Location: Del Mar
Top Things to do in Del Mar
The 6 Best Free Things to do in Del Mar, California (CA)
Del Mar is a beach city in San Diego County, California. Del Mar is Spanish for "of the sea" or "by the sea," which reflects its location on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. The Del Mar Horse Races are hosted on the Del Mar racetrack every summer. In 1885, Colonel Jacob Taylor purchased 338 acres (1.37 km) from Enoch Talbert, with visions of building a seaside resort for the rich and famous. The United States Navy operated a Naval Auxiliary Air Facility for blimps at Del Mar during World War II. The population was estimated at 4,311 in 2014, up from 4,161 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Del Mar
1. Del Mar City Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 463 reviews
A popular beach in the San Diego area for sunbathing and surfing.
Reviewed By DOB508 - Philadelphia, United States
Fantastic beach with both sand and a grass rise to give you an even better view. Easy access with walkways and benches for those that don't get around easily. Kids of all ages will go nuts over the trains that run just behind the beach-very close up!. Cali surfing scene on prime display here. Just so scenic!
2. Seagrove Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By 154daler
This is a picture perfect spot on the coast. There are very few with the charm of Del Mar where the surf meets the turf. Any time of year youlll find happy visitors and locals enjoying the best the West Coast has to offer. ☮️
3. Dog Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 278 reviews
Reviewed By moniquet265
Del Mar Dog Beach...the Happiest Place on Earth!! Forget Disneyland. You can't help but feel joy as all the dogs run and play and greet you. Warning: if you don't like dogs I wouldn't recommend it. Because they will like you whether you want them too or not. If you're feeling blue head out to dog beach it will bring you joy!
4. Powerhouse Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By Monicaimee
Simply a great spot to picnic and to spend a day at the beach till sunset, on a harmonious and calm mood. Great for families and friends, this park has a grass area where you can enjoy the view without to get into the sand. The park has a barefoot friendly, dog free "tot lot," where kids can play on swings, slides, and climb. I like to see the surfers waiting for a big one. The park is situated right where Torrey Pines and Del Mar meet, so close to Solana Beach. During summer days, almost all parking spaces are full by noon, but just across the park is a parking lot at $10 per hour and $2.50 per hour at the meters on the street. You can find some free parking spaces into the street 2 or 3 blocks from the Powerhouse Park, just be careful not to block the entrance of any house. If there will be more than 24 people with you or there will catering and/or alcohol present, then a Special Event Permit is required. The only cons is that you can't enjoy s'mores as campfires are not allowed. My family and I love this place.
5. Dinosaur Gallery
6. Del Mar Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By on_the_go_98765
Take the walk up to the second and third levels for a wonderful experience. The design of the mall is so welcoming and the restaurants on the upper level have an abundance of outdoor seating (with umbrellas and fire pits). The views are off the charts!! We window shopped at the art galleries and admired the artistic window displays in all the businesses. The majority of our shopping was spent on the first level at Banana Republic where the 60% off sale was in full swing. The Plaza is home to very many small shops and is located across the street from Starbucks and from L'Auberge Hotel (just up from the beach by a couple of blocks).
