Del Mar stretches along more than two miles of sandy Pacific coastline, anchored by a pair of oceanfront parks that define the community's coastal character. Whether you want a quiet morning jog, a family picnic above the surf break, or a spot where your dog can run off-leash into the waves, the parks and beaches of Del Mar deliver a range of experiences that rival anything in San Diego County — including the celebrated shorelines of Coronado and La Jolla.
Powerhouse Park and Seagrove Park
Powerhouse Park and Seagrove Park sit side by side at the end of 15th Street, directly above one of Del Mar's most popular surf breaks. Powerhouse features a large grassy lawn ideal for picnics, a barefoot-friendly tot lot for kids, and direct beach access. It also serves as the venue for the Summer Twilight Concert Series and the annual Summer Solstice food festival — two of Del Mar's signature events. The Del Mar Powerhouse Community Center at the north end hosts programs year-round. Seagrove offers a quieter vibe with benches overlooking the water and walking paths along the bluff. Together the two parks form the social heart of the village, connecting the beach below to the restaurants and shops along Camino Del Mar above.
Del Mar Dog Beach
Del Mar Dog Beach, officially called North Beach, stretches from 29th Street nearly half a mile north to the Solana Beach border at the San Dieguito River mouth. Off-leash dogs are permitted from dawn to 8:00 AM between 25th and 29th Streets, and all day north of 29th with voice control required. After 8:00 AM south of 29th, all dogs must be leashed. This is one of the most beloved dog-friendly spots in all of San Diego, drawing pet owners from across the county. Penalties for leash violations start at $285, so know the rules before you go. Nearby Dexter's Deli and IB Pet Del Mar stock everything your four-legged friend needs for a beach day.
Trails and Beyond the Beach
San Dieguito County Park offers five miles of inland trails, multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, a basketball court, and an Activity Hill adventure zone with suspension bridges and nature scavenger hunts. The Sea Cliff Coastal Bluff Trail provides cliff-top ocean views for walkers and runners. Just south of Del Mar, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve delivers some of the most dramatic hiking terrain in Southern California — grab a pre-hike coffee from Bird Rock Coffee Roasters at Torrey Pines and get there early, because the trailhead parking fills fast on weekends. For a family outing after the trails, Pelly's Mini Golf at the Del Mar Golf Center offers a fun cooldown.
