dinner, dessert, or just to enjoy a local craft beer while absorbing a view of the famous Del Mar sunset, Poseidon On The Beach got you covered.
21. Experience San Diego County Fair
You should not miss the San Diego County Fair if you are visiting during the summer. Hosted at Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, the fair has attracted residents and tourists and has recorded attendance figures above a million annually.
San Diego County Fair features diverse performances on stage by different bands, the lineup for the Summer Concert Series, tributes, and other kinds of entertainment.
Enjoy the food and atmosphere and have fun on the Ferris wheel ride!
22. Golf At The Del Mar Golf Center
Where are my golfers at? The Del Mar Golf Center is a palm-fringed golf driving range that offers PGA tuition, putting, chipping greens, and a minigolf course.
Here, you can play a friendly game with your family, sign up for a lesson, and watch professionals score a hole-in-one.
The golf course is open every day of the week from 8 am to 9 pm, so make sure to check it out.
23. Dine at Jake’s Del Mar
Jake’s Del Mar is another great restaurant serving lunch, dinner, and bar menus in Del Mar.
Their breakfast menu includes Banana Stuffed French Toast, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, and Langostino Lobster Omelet.
You can also try out the Lobster & Shrimp Rajas Tacos or Mac & Cheese Stuffed Meatballs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I spend my day at Del Mar?
Some nice places you can spend your day in Del Mar;
Torrey Pines State Reserve.
Seagrove Park Del Mar.
Downtown Del Mar.
City Beach.
L’Auberge Del Mar.
What is Del Mar CA known for?
Del Mar is home to the renowned Del Mar Racetrack that host the hugely popular San Diego County Fair and many other special events throughout the year.
Does Del Mar CA have a downtown?
Works in downtown is a downtown in Del Mar CA.
What famous people live in Del Mar CA?
Some famous people that live in Del Ma CA are; professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, NFL quarterbacks Aaron Rogers and Drew Brees, and the lead singer of the band Journey, Steve Perry.
Can you drink alcohol on the beach in Del Mar?
Alcohol is not allowed on the beach, beach accesses, park lands, and public parking lots from 12:01 a.m.
What does the word Del Mar mean?
Del Mar is a spanish word for “of the sea” or “from the sea”.
Does Del Mar have outdoor seating?
Café del Mar and the Cabana are wonderful outdoor experiences.
Is Del Mar expensive?
Del Mar is an expensive community, and houses come at a hefty price.
What are the most popular things to do in Del Mar with kids?
Del Mar City Beach
Del Mar Dog Beach
Seagrove Park
Powerhouse Park
Free Flight
What are the top attractions to visit in Del Mar?
Del Mar Race Track
Del Mar City Beach
Del Mar Dog Beach
Seagrove Park
Powerhouse Park
Conclusion
For a quiet, breezy, fun, and exciting vacation, visit Del Mar. The city provides exquisite opportunities for you to enjoy breathtaking views of the sunset, listen to the sounds of chirping birds, host picnics under the warm sun, and more.
Del Mar has something special for everyone and promises to be nothing short of amazing.
Stary planning your trip to De Mar and use this checklist as a guide for the best and most fun things to do in Del Mar.
Safe Travels.
