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Where the Turf Meets the Surf
Del Mar
Del Mar is the polished, postcard-perfect coastal village 20 miles north of downtown San Diego. Famous for the Del Mar Racetrack ('where the turf meets the surf'), bluff-top ocean views, and a downtown village built for slow mornings and fine dinners — it's where San Diegans go for an upscale day at the beach.
Getting There
Del Mar is 25 minutes north of downtown San Diego via I-5. The Coaster commuter train stops in Solana Beach (a 5-minute Uber from Del Mar). Parking in the village is moderate — try the Powerhouse Park lot or the lots near the racetrack on non-race days.
Best Time to Visit
July through September for race season — the social peak of the year. Spring and fall are quieter and beautiful for bluff walks. Avoid Opening Day if crowds aren't your thing.
What Makes Del Mar Special
Del Mar is small — just 1.6 square miles — but punches well above its weight. The downtown village along Camino Del Mar is walkable, full of boutiques and patio restaurants, and sits directly above the beach. Powerhouse Park, at the north end, has wide grass lawns and one of the best beach overlooks in the county.
Then there's the racetrack. Built in 1937 by a group that included Bing Crosby and Jimmy Durante, the Del Mar Racetrack is the social and economic heart of the town during summer racing season (mid-July through Labor Day). Race days bring big hats, mint juleps, and tens of thousands of visitors — but outside of racing season, Del Mar reverts to a quiet, refined coastal village.
Best Things to Do in Del Mar
Racing season at the Del Mar Racetrack (mid-July to Labor Day). Opening Day is one of San Diego's biggest social events — book hats and reservations months ahead.
Walk the Del Mar bluff trail from 15th Street north to Powerhouse Park. The cliff-edge views of the Pacific are some of the best on the California coast.
Beach day at Del Mar City Beach. Wide, flat sand, lifeguards, and a relatively gentle break.
Sunset cocktails at Jake's Del Mar — a beachfront classic since 1978 with bottomless ocean views from every table.
Dinner at Addison — the only Michelin three-star restaurant in San Diego, set in the Fairmont Grand Del Mar resort.
How to plan a day in Del Mar
The best way to experience this neighborhood is to leave room between stops. Start with july through september for race season — the social peak of the year. spring and fall are quieter and beautiful for bluff walks. avoid opening day if crowds aren't your thing, then keep the rest of the day close to the neighborhood's main streets rather than zigzagging across San Diego.
Start here
Addison: Three-Michelin-star tasting menu at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
Keep the day local
After exploring, make time for Jimmy O's. Classic neighborhood sports bar — a local institution.
Before you drive
Del Mar is 25 minutes north of downtown San Diego via I-5. The Coaster commuter train stops in Solana Beach (a 5-minute Uber from Del Mar). Parking in the village is moderate — try the Powerhouse Park lot or the lots near the racetrack on non-race days.
This guide includes 2 detailed neighborhood sections, plus local food, drink, stay, and timing notes. For an overnight visit, consider l'auberge del mar — boutique luxury in the heart of the village. and confirm current availability before booking.
Top Things to Do
Where to Eat
Addison
Three-Michelin-star tasting menu at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
Jake's Del Mar
Beachfront classic since 1978. Hula pie is mandatory.
Sbicca
Modern American with one of the best patios in the village.
Pacifica Del Mar
Coastal cuisine, sunset patio, locals' fine-dining favorite.
Americana Restaurant
All-day patio brunch on Camino Del Mar.
Where to Drink
Jimmy O's
Classic neighborhood sports bar — a local institution.
Viewpoint Brewing
Bluff-top brewery just south in Del Mar Heights.
Brigantine
Casual patio drinks across from the racetrack.
L'Auberge Del Mar — Bleu Bar
Resort cocktails with a Mediterranean garden vibe.
Where to Stay
- • L'Auberge Del Mar — boutique luxury in the heart of the village.
- • Fairmont Grand Del Mar — five-star Mediterranean resort with Addison on property.
- • Del Mar Motel on the Beach — old-school beachfront, the only hotel literally on Del Mar sand.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Del Mar racing season?+
The summer race meet runs mid-July through Labor Day, with a shorter fall meet in November. Opening Day in mid-July is one of San Diego's biggest social events.
Is Del Mar worth visiting?+
Yes — Del Mar is one of the most refined coastal villages in California, with a famous racetrack, beautiful bluff-top beaches, and Addison (San Diego's only three-Michelin-star restaurant).
How far is Del Mar from downtown San Diego?+
About 20 miles, or 25 minutes by car via I-5. The Coaster commuter train stops in Solana Beach, a 5-minute taxi ride from Del Mar village.
Everything in Del Mar
15 guides, 5 scored reviews and live conditions for this neighborhood, kept in sync with the rest of the site.
Events in the next three weeks
- Sat, Sep 19 · Sevendust x Theory of a Deadman - The Dead/Seven Tour w Return to Dust
- Sat, Sep 19 · Surfside Race Place
- Sat, Sep 19 · RV Shows USA
- Sun, Sep 20 · FNGRS CRSSD Soulwax
- Sun, Sep 20 · Surfside Race Place
Weather & live conditions
- Del Mar / 15th Street Cam — Del Mar beach break in front of the bluffs
Places we've reviewed in Del Mar
Attractions & museums
Ticketed attractions, museums and tours in or near this area.
Best of, ranked
Our scored rankings filtered down to this neighborhood.
Where to eat
Restaurant rankings and food guides for this neighborhood.
More local guides
Other pages that cover this neighborhood.
Where to stay in and near Del Mar
Rates and availability change daily, so we link the guide rather than quote a price. Each page compares walkable, short-drive and budget options with parking and resort fees called out.
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About this guide
Written and fact-checked by the Sandi Spots Editorial team — San Diego residents publishing under Sleep Coast LLC. Every place we recommend has been visited in person or verified against an official source, and no business can pay for inclusion or a higher ranking.