Del Mar California Surf and Turf
Day Trip
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Del Mar California
is known for its beautiful beaches, Torrey pine trees, and breathtaking
canyons sprinkled with hillside homes. The two square miles
of Del Mar has long been recognized as one of San Diego County's
finest neighborhoods, gaining prominence with the addition of
the Del Mar Race Track in 1937. Today, Del Mar is an ideal getaway
for people wanting a seaside community with charm, excellent
shopping and a variety of top-rated restaurants. Del mar is
best visited any time of the year. However, visitors can expect
the quaint beach side town of just over 4,000 to grow to 1.2
million from mid-June until early September due in large part
to the San Diego County Fair and then the 43-day Del Mar horse
racing season. Despite the onslaught, this distinctive little
community still registers high on the charm scale, if you want
a quieter experience, plan your visit during the late spring
or early fall. Meanwhile, those who have no interest in fairs
or horse racing still find Del Mar's beaches and upscale shopping,
trendy restaurants and art galleries an irresistible draw. Torrey
Pines State Reserve and nearby Torrey Pines Public Golf Course
provide some fantastic outdoor activities plus opportunities
to enjoy the Pacific Ocean views Del Mar is famous for. The
northern half of Del Mar City Beach, from 15th Street to the
rver mouth, simply called 15th Street Beach, is arguably San
Diego's finest, ranking fourth according to Time magazine's
"100 Greatest Beaches in the World." To the south,
bluffs line Del Mar City Beach and there are a number of trails
that lead down from the cliffs. A popular trail nex to the train
track on the bluff is a favorite of walkers and joggers, who
can go for miles without encountering a car.
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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. But don’t worry there
is a potpourri of lodging accommodations in the area. Del
Mar Hotels and Vacation Packages.
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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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