Del Mar is a 1.8-square-mile coastal village in San Diego County where 839 businesses line Camino Del Mar and Coast Boulevard from the Del Mar Fairgrounds south to Powerhouse Park — with 83 restaurants and bars, 15 hotels and vacation rentals, and 217 health providers serving beachgoers, racing-season visitors, and year-round residents across 92014.
Start the morning at Stratford Court Cafe on the pedestrian lane just off Camino Del Mar, then walk north on Coast Boulevard past Seagrove Park to Powerhouse Park for a blufftop view of the surf break and the San Diego coastline stretching south toward Torrey Pines. By late morning, double back to Del Mar Plaza on Camino Del Mar for shopping and lunch — the rooftop terrace faces the ocean, and the plaza houses boutiques, a wine bar, and several restaurants across three levels.
Afternoons divide between the beach and the Del Mar Fairgrounds, depending on the season. During the San Diego County Fair (June 10–July 5) and racing season (July 17–September 7), the fairgrounds draw tens of thousands of visitors to Jimmy Durante Boulevard. Outside event season, walk south along the bluffs toward Torrey Pines State Beach or let dogs run off-leash at Del Mar Dog Beach north of Powerhouse Park. End the day with a sunset dinner on Coast Boulevard at Jake's Del Mar or Poseidon on the Beach, where the patio tables sit directly above the sand.
Del Mar is famous for three things: the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the Del Mar Racetrack, and the blufftop oceanfront dining strip on Coast Boulevard. The fairgrounds at 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard host the San Diego County Fair every summer and thoroughbred racing from mid-July through Labor Day — two events that together draw more than a million visitors annually to a town of roughly 4,000 full-time residents.
Beyond the racetrack, Del Mar is known for Addison at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, the only three-Michelin-star restaurant in San Diego County and one of a handful in the United States. The tasting menu from Chef William Bradley has anchored Del Mar's reputation as a serious culinary destination since 2006. Coast Boulevard's three signature oceanfront restaurants — Jake's Del Mar, Poseidon, and Pacifica Del Mar — also carry enormous name recognition, with combined monthly search volume that rivals entire neighborhoods in other parts of San Diego.
Torrey Pines State Beach and the Torrey Pines Gliderport, which sits on the cliffs at Del Mar's southern border, draw hikers, beachgoers, and paragliding pilots year-round. Powerhouse Park and Del Mar Dog Beach anchor the northern end, making Del Mar a bookend-to-bookend coastal experience from south to north in under two miles.
Del Mar is one of the most rewarding day trips or weekend stays on the San Diego County coast. The village core along Camino Del Mar packs 83 Del Mar restaurants and bars, 59 shops, and a walkable downtown into a stretch of roughly ten blocks — small enough to cover on foot but dense enough to fill a full day without a car once you've parked. Coast Boulevard delivers the oceanfront dining that most visitors come for, and Torrey Pines State Beach at the south end offers some of the best hiking on the San Diego coastline.
Timing matters. Del Mar during racing season (mid-July through Labor Day) and fair season (mid-June through early July) is a different town than Del Mar in February. Hotels on Jimmy Durante Boulevard fill early during event weekends, and restaurant reservations along Camino Del Mar and Coast Boulevard can require several days' notice. Off-season visits trade the crowds for easier parking, open tables, and the same ocean views — plus quieter access to Powerhouse Park and the north beach.
Del Mar Village is the walkable downtown core, centered on Camino Del Mar between 9th Street and 15th Street in 92014. Del Mar Plaza anchors the middle of the strip with three levels of shops, restaurants, and an ocean-facing rooftop terrace. North of the plaza, Camino Del Mar runs past Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar, Board & Brew, and Sbicca before reaching Powerhouse Park and the beach access stairs.
