Welcome to Del Mar
A dreamy town of radiant coastal homes, unfettered splendor, and movie-star-level accommodations.
Tucked along the golden coast just south of Solana Beach, the sophisticated Del Mar is a beach town that emanates an old-world style of luxury. Atop scenic cliffs facing the sea, extravagant homes rest like jewels bedazzling the shores, surrounded by the incredibly rare Torrey Pine trees.
Del Mar was established in 1885, though it wasn’t incorporated until almost 100 years later in 1959. Its status as an iconic vacation destination and home for the affluent has been cemented from its earliest inception. Roughly translated to “by the sea,” Del Mar’s founders ensured that its name would be associated with dramatic, panoramic views, peaceful beaches, and abundant luxury.
It should come as no surprise that this city of such wealth and esteem would be loaded with multimillion-dollar stunners. The most prized homes rest at the city’s highest points and represent a great array of architectural styles. Contemporary, custom estates designed by world-famous architects to find harmony with nature; sweeping, coastal homes right on the sand; gracious abodes in quiet neighborhoods off the beach — the chance to live in Del Mar is the chance to wake up in paradise every day.
What to Love
- A mere 25 minutes from San Diego
- Prodigious educational opportunities, including some of the best schools in the state
- A tranquil lifestyle punctuated by strong values
Local Lifestyle
Del Mar weaves together the friendly threads of a charming small town with casual sophistication to create a unique combination of warmth and beauty. The landscape itself is a rich playground of opportunities, while the quaint historic village radiates with glitzy European flair.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
If there’s shopping involved in the day’s agenda, then you can be certain that most of your time will be spent at the open-air retail center, Del Mar Plaza. Dog-friendly and dripping with easy refinement, the Del Mar Plaza carries high-end boutiques and designer names perfect for those in search of something unique.
The plaza is also home to some of the top restaurants in North County, including Monarch Ocean Pub. A menu full of only the highest quality fare and libations is only part of the appeal at this adored pub — the restaurant’s staff works hard to cultivate an environment of connection.
Across from the lush beauty of Seagrove Park, the astonishing L’Auberge resort is lovingly known as the beating heart of the city and serves up remarkable fine dining at its on-site restaurants. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a chef-driven menu set Jake’s Del Mar apart from the crowds. This island-vibe eatery is best known for its signature Hula Pie, a scrumptious slice of macadamia nut ice cream set on a cookie crust and topped with chocolate.
Things to Do
When the locals aren’t out on the beach, they’re hitting up local events and celebrations. Del Mar’s fairgrounds serve as the setting for the annual San Diego County Fair, where over one a million attendees visit to enjoy the vendors, excellent festival eats, rides, live performances, and a whole summer’s worth of joy.
The Del Mar Race Track run by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is a distinctive facet of the city, known locally as, “where the surf meets the turf.” As Southern California’s premier thoroughbred racing facility, the track is often a lively source of entertainment.
For those in search of a day taking in the splendor of the area’s native landscape, the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve awaits. Over 1,500 acres of extravagant coastal beauty, untouched and unspoiled by any man-made developments and filled with diverse seaside chaparral, rare Torrey Pines, and a dazzling lagoon. A more kid-friendly environment thanks to its well-made playground, the Powerhouse Park is a big favorite among families ready to picnic on the verdant lawn and take in the ocean views.
Schools
Del Mar is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- The Bishop’s School, 9-12, the #1 ranked private Christian high school in the state of California
- Torrey Pines High School, 9-12, is one of the top 10 best public high schools in the state of California
