Del Mar is a dream town - an upscale ocean-side community just north of San Diego. Within the city limits, a quaint historical village serves as a backdrop to a small seaside resort first made famous in the 1930's when Bing Crosby, Jimmy Durante and other race horse lovers from Hollywood built the horse race track at the fairgrounds.
1. Where To Shop & Dine
The downtown village was developed back in the 1800s. Here you will find eclectic Asian and European importers plus more than 65 other shops. Hungry? In the downtown area alone you will find more than 20 unique restaurants of every stripe, many with drop-dead gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean as you dine.
The Plaza is home of a favorite restaurant, Epazote. Epazote is a wonderful place for lunch or end of the day cocktails because it has a sun-drenched outdoor patio with sea breezes and enchanting panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Epazote has something for all appetites with temptations ranging from premium cuts of what they call "Sterling Silver beef" to delicious seafood entrees followed by delicious desserts. The lively bar features an upscale menu - be sure to try their "Shaker Margaritas" - big enough for two. Sophisticated and chic, the 180-degree view of the ocean makes Epazote a great lunch, dinner or nighttime experience. As an added benefit, you can walk back to your hotel or Del Mar Bed and Breakfast after those margaritas.
2. Hike Through Abstract Red Rock Canyons
At the southern edge of town, along the Pacific Coast, Torrey Pines State Park is a 1700 acre natural habitat to the rare Torrey Pine. The park offers seven hiking trails with stunning views of wind bent trees, abstract sandstone formations, wildflower fields and the sea below, all of which is constantly changing as the sun and cloud formations move to change the lighting. Locals park just outside the park in the free parking lot along the ocean and Highway 101 and walk up the hill to the Nature Center. In spring and early summer the hillsides are covered with native plants and spectacular blooms of wildflowers. You can easily spend a whole day hiking up the cliffs and down to the ocean through red sandstone canyons carved thousands of years ago.
3. Up, Up and Away
Every evening we see them from Encinitas - hot air balloons, specs in the distance, soaring through the sky just before sunset after taking off. We have been "up there" and can testify that a balloon ride is a one-of-a-kind experience. You can't help but gain a unique perspective of the immenseness of the Pacific Ocean and sweeping San Diego countryside. Our usual sunny skies and calm morning and evening winds allow you to experience what it's like to float among the clouds. Hot air balloon companies have sunrise and sunset tours - weather permitting.
Many describe flying in a hot air balloon as one of the most serene, enjoyable activities they've ever experienced. Sunny skies and heavenly sunsets allow you to experience what it's like to float among the clouds. If you're staying at a hotel, you can experience the views of a lifetime with Skysurfrer Balloon Tours, Magical Adventures or Sky's The Limit Balloon Adventures. Google or Bing! them for more information.
4. World-Class Beaches
The beaches are very popular because the waves are usually gentle and it's a great place to learn to surf. With more than two miles of sandy beaches and excellent conditions for swimming and body surfing or just lounging in the sun. The beaches are a vacationer's delight. A nearby bed and breakfast in Encinitas is located only a block from Moonlight Beach, and is appropriately named the Inn at Moonlight Beach. On some beaches, residents are allowed to bring their dogs and spectators enjoy great games of dog/human Frisbee. No matter what beach you're on, you'll see hundreds of people spending the whole day under the sun with friends and family. The best and most popular beach is at the end of 15th Street - crowded year around with families, couples, friends and surfers. A good selection of hotels and inns can be found near the beaches.
5. Pedal Around Town
Go for a bike ride, a great way to stay fit, beat the traffic and see all the sights we have to offer. If you're staying at one of the many Hotels or Bed and Breakfasts, there is no better way to get around town. You can ride down quiet residential streets along the ocean and see sights you'll never see from a car. the Cycle Works (619) 793-9097 has a great selection of road and mountain bikes, helmets, lights, bike bags, bicycle parts, and bike repair services. With our almost-too-good-to-be-true year-around weather, bicycling is a way of life with dozens of paths and bike trails so you can relax, exercise and explore.
