Del Mar
Del Mar, California
Del Mar is a beach city in San Diego County, just 20 minutes north of the Pacific Terrace Hotel. Del Mar is Spanish for "Of the sea" or "By the sea", which reflects it's location on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Del Mar is famous for horse racing at the Del Mar racetrack, beautiful beaches and award-winning cuisine at the numerous restaurants located in this quaint beach-side community. Del Mar is best known by the slogan "Where the surf meets the turf.".
Activities and Things to Do
Del Mar Village
Del Mar Village offers a variety of unique shops, upscale restaurants and outdoor cafes. Saturday's Farmer's Market is also a great place to pick up the fresh produce, flowers and seafood the region has to offer.
Torrey Pines State Beach
Del Mar is also one of the few locations in the world where the Torrey Pine tree grows. The Torrey Pine is the rarest pine in the United States and only two populations of this endangered species exists. Hiking is very popular at Torrey Pines with hikes from the top of the park to the beach below. Guided nature tours are offered in the park on Saturdays and Sundays.
Del Mar Dog Beach & Additional Beaches
Del Mar is known for it's beautiful beaches: The River Mouth (or Dog Beach) is broad, wide and dog-friendly. Annual the Dog Surf-A-Thon is held here. This year's event will take place on Sunday, September 8th, 2019.
North Del Mar City Beach is considered to be one of San Diego's finest with good swimming, intermediate surf and easy access. Powerhouse and Seagrove beaches are located in this area.
South Del Mar City Beach is long, cliff-lined and isolated, perfect for long walks or jogs. Except for high tide, this beach is totally passable all the way to Torrey Pines State Beach.
Del Mar Fairgrounds
There are over 300 events that take place on the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Some of the most well-known include the events below.
Del Mar National Horse Show
Experience the Southern California tradition of excellence, elegance and excitement during the Del Mar National Horse Show. This thrilling three-week event features three distinct equestrian disciplines - Western, Dressage, Hunter/Jumper - and is recognized as one of the top horse shows on the international stage, attracting nearly 1,500 horses and Olympic, World Cup, and World Champion athletes. Events this year take place from April 19th - May 4th.
San Diego County Fair
The San Diego County Fair is a county fair held every summer at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. As of 2016, the San Diego County Fair was the largest county fair in the United States. This family-friendly event features numerous rides, exhibits, entertainment and animal shows. Food is also a feature of the fair, with more than 100 food booths. There are many fair classics, as well as other interesting or outrageous creations. The fair is generally held from the last weekend in May through the Fourth of July weekend, and is closed Mondays & Tuesdays in June.
Horse Racing at Del Mar
Bing Crosby together with William A. Quigley, a La Jolla stockbroker, founded the Del Mar Turf Club in 1936. By 1940, Del Mar and the racetrack became the summer playground for many Hollywood stars. One of the largest draws each year for the Del Mar racetrack has now become Opening Day with its hats contest and parties. The Del Mar racetrack for 2019 runs from Wednesday, July 17th - Monday, September 2nd.
KAABOO Del Mar
KAABOO is San Diego's largest music, comedy, culinary and art festival. This three day event of top name musical entertainers is also an art experience designed around comfort, quality and good times. Experience the A-list of music, comedy, and culinary arts at the annual seaside event every September in Del Mar.