One block west, Coast Boulevard runs along the blufftop with Jake's Del Mar, Poseidon on the Beach, and Pacifica Del Mar facing the ocean. Steak 48 on Camino Del Mar draws the upscale steakhouse crowd, while MARKET Restaurant + Bar anchors the fine-casual segment. The village also extends east along side streets, where Stratford Court — a small pedestrian lane — houses Stratford Court Cafe. The Saturday Del Mar Farmers Market runs from noon to 4 p.m. at the Civic Center on Camino Del Mar, drawing locals and visitors for produce, prepared food, and live music since 1986.
Del Mar Plaza at 1555 Camino Del Mar is the village's central retail and dining complex, built into three terraced levels on the ocean side of the street. The rooftop terrace offers some of the best panoramic ocean views in Del Mar without requiring a restaurant reservation, and the plaza hosts a rotating mix of boutiques, a wine-tasting room, and restaurants including Pacifica Del Mar on the lower level. Street-level access opens directly onto Camino Del Mar, and the plaza connects to the surrounding village blocks without needing to cross any major intersections.
For shopping, the plaza's boutiques lean toward coastal upscale — resort wear, jewelry, home goods, and specialty gifts. Venissimo Cheese operates a tasting counter and retail shop on the plaza level, and the adjacent blocks along Camino Del Mar add surf shops like Rusty Del Mar and clothing boutiques like The Bustle.
Coast Boulevard is Del Mar's oceanfront dining strip, and three restaurants sit directly on the bluff above the beach. Jake's Del Mar is the highest-volume restaurant in town by search traffic, known for Pacific Rim-influenced seafood and a patio that overlooks the break at Del Mar Beach. Poseidon on the Beach sits immediately south with the same blufftop sightline and a raw bar that draws as much traffic as its entree menu. Pacifica Del Mar completes the Coast Boulevard trio with a California-coastal menu and floor-to-ceiling glass facing the water.
Beyond Coast Boulevard, Sbicca on Camino Del Mar doesn't sit on the water but its upper-level patio catches ocean views over the village rooftops. For a more casual waterfront experience, grab sandwiches from Board & Brew on Camino Del Mar and eat at Powerhouse Park above the beach — the park benches face directly west for unobstructed sunset views.
Del Mar is home to Addison at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, the only three-Michelin-star restaurant in San Diego County and one of fewer than fifteen in the entire United States. Chef William Bradley has led the kitchen since 2006, earning the first star in 2019, the second in 2021, and the third in 2022. The ten-course tasting menu runs $395 per person, and reservations often fill weeks in advance — the restaurant seats a limited number of guests per evening in a dining room with arched windows overlooking the canyon at the Grand Del Mar estate on Grand Del Mar Way.
For Michelin-caliber dining at a lower price point, MARKET Restaurant + Bar on Camino Del Mar serves a coastal-American menu built around seasonal ingredients and has drawn consistent critical attention since opening. Jake's Del Mar and Poseidon on Coast Boulevard are not Michelin-starred but rank among the most recognized restaurants on the San Diego County coast by name alone.
Locals in Del Mar eat where the tourists don't automatically land, which means off Coast Boulevard and into the village blocks along Camino Del Mar. El Pueblo Mexican Food & Bar is a neighborhood staple for burritos, enchiladas, and margaritas — it consistently ranks as one of the most-reviewed restaurants in Del Mar's directory and draws a repeat crowd from the Heights and the village. Bushfire Kitchen on the east side of town serves wood-grilled proteins and craft cocktails in a casual setting that skews local over visitor.
Boto Sushi in the village core handles the sushi demand with a loyal following, and Del Mar Pizza has served the neighborhood's go-to pies for years. Tamarindo Del Mar and Salt + Lime split the Mexican food crowd beyond El Pueblo. For quick lunch runs, Board & Brew on Camino Del Mar moves a high volume of signature sandwiches — locals order online and pick up without waiting. Viewpoint Brewing Company on Jimmy Durante Boulevard draws the after-work crowd with craft beer brewed on-site and a family-friendly patio.
