The ritziest of San Diego’s seaside suburbs, with a Tudor aesthetic that somehow doesn’t feel out of place, Del Mar boasts good restaurants, unique galleries, high-end boutiques, and a horse-racing track, which is also the site of the annual county fair. Downtown Del Mar, sometimes called The Village, extends along Camino del Mar. At its hub, where 15th Street crosses Camino del Mar, the tastefully designed Del Mar Plaza shopping center has restaurants, boutiques, and upper-level terraces that look out to the sea.
At the beach end of 15th Street in Del Mar, Seagrove Park abuts the beach and overlooks the ocean. This little stretch of well-groomed beachfront lawn is a community hub and perfect for a picnic. One the most popular highlights in Del Mar Racetrack & Fairgrounds. Its lush gardens and pink, Mediterranean-style architecture are a visual delight. On your visit to this quaint seaside enclave, look skyward for the brightly colored hot-air balloons, which are a trademark of the skies above Del Mar. If you’re not afraid of heights, take a ride yourself.
Del Mar is an easy 30 minute drive from downtown San Diego. The fastest way to get here is to take Highway 163 to Interstate 5. For a more scenic route, wander up the old coast road, known as Camino del Mar, Pacific Coast Highway. and Old Highway 101. You can also get here from downtown San Diego by bus.