1. Where To Shop & Dine
The downtown village was developed back in the 1800s. Here you will find eclectic Asian and European importers plus more than 65 other shops. Hungry? In the downtown area alone you will find more than 20 unique restaurants of every stripe, many with drop-dead gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean as you dine.
The Plaza is home of a favorite restaurant, Epazote. Epazote is a wonderful place for lunch or end of the day cocktails because it has a sun-drenched outdoor patio with sea breezes and enchanting panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Epazote has something for all appetites with temptations ranging from premium cuts of what they call "Sterling Silver beef" to delicious seafood entrees followed by delicious desserts. The lively bar features an upscale menu - be sure to try their "Shaker Margaritas" - big enough for two. Sophisticated and chic, the 180-degree view of the ocean makes Epazote a great lunch, dinner or nighttime experience. As an added benefit, you can walk back to your hotel or Del Mar Bed and Breakfast after those margaritas.
2. Hike Through Abstract Red Rock Canyons
At the southern edge of town, along the Pacific Coast, Torrey Pines State Park is a 1700 acre natural habitat to the rare Torrey Pine. The park offers seven hiking trails with stunning views of wind bent trees, abstract sandstone formations, wildflower fields and the sea below, all of which is constantly changing as the sun and cloud formations move to change the lighting. Locals park just outside the park in the free parking lot along the ocean and Highway 101 and walk up the hill to the Nature Center. In spring and early summer the hillsides are covered with native plants and spectacular blooms of wildflowers. You can easily spend a whole day hiking up the cliffs and down to the ocean through red sandstone canyons carved thousands of years ago.
3. Up, Up and Away
Every evening we see them from Encinitas - hot air balloons, specs in the distance, soaring through the sky just before sunset after taking off. We have been "up there" and can testify that a balloon ride is a one-of-a-kind experience. You can't help but gain a unique perspective of the immenseness of the Pacific Ocean and sweeping San Diego countryside. Our usual sunny skies and calm morning and evening winds allow you to experience what it's like to float among the clouds. Hot air balloon companies have sunrise and sunset tours - weather permitting.
Many describe flying in a hot air balloon as one of the most serene, enjoyable activities they've ever experienced. Sunny skies and heavenly sunsets allow you to experience what it's like to float among the clouds. If you're staying at a hotel, you can experience the views of a lifetime with Skysurfrer Balloon Tours, Magical Adventures or Sky's The Limit Balloon Adventures. Google or Bing! them for more information.
4. World-Class Beaches
The beaches are very popular because the waves are usually gentle and it's a great place to learn to surf. With more than two miles of sandy beaches and excellent conditions for swimming and body surfing or just lounging in the sun. The beaches are a vacationer's delight. A nearby bed and breakfast in Encinitas is located only a block from Moonlight Beach, and is appropriately named the Inn at Moonlight Beach. On some beaches, residents are allowed to bring their dogs and spectators enjoy great games of dog/human Frisbee. No matter what beach you're on, you'll see hundreds of people spending the whole day under the sun with friends and family. The best and most popular beach is at the end of 15th Street - crowded year around with families, couples, friends and surfers. A good selection of hotels and inns can be found near the beaches.
5. Pedal Around Town
Go for a bike ride, a great way to stay fit, beat the traffic and see all the sights we have to offer. If you're staying at one of the many Hotels or Bed and Breakfasts, there is no better way to get around town. You can ride down quiet residential streets along the ocean and see sights you'll never see from a car. the Cycle Works (619) 793-9097 has a great selection of road and mountain bikes, helmets, lights, bike bags, bicycle parts, and bike repair services. With our almost-too-good-to-be-true year-around weather, bicycling is a way of life with dozens of paths and bike trails so you can relax, exercise and explore.
About the Author:
Carlos von Hunnefeld enjoys exploring the remotest locations anywhere on earth. Carlos works for a Del Mar area company and will be found traveling more than four months annually. If asked about where to stay in Del Mar, Carlos recommends a wonderful Del Mar Bed and Breakfast or an exquisite Encinitas Beach Hotels.
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