Richard Walker's Pancake House on Camino Del Mar anchors Del Mar's breakfast scene with signature baked pancakes and omelets that draw lines on weekend mornings — the restaurant opens early and fills fast during racing season and summer weekends. Broken Yolk Cafe on the east side of town offers a broader American breakfast menu with large portions and a casual atmosphere that works for families.
For lighter morning options, Stratford Court Cafe serves espresso drinks, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches on a quiet pedestrian lane off Camino Del Mar. Beaurista Coffee handles the specialty coffee demand with pour-overs and single-origin beans, and Bird Rock Coffee Roasters near Torrey Pines brings one of San Diego's most respected roasters to Del Mar's southern corridor. Weekend brunch at Sbicca on Camino Del Mar draws a mixed crowd for its cocktail-forward brunch menu with ocean-view seating.
Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar on Camino Del Mar runs one of the most popular happy hours in 92014, with discounted oysters, seafood tacos, and drink specials at the bar that draw a steady after-work crowd from the village and Del Mar Heights. Jake's Del Mar on Coast Boulevard offers sunset happy hour pricing at the bar with the ocean directly below — a combination of views and value that books up during summer.
Viewpoint Brewing Company on Jimmy Durante Boulevard pours house-brewed beers in a taproom with a patio that families and dogs can use, making it the most casual happy hour option in Del Mar. West End Bar & Kitchen and Sbicca round out the Camino Del Mar bar scene with cocktail menus that lean toward craft spirits and seasonal ingredients.
Del Mar Plaza is the primary Del Mar shopping destination in 92014, with three levels of boutiques, jewelry stores, and specialty retailers built into the hillside on Camino Del Mar. The plaza's boutiques lean coastal-upscale — resort wear, home goods, specialty gifts — and the complex doubles as a dining destination with restaurants and a wine bar sharing the same terraced structure. The Bustle on Camino Del Mar stocks women's contemporary fashion and accessories in a standalone storefront south of the plaza.
Beyond the plaza, Camino Del Mar runs through the village core with Rusty Del Mar Surf Shop for boards, wetsuits, and casual coastal apparel, and Venissimo Cheese for artisan cheese tastings and specialty food gifts. Mary's Tack and Feed on Via De La Valle is a Del Mar institution — an equestrian supply store that also carries Western wear, boots, and pet supplies for the horse-country crowd east of the village. For visitors from neighboring Solana Beach, the Cedros Design District is a 5-minute drive north with additional art galleries, furniture showrooms, and design shops.
Siri Thai Massage & Spa in Del Mar offers traditional Thai massage alongside Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone treatments in a dedicated spa setting. Myo Massage focuses on therapeutic bodywork including sports massage and injury recovery, drawing clients from the local fitness community. For a full-service luxury experience, L'Auberge Del Mar's on-site spa on Camino Del Mar provides ocean-adjacent treatments in a resort setting without requiring an overnight stay.
SkinSpirit Del Mar and NIKS Medical Spa handle the medical aesthetics side with injectables, laser treatments, and skin rejuvenation in clinical settings. Del Mar Nails and Spa combines nail services with massage in a single location for visitors looking to consolidate appointments during a day trip.
Equo Co. on Camino Del Mar is the top-rated hair salon in Del Mar's directory, offering cuts, color, and styling in a modern salon space. For men's cuts and grooming, V's Barbershop runs the highest-volume barber operation in Del Mar with a classic barbershop format that includes hot-towel shaves and beard trims. Mr. Roby's Barber Shop provides an alternative with a neighborhood feel and a loyal repeat clientele.
Nail services cluster along the Camino Del Mar corridor as well. Blue Sky Nails and Lash is the most-reviewed nail salon in the Del Mar directory and adds eyelash extensions to its service menu. For medical-grade skin treatments combined with beauty services, Caroline Stein Beauty and Skincare by Dela both offer facials and advanced skincare in intimate, appointment-only studios.
