Del Mar Beach Going Guide
With stunning views from historic coast Highway 101, wildlife reserves, sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and coastal bluffs, picture perfect oceanfront parks and plenty of shopping and dining, Del Mar is considered among the finest communities in San Diego. Well known, around the world for golf (Torrey Pines Golf Course) and for great hiking, you can’t go wrong spending a day out in Del Mar!
Del Mar is also known for a popular activity beyond the beach. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is woven into the fabric of San Diego history, hosting the finest horse racing every year since 1937, when Bing Crosby welcomed the track's first guests. The beautiful facility is located on the Del Mar Fairgrounds, home to yet another popular summer tradition, the San Diego County Fair. As well as a host of other fun events, like Halloween Scream Zone.
Laura Barry and Jim Graves have listed many homes in the area, including 5940 Lady’s Secret (named after a race horse) which looks out over what once was a horse facility owned by Bing Crosby and now is owned by Bill Gates. But let’s get back to it!
WHERE TO GO
Across from the race track, where the San Dieguito River meets the sea and (as they say in Del Mar) the turf meets the surf. Also known as Dog Beach, The River Mouth is a broad wedge of beach with lots of room for volleyball games and a gathering place for dogs.
The northern half of Del Mar City Beach, from 15th Street to The River Mouth, is arguably San Diego's finest, with good swimming, intermediate surf and easy access at every block.
South of 15th Street, bluffs line Del Mar City Beach, though they are neither as high nor as steep as elsewhere in North County. At all but the highest tides, the beach is totally passable all the way to Torrey Pines.
PARKING
Parking can be a challenge, especially during the busy spring and summer months. Street parking in commercial and residential neighborhoods are your best bet.
Select parking lots available in downtown Del Mar's shopping district, but be watchful of signs for spots reserved for patrons of restaurants and shops.
Metered parking is also available, so be sure to bring plenty of quarters.
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
Good surfing conditions at most Del Mar Beaches. Swimming is good in certain spots, like River Mouth and 15th Street.
Jogging and bicycling along the coast, south of 15th Street.
Volleyball at River Mouth.
Sun bathing at beaches around 17th street.
DIRECTIONS TO DEL MAR BEACHES
From the I-5 exit Del Mar Heights Road or Via De La Valle and head west. Del Mar Heights leads to the south end of Del Mar at Pacific Coast Hwy and 4th Street; Via De La Valle meets Pacific Coast Hwy on the extreme north end of Del Mar at the Rivermouth. To find the main beach area, follow the Coast Highway to the intersection of 15th Street and Coast Boulevard, midway between these two points. All of Del Mar's beaches are named after its numbered streets, so finding any specific spot referred to here is as simple as locating the same street.
