Del Mar draws visitors year-round for its beaches, horse racing, the San Diego County Fair, and a dining scene that punches well above its size. Choosing where to stay depends on what brings you — whether it's a walkable village base for Opening Day at the races, a beachfront resort for a couples' weekend, or a family-friendly hotel near the fairgrounds. Here is a guide to lodging in Del Mar and the surrounding area.
L'Auberge Del Mar — The Village Anchor
L'Auberge Del Mar is the village's signature luxury property, set on more than five landscaped acres overlooking the Pacific with 121 estate-style rooms and suites. The resort features Adelaide Restaurant for coastal California cuisine, the Living Room Bar for cocktails and live music, The Spa at L'Auberge for ocean-inspired treatments, a heated pool with cabanas, and tennis courts. A footpath leads directly to Del Mar Beach. It's the kind of property that visitors from Coronado and La Jolla recognize as a peer to their own landmark resorts — and its village-center location makes every restaurant on Camino Del Mar walkable.
Beachside and Mid-Range Options
The Del Mar Beach Hotel offers a more relaxed, surf-culture vibe with direct proximity to the beach at accessible rates. The Best Western Premier Hotel Del Mar provides reliable comfort near the fairgrounds with easy access to the racetrack and county fair. The Hilton San Diego/Del Mar and Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar both cater to business and leisure travelers with full-service amenities and modern rooms a short drive from the village. For a boutique experience, Les Artistes Inn offers uniquely themed rooms in a smaller, character-driven setting.
Resorts, Bed and Breakfasts, and Vacation Rentals
Wave Crest Resort and Villa L'Auberge provide resort-style stays with more space and amenities for extended visits. The Secret Garden Inn offers a bed-and-breakfast experience for travelers who prefer intimate, personal hospitality. For families or larger groups, vacation rentals through services like P.S. Platinum Vacation Rentals provide full homes and condos across the Del Mar area.
When to Book — Race Season and Fair Demand
Del Mar's hotels fill fastest during Opening Day weekend in mid-July, the Pacific Classic in late August, and the three-week run of the San Diego County Fair from June through early July. If your visit coincides with any of those events, book early. The overlap of the fair and racing season in mid-to-late July creates the highest demand period of the year. Outside of peak season, Del Mar's hotels offer excellent value for a coastal getaway that's just 20 minutes from San Diego International Airport and an easy drive from Coronado, La Jolla, and Powerhouse Park.