Finding a Del Mar dentist is straightforward — the community has one of the densest concentrations of dental practices in North County San Diego, with multiple offices earning top ratings in the directory. Del Mar Dental Studio on Camino Del Mar provides cosmetic and restorative dentistry in a modern practice. Curtis L. Chan, DDS has built a long-standing practice in Del Mar for general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. Blyss Dental and I-Rise Dental Boutique offer concierge-style dental care in boutique settings that emphasize patient comfort.
For families with children, Sunny Smiles Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics is the most-reviewed pediatric dental practice in the directory and handles orthodontics under the same roof. Beyond dentistry, Wink Optometry & Eyewear covers eye exams and prescription eyewear in Del Mar, and Sharp Rees-Stealy Del Mar anchors the primary care side with a full-service medical office in the Del Mar Heights corridor.
L'Auberge Del Mar on Camino Del Mar is the village's signature boutique hotel, set on a bluff above the beach with a spa, pool, and direct walking access to Coast Boulevard's restaurants and the Del Mar Village shops. For a residential-style stay with kitchens and more space, Wave Crest Resort on Coast Boulevard places guests directly on the oceanfront in condo-style units that book well in advance during racing season.
Jimmy Durante Boulevard between the village and the Del Mar Fairgrounds is the main corridor for hotels in Del Mar, with the Hilton San Diego Del Mar, Hampton Inn, DoubleTree, Hotel Indigo, and Residence Inn all sitting within walking distance of the racetrack gates. These properties fill early during Opening Day week and fair season — booking four to six weeks ahead is standard for July and August stays. P.S. Platinum Vacation Rentals manages private rental properties across Del Mar for visitors who want a house or condo over a hotel room.
The Hilton San Diego Del Mar, Hampton Inn Del Mar, DoubleTree Del Mar, Hotel Indigo Del Mar, and Residence Inn Del Mar all sit on or within a block of Jimmy Durante Boulevard — the same street as the Del Mar Fairgrounds at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Guests at these properties can walk to the fairgrounds' main gate in under ten minutes, which eliminates the $25 parking fee during the San Diego County Fair and avoids racetrack traffic entirely.
Viewpoint Brewing Company sits on Jimmy Durante Boulevard between the hotel cluster and the fairgrounds, giving hotel guests a walkable pre-race or post-fair stop for craft beer and food. For a higher-end option closer to the beach, L'Auberge Del Mar on Camino Del Mar is roughly a mile from the fairgrounds — close enough by car or rideshare but far enough to avoid event-night noise.
Jimmy Durante Boulevard is Del Mar's hotel and entertainment corridor, running east from the village to the Del Mar Fairgrounds and Del Mar Racetrack at the eastern end. The street is named after entertainer Jimmy Durante, who was a regular at the racetrack in its early decades. Five major hotels — the Hilton, Hampton Inn, DoubleTree, Hotel Indigo, and Residence Inn — line the boulevard between Camino Del Mar and the fairgrounds, making it the densest lodging corridor in 92014.
Viewpoint Brewing Company anchors the dining side of Jimmy Durante with a taproom and patio that fills on race days. The Del Mar Horsepark, a separate equestrian facility east of the fairgrounds, hosts shows and events year-round. During the San Diego County Fair and racing season, Jimmy Durante Boulevard becomes one of the most congested streets in North County San Diego — locals avoid driving it from mid-June through Labor Day unless they're headed to the fairgrounds.
Yes. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club runs live thoroughbred racing every summer at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Jimmy Durante Boulevard. The 2026 summer meet runs from Opening Day on July 17 through September 7 (Labor Day), with races on Thursdays through Sundays. A fall meet in November adds additional racing dates. Del Mar has hosted the Breeders' Cup World Championships multiple times, most recently in 2025 — an event that generated an estimated $125 million in economic impact for San Diego County.
General admission to the racetrack starts at $10, with premium seating, trackside tables, and hospitality packages available at higher price points. Opening Day is the single biggest social event of Del Mar's calendar — a hat contest, live music, and a packed grandstand that routinely sells out weeks in advance. The racetrack was founded in 1937 by Bing Crosby and a group of Hollywood investors, and the track's tagline — “Where the Turf Meets the Surf” — references its location less than a mile from the beach.
