Welcome to Del Mar
Historic seaside playground of Hollywood’s elite.
Located in San Diego County, Del Mar, CA offers a quintessential mixture of classic charm and contemporary amenities. Spanish for “of the sea” or “by the sea,” Del Mar offers its residents gorgeous ocean views and cliffs, sandy beaches, and several parks and trails.
Del Mar is an upscale community with a rich history as a seaside playground for the rich and famous. This quaint resort city first became a popular destination in the 19th century and grew in popularity after the San Diego County Fair moved to the Del Mar Fairgrounds in 1936. More than one million visitors attend the County Fair each year. The Fairgrounds are also home to the Del Mar Racetrack, which hosts some of the nation’s most prestigious horse races. Del Mar real estate includes luxury oceanfront condominiums, grand estates, hillside villas, and spectacular custom-built properties with ocean frontage.
What to Love
Exciting annual events
Breathtaking ocean views
Homes for sale with a combination of traditional charm and modern beauty
Outdoor lifestyle
Boutique shopping
Kid-friendly environment
People & Lifestyle
With both a tight-knit suburban feel and big-city amenities, those who call Del Mar home experience the best of both worlds. Upscale yet unpretentious, Del Mar is a welcoming place for everyone, ranging from young professionals and families to retirees. There are plenty of opportunities to get active, and on the weekends, you can often find people surfing, hiking or playing a round of golf. This is a town known for its laid-back and comfortable nature.
One of the biggest perks of real estate in Del Mar is that you’ll be living among a small community of like-minded individuals. With only one central neighborhood, Del Mar is easily accessible, and you can get around most of the town without needing a car. As for the housing market, Del Mar is an expensive and luxurious place to live with a mildly competitive market.
Another advantage to living in Del Mar is its proximity to shopping. Located in the heart of Del Mar, The Plaza is a beautiful place to visit with an array of trendy boutiques, eateries and art stores. You can enjoy a wine tasting, sit on the terrace, dine at a high-end restaurant, or attend a concert. In addition, residents of Del Mar are just a few minutes away from Carmel Valley's new One Paseo Shopping Center and the newly renovated Del Mar Highlands Shopping Center.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Del Mar’s dining scene offers a fine selection for every occasion. Start the day with breakfast at Stratford Court Café, a cozy dog-friendly spot where you can bring your furry best friend along for coffee on the outdoor deck. Dine in style at Jake’s Del Mar and enjoy upscale Southern Californian cuisine alongside magnificent ocean views.
Pacific Del Mar is another ocean view fine-dining hotspot with succulent steaks, freshly-caught seafood, and a bar stocked with over 200 varieties of vodka. Popular New American bistro Sbicca also boasts great views from its relaxed rooftop terrace. En Fuego Cantina & Grill is Del Mar’s original Hollywood hangout. This historic rustic eatery served movie stars such as Bing Crosby and Pat O’Brien during Hollywood’s Golden Age. The former La Tienda restaurant was reimagined as En Fuego in the mid-90s and today serves authentic Mexican cuisine as well as ocean-fresh seafood. Board & Brew pairs gourmet sandwiches with outstanding craft beers in a beachy surf-themed space.
At the Flower Hill Promenade shopping center, you can pamper yourself with professional beauty and wellness services, pick up organic groceries from Whole Foods Market, browse the racks at over a dozen stylish fashion boutiques, or enjoy a meal at eateries such as health-focused Flower Child. Del Mar Plaza offers high-end shopping and dining with specialty boutiques, refined restaurants, and premier beauty salons.
Things to Do
Located three miles east of the famous racetrack at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar Horsepark is a 65-acre equestrian facility with a lighted arena, two grass jumping stadiums, four show rings, four training rings, a dressage ring, 400 show stalls, and year-round horse boarding. The expert staff at Del Mar Horsepark provides training and instruction for all ability levels—from complete beginners to Olympians.
The Fairgrounds’ signature event is the San Diego County Fair. This enormous County Fair runs from June to July with a huge variety of events and attractions. Some of the highlights include carnival rides, animals, and musical performances. Del Mar Fairgrounds hosts many other events throughout the year, including beer, wine, and food fests, as well as concerts from top touring acts.
Powerhouse Park on the Pacific Ocean waterfront has a playground, large grass lawns, and showers just steps from Del Mar City Beach. The northern section of this long sandy beach is the canine-friendly Del Mar Dog Beach.
Schools
Del Mar is zoned in the Del Mar Union Elementary School District and San Dieguito Union High School District.
- Del Mar Heights, K-6
- Del Mar Hills Academy, K-6
- Earl Warren Middle School, 7-8
- Torrey Pines High School, 9-12
- Canyon Crest Academy, 9-12