Things All Visitors Should Do When Visiting Del Mar California

Del Mar California is the quintessential dream beach town – a quaint, yet chic Southern California community overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Like La Jolla and San Diego, Del Mar’s aura of paradise comes in a large result from its world-class beaches and persistently clear blue skies. Add to all that a unique fairgrounds, horse track and a quaint, upscale “downtown” village, and you have activities for everyone.

1. Fantastic Shopping And Bistros

Del Mar’s downtown area has a definite European flavor. More than seventy unique shops, cute hotels and 23 restaurants offer enough variety to please everybody. The artsy “Italian” outdoor mall, Del Mar Plaza, is at the north end of town at the corner of Highway 101 and 15th Street, where you will find trendy shops and unique bistros among the ironwork and tiled fountains of an Italian piazza.

One of our favorites for outdoor “ocean-view” dining is Epazote, a great place for lunch. It’s sunshine-splashed outdoor patio swells with sea breezes and sweeping panoramic views of the ocean. Epazote is also one of Del Mar’s popular night spots featuring a fun but noisy bar with an upscale and sophisticated feel. You can have a few margaritas and walk back to your bed and breakfast or hotel. The fare at Epazote is creative, tasty and unique.

2. Hike Through Abstract Red Rock Canyons

You can spend an entire day hiking up cliffs and down to the ocean, around and through ancient sculpted sandstone canyons at this San Diego treasure: Torrey Pines State Reserve. The reserve is enormous, nearly 1800 acres set aside to protect the rare and endangered Torrey Pine. You’ll find multiple trails for hikers and joggers, each affording a different yet phenomenal view of an other-worldly landscape. Here you’ll find wind bent trees, eerie sandstone formations and fields of wildflowers all framed by the Pacific Ocean below and beyond – it’s a constantly changing landscape depending on the movement of sun and clouds. Bring a camera – every trail has an awesome views and different perspective of the Pacific Ocean.

3. Up, Up and Away

Thought by many to be one of the best balloon rides in the world, a sunset flight from Del Mar is an extraordinary way to see Southern California. A coastal Del Mar Sunset flight is an unforgettable experience – up there the air is clear, the sun seem to shine brighter and a sense of relaxation overcomes you. You can soar through the sky and glide effortlessly above the hills and valleys – a calm, peaceful and relaxing way to panoramically take in the enormity of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego countryside.

Google the following companies to compare itineraries and rates: Panorama Balloon Tours, Skysurfrer Balloon Tours or Sky’s The Limit Balloon Adventures. On clear days you can see San Clemente and Santa Catalina Islands, 60 – 70 miles off shore. It doesn’t matter if you’re staying at a hotel in Del Mar or an Encinitas Bed and Breakfast, you’re just minutes away from experiencing a lifetime treat.

4. Get The Tan Of A Lifetime

For good reason, Del Mar is one of the most popular beach communities in San Diego County. With more than two miles of world-class beaches, the usually warm, calm water makes for near-perfect conditions for surfing, swimming, boogie boarding or just catching up on that beach novel. Del Mar also has two seaside parks – Seagrove and Powerhouse, both great for picnicking, playgrounds for the kids and stunning ocean views. Often referred to as “Malibu South,” Del Mar beaches have gentle waves and warm water, making them the perfect beaches to learn to surf. Beachgoers can also find good, cheap lunches at Roberto’s Mexican Restaurant on Carmel Valley Road just east of the Penasquitos Lagoon parking lot. Out-of-town visitors love the quiet, romantic Encinitas Bed & Breakfast near the ocean, Inn at Moonlight Beach.

5. Pedal Around Town

Historic Coast Highway 101 runs through the center of downtown Del Mar and is one of San Diego County’s best cycling routes. Distance bikers start their rides in Del Mar and head either south to Torrey Pines Reserve or north to Solana Beach, Encinitas and Carlsbad. For less intense riders, bicycling is one of the simplest ways to have fun, enjoy the wonderful Del Mar scenery and stay fit and in-shape, especially if you’re enjoying the breakfasts at one of the Del Mar Bed and Breakfasts, inns or hotels in town. With great biking weather all year, you can ride up and down quiet residential streets and along the ocean until you’re ready for lunch – Epazote anyone?

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