General admission to the Del Mar Racetrack starts at $10 on regular race days during the summer meet. Opening Day, stakes days, and premium events carry higher pricing, and reserved seating, Clubhouse access, and trackside hospitality packages range from roughly $30 to several hundred dollars depending on the level. Parking at the fairgrounds is separate — general parking runs $20–$25, or guests can avoid parking costs entirely by staying at one of the hotels on Jimmy Durante Boulevard and walking to the gates.
For visitors on a budget, Thursday race days tend to be the least crowded and least expensive, with standard general admission and easier parking. The racetrack also runs themed event days throughout the season — Tacos & Tequila, Wine Fest, and Beer & BBQ Fest — where the price of admission includes access to the themed food and drink activations. Tickets for the 2026 season are available at dmtc.com.
The 2026 San Diego County Fair runs from June 10 through July 5 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard in 92014. The fair is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. This year's theme is “Once Upon A Fair.” The San Diego County Fair — still called the Del Mar Fair by most locals — has run annually since 1880 and is the largest and longest-running event in San Diego County.
General parking at the fairgrounds costs $25, or $20 if purchased in advance online. A free shuttle runs from Torrey Pines High School, and the NCTD Coaster train to Solana Beach station connects to a fair shuttle — the easiest way to avoid traffic and parking on peak weekends. The fair's Toyota Summer Concert Series brings headlining acts to the grandstand stage, and nightly free concerts run in the Paddock area with every admission ticket.
Del Mar Dog Beach north of Powerhouse Park allows off-leash dogs year-round in a designated stretch of sand between 29th Street and the Solana Beach border. It is one of the most popular off-leash beaches in San Diego County, and the adjacent Powerhouse Park lawn is a common staging area where owners gather before and after beach time.
South of Powerhouse Park, dogs are allowed on-leash only from October through May, and prohibited entirely from the beach between June 1 and September 30 during the summer season. The boundary is clearly posted at each beach access point. Dexter's Deli on Camino Del Mar sells dog food, treats, and supplies for owners stocking up before or after a beach visit, and Del Mar Veterinary Hospital handles urgent care if a dog gets injured on the sand or rocks.
Free street parking lines Coast Boulevard and the residential blocks above the beach, but spaces fill by 9 a.m. on summer weekends and are effectively unavailable during fair and racing season without arriving early. The lots at Powerhouse Park and near Seagrove Park are free but small and time-limited. There is no metered parking on Coast Boulevard — once you find a spot, it's free for the duration of the posted time limit.
Paid parking at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is available year-round and costs $10–$25 depending on the event, but the fairgrounds lot is a 15-minute walk from the main beach. Side streets in the village between Camino Del Mar and Coast Boulevard offer the best chance of free parking within walking distance of the sand. Torrey Pines State Beach at Del Mar's south end has its own parking lot with a day-use fee, separate from the village beach parking.
Torrey Pines State Beach and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve at Del Mar's southern border are among the most-visited natural areas in San Diego County, and the Torrey Pines Reserve extension trail runs through the northern section closest to Del Mar. The reserve's hiking trails wind through sandstone formations and rare Torrey Pine groves above the ocean, with several overlook points that face west for unobstructed Pacific views. The main Guy Fleming Trail and Razor Point Trail are each under a mile and accessible for most fitness levels.
The Torrey Pines Gliderport on the cliffs above the beach is one of the top paragliding and hang-gliding launch sites on the West Coast, and spectators can watch pilots launch and land from a dirt lot at the cliff edge — no admission required. The gliderport cafe serves basic food and drinks with a view that rivals any restaurant in the area. For La Jolla visitors, Torrey Pines Golf Course sits adjacent to the reserve and draws serious golfers year-round — Del Mar hotels on Jimmy Durante Boulevard are a 10-minute drive from the first tee.
