Five Things Not To Miss When Visiting Del Mar
Del Mar California is the quintessential dream beach town – a quaint, yet chic Southern California community overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Like La Jolla and San Diego, Del Mar’s aura of paradise comes in a large result from its world-class beaches and persistently clear blue skies. Add to all that a unique fairgrounds, horse track and a quaint, upscale “downtown” village, and you have activities for everyone.
1. The Place To Be Is Epazote
Del Mar’s downtown area has a definite European flavor. More than seventy unique shops, cute hotels and 23 restaurants offer enough variety to please everybody. The artsy “Italian” outdoor mall, Del Mar Plaza, is at the north end of town at the corner of Highway 101 and 15th Street, where you will find trendy shops and unique bistros among the ironwork and tiled fountains of an Italian piazza.
One of our favorites for outdoor “ocean-view” dining is Epazote, a great place for lunch. It’s sunshine-splashed outdoor patio swells with sea breezes and sweeping panoramic views of the ocean. Epazote is also one of Del Mar’s popular night spots featuring a fun but noisy bar with an upscale and sophisticated feel. You can have a few margaritas and walk back to your bed and breakfast or hotel. The fare at Epazote is creative, tasty and unique.
2. Take A Hike Through Time
If you enjoy a nature hike with phenomenal scenery, Torrey Pines State Reserve is for you, with nearly 2000 acres of natural habitat along the ocean. The reserve was created because this is where the rare and beautiful Torrey Pine tree grows. You will find 6 or 7 trails for hiking, each with it’s own brand of awesome views: wind bent Torrey pines, abstract rock formations and lush wildflower displays, all framed by the magnificent Pacific Ocean. Parking Tip: You can park outside the park along the ocean and Highway 101 for free, then walk up the drive into the reserve for a great workout with magnificent views. Take your camera – especially in the spring when fields of wild flowers are in bloom and everywhere you look are fantastic views of the ocean.
3. Come Sail Away In Your Beautiful Balloon
Thought by many to be one of the best balloon rides in the world, a sunset flight from Del Mar is an extraordinary way to see Southern California. A coastal Del Mar Sunset flight is an unforgettable experience – up there the air is clear, the sun seem to shine brighter and a sense of relaxation overcomes you. You can soar through the sky and glide effortlessly above the hills and valleys – a calm, peaceful and relaxing way to panoramically take in the enormity of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego countryside.
Google the following companies to compare itineraries and rates: Panorama Balloon Tours, Skysurfrer Balloon Tours or Sky’s The Limit Balloon Adventures. On clear days you can see San Clemente and Santa Catalina Islands, 60 – 70 miles off shore. It doesn’t matter if you’re staying at a hotel in Del Mar or an Encinitas Bed and Breakfast, you’re just minutes away from experiencing a lifetime treat.
4. World-Class Beaches
For good reason, Del Mar is one of the most popular beach communities in San Diego County. With more than two miles of world-class beaches, the usually warm, calm water makes for near-perfect conditions for surfing, swimming, boogie boarding or just catching up on that beach novel. Del Mar also has two seaside parks – Seagrove and Powerhouse, both great for picnicking, playgrounds for the kids and stunning ocean views. Often referred to as “Malibu South,” Del Mar beaches have gentle waves and warm water, making them the perfect beaches to learn to surf. Beachgoers can also find good, cheap lunches at Roberto’s Mexican Restaurant on Carmel Valley Road just east of the Penasquitos Lagoon parking lot. Out-of-town visitors love the quiet, romantic Encinitas Bed & Breakfast near the ocean, Inn at Moonlight Beach.
5. Pedal Around Town
Bike riding is one of the simplest ways to have fun, enjoy the wonderful Del Mar scenery, especially if you’re staying at a Del Mar B&B or other vacation lodging. With near-perfect weather all year, enjoying the great outdoors is a way of life for most Del Martians who enjoy riding down quiet residential streets along the ocean. Del Mar is full of paths and trails that give cyclists an opportunity to relax, exercise and explore. Any way you cut it, Del Mar is a great place to have fun, get fit, and relax!