Del Mar California Surf and Turf Day Trip
	By Matthew Martz

Del Mar California

A little further to the south is the 2,000-acre Torrey Pines State Reserve, one of the few places in the world where the Torrey pine tree, a rare and endangered species grows. This tree, also called the "Del Mar pine," a local icon growing 8 to 15 meters tall, is the rarest pine in the United States. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a day-use park only, with multiple trails that lead down to the beach below and intertwine through the wooded areas above. The reserve is a perfect place to combine a little exercise with the expansive views and balmy breezes of the Pacific. Still one more beach option is Dog Beach, just north of the village. It's one of the few beach areas in San Diego County where it's legal to let your dog run loose on the beach October through May. For visitors with children there is Seagrove Park and adjoining Powerhouse Park with an adjacent children's playground, affectionately referred to as the Tot Lot. Throughout the summer the there are free concerts in the park as well as several wine tasting and culinary festivals. Across from Seagrove Park is the historic downtown village that dates back to 1880s. Nested amid its 60 shops and 25 restaurants, is the landmark Del Mar Library. The building has served as a famous church for both movie stars and residents, a restaurant and other uses over the decade. It is now is host to a variety of memorabilia and treasures from Del Mar's rich history, and is available or public viewing Tuesday through Sunday. If the village shops aren’t enough, than the Del Mar Plaza located on Camino del Mar is sure to satisfy even the most hardcore shopper. With its European-inspired architecture, the Plaza provides a unique collection of stores, galleries, and high-end boutiques. Three levels each opening to ocean-view balconies maximizes its scenic setting on the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean. With all that Del Mar and the surrounding area has to offer, you will probably find that just one day is not enough.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Del Mar Race track

A fixture of downtown is the L'Auberge Del Mar. With its distinctive French architecture, this gated property is close enough to the beach to offer rewarding views of the Pacific Ocean and its majestic sunsets. It doesn't feel like a hotel or look like one either. It resembles a town home community and the rates are surprisingly low for those accustomed to resort stays. Visitors to L'Auberge will be greeted by the luxurious lobby with its chestnut wood ceilings and ornate beams, designer furniture, colorful tropical plants and soothing live music played on the lobby's grand piano. All of these things makes Del Mar a less expensive substitute for that much-anticipated trip to the Mediterranean. Located where the “Surf hits the Turf,” 20 miles north of downtown San Diego and 100 miles south of Los Angeles just off I-5 on scenic coast Highway 101, this coastal gem is well worth the visit. By Matthew Martz

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