San Elijo State Beach Campground sits on the bluffs above the beach along Highway 101 between Del Mar and Encinitas, with campsites that look directly over the Pacific. The campground is one of the most popular beachside camping options in Southern California and books months in advance through ReserveCalifornia — summer and holiday weekends typically sell out the moment the reservation window opens. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, roughly 15 minutes north near Carlsbad, offers additional beachfront sites with a similar blufftop layout.
Both campgrounds are within driving distance of Del Mar's restaurants and shops along Camino Del Mar, and the coastal bike path connects San Elijo south toward Del Mar and Torrey Pines. Campers looking for supplies before heading to the campground can stop at the village shops on Camino Del Mar or Beachside Del Mar for last-minute groceries and beach gear.
Sweat Circuit is the top-rated gym in the Del Mar directory, running high-intensity circuit training classes in a studio format. CorePower Yoga on Camino Del Mar offers heated vinyasa and sculpt classes within walking distance of the beach — the studio pulls steady search traffic as one of the most-searched fitness brands in Del Mar. Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club is the highest-rated martial arts gym in the directory and draws members from across North County.
For personal training, Wheeless Fitness operates private and small-group training sessions in Del Mar. The beach itself doubles as a workout venue — runners use the hard-packed sand at low tide between Powerhouse Park and Torrey Pines, and the Seagrove Park blufftop path is a popular route for morning runs with ocean views.
The median home value in Del Mar sits around $3.5 million as of 2026, making it one of the most expensive residential markets in San Diego County. Ocean-facing properties on Coast Boulevard and the west side of Camino Del Mar command significantly more, while homes in Del Mar Heights — the inland hillside community east of Interstate 5 — typically range from $2 million to $3 million. Condos and townhomes in the village core start closer to $1.5 million depending on proximity to the beach and the age of the building.
Hadas Metzler Real Estate, Trent Cady at Mike Cady Realty Group, and Amy Green are among the top-rated real estate agents in the Del Mar directory for buyers and sellers navigating the 92014 market. Del Mar Mesa, a planned community east of the Heights, offers newer construction at slightly lower price points but trades walkability to the village for more space and canyon views.
Del Mar consistently ranks among the most desirable communities in San Diego County for residents who prioritize ocean access, walkability, and a small-town feel within reach of the broader San Diego metro. The village core along Camino Del Mar is walkable to 83 restaurants, 59 shops, and the beach — a rare combination in car-dependent Southern California. The Del Mar Union School District serves elementary-age students, and older students attend schools in the San Dieguito Union High School District, which includes Canyon Crest Academy and Torrey Pines High School.
The trade-offs are cost and scale. A population of roughly 4,000 means limited housing inventory, and the median home price above $3 million puts Del Mar out of reach for most buyers. Seasonal crowds during fair and racing season transform the village from June through September — locals describe a distinct “on-season” and “off-season” rhythm that shapes daily life, parking, and restaurant availability. Dog Beach, Powerhouse Park, and the Saturday farmers market form the social anchors of the community year-round.
Del Mar is one of the most expensive communities in San Diego County by virtually every measure. Median home values hover around $3.5 million, rental options are limited and typically start above $3,000 per month for a one-bedroom, and the cost of living runs roughly 94 percent above the national average. Dining, groceries, and services in the village reflect the market — a dinner for two at a Coast Boulevard restaurant routinely exceeds $150 before drinks.
The value equation depends on priorities. Residents pay for direct beach access, a walkable village core, top-rated schools in the San Dieguito district, and a community that caps development to maintain its small-town character. 177 professional services and 217 health providers operate in the 92014 ZIP, meaning most everyday errands — legal, financial, medical, dental — can be handled locally without driving to Carmel Valley or La Jolla.
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Del Mar and La Jolla offer different experiences. Del Mar is a smaller village with a walkable downtown, blufftop oceanfront dining on Coast Boulevard, and a seasonal identity shaped by the Del Mar Fairgrounds and racetrack. La Jolla is larger with more shopping variety, the Cove, and a broader restaurant scene. Visitors with one day often prefer Del Mar for its compactness — everything from parking to dinner happens within a few blocks.
Del Mar has long attracted high-profile residents drawn to its oceanfront privacy, proximity to the racetrack, and relatively low density compared to other coastal communities. The town’s small population and limited paparazzi access make it a preferred alternative to Malibu for some. Specific current residents are not publicly confirmed, but the community’s median home price above $3 million and its history with the horse-racing industry have made it a consistent draw for entertainment and business figures.
Bill Gates purchased a beachfront property in Del Mar, and the transaction was widely reported in real estate and national media. Del Mar’s combination of blufftop ocean access, small-town privacy, and proximity to thoroughbred racing at the Del Mar Racetrack has attracted multiple high-net-worth buyers to the 92014 market.
The Pacific Classic, held in late August during the summer meet, is Del Mar’s marquee stakes race and one of the richest thoroughbred races on the West Coast. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club also hosts the Breeders’ Cup World Championships on a rotating basis — the 2025 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar generated an estimated $125 million in economic impact for San Diego County.
Yes. The San Diego County Fair was historically known as the Del Mar Fair and is still called that by most locals. The event runs annually at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Jimmy Durante Boulevard — in 2026, it runs June 10 through July 5 with rides, concerts, food vendors, and exhibits. The fair has operated since 1880 and is the largest annual event in San Diego County.
The Del Mar Farmers Market runs every Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at the Civic Center, 1050 Camino Del Mar in 92014. Established in 1986, it is the second-oldest farmers market in the San Diego region and features California-certified produce, prepared foods, baked goods, and live music. Parking is available at the Civic Center lot and on surrounding streets.
Del Mar is widely considered one of the most desirable communities in San Diego County. The village core on Camino Del Mar is walkable to the beach, restaurants, and shops, and the blufftop views from Coast Boulevard and Powerhouse Park are among the best on the North County coast. The trade-off is cost — median home values above $3 million and seasonal crowding during the summer fair and racing season.
The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club operates the racetrack, while the Del Mar Fairgrounds facility is owned by the 22nd District Agricultural Association, a state agency. The racetrack was co-founded in 1937 by Bing Crosby, Pat O’Brien, and other Hollywood investors. The track sits at 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard and hosts live racing from mid-July through Labor Day each summer.
The 2026 Del Mar race track opening day is Friday, July 17, and the 87th summer season of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club carries 89 years of history with it. From Bing Crosby greeting fans at the gate in 1937, to the legendary 1938 Seabiscuit match race, to Jimmy Durante, Lucille Ball, and Desi Arnaz in the Hollywood era, to modern Pacific Classic record-breakers like Candy Ride and Flightline, Del Mar is where the turf meets the surf and where San Diego families have been making summer memories for nearly a century. This is the full historic story of California's only seaside racetrack in Del Mar, from 1937 to Opening Day 2026.
Pickleball players in Del Mar have access to resort courts at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar with weekly clinics and the legendary Bobby Riggs Racket & Paddle Club in nearby Encinitas with 22 dedicated courts. This Del Mar pickleball guide covers where to play, open play schedules, court reservations, the best Del Mar coffee shops for a pre-game boost, top bars and restaurants for post-match rewards, and sports medicine providers for when pickleball takes its toll on your knees, shoulders, and elbows.
Coral Del Mar has opened at 1247 Camino Del Mar in Del Mar Village, replacing the longtime Zel's with a modern coastal restaurant blending Baja, Hawaiian, and Southeast Asian flavors. The concept from hospitality professionals Amanda Devine and Gio Morelli brings a brighter aesthetic and full-bar dining to one of Del Mar's most walkable blocks. The fusion menu adds a new dimension to the Camino Del Mar corridor alongside established Del Mar favorites as the village's dining scene continues to evolve with national-caliber arrivals.