March Beach of the Month: Del Mar, California

Located some twenty miles north of San Diego, Del Mar is a seaside town on the Pacific Ocean. Home of the infamous Del Mar Racetrack - founded and popularized by Bing Crosby - and the San Diego County Fair, Del Mar is for those with "a taste for fast horses, beautiful beaches and award winning cuisine."

On my recent visit to San Diego, I stayed with family north and inland of the city. The closest beach to visit was Del Mar. My mom, my sister, my two nieces and I put together a picnic dinner and drove over to see sunset. We watched the sun drop and enjoyed our dinner at a picnic table at Seagrove Park - a park with direct beach access - with the temperature being a chilly 55 degrees. We were cold but it was a peaceful sunset and there were plenty of people out enjoying it or a walk along the coast. I'd love to go back and spend a few days in Del Mar - and if I did this is what I could do there.

Where to Stay
Hotel Indigo Del Mar
I'd likely stay here as I like Holiday Inn's Hotel Indigo brand - it's fresh and each property is different - plus I'd probably be able to use hotel points. The Hotel Indigo is located two blocks from the beach on the main drag and has an outdoor pool along with ocean views. It also includes a day spa and the Ocean View Bar & Grill.

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Hilton San Diego Del Mar
If you're a fan of the Hilton hotel chain, then you might want to stay here. Upscale rooms with an outdoor pool, fire pit and local area shuttle. 

L'Auberge del Mar
One of the poshest hotels - and spas - in the area, L'Auberge is considered a resort that includes a pool and tennis court. You might want to start saving your pennies if you want to stay here - or even go to the spa. I hear it costs a pretty penny.

Where to Eat
As I mentioned, we stopped at Von's Supermarket and brought our own food with us. But here are a few restaurants that I've heard mentioned:

Jake's Del Mar
Jake's is located right on the sand - next to the park we were eating in - with floor to ceiling windows and serves brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour. Serving "chef driven coastal fare and sea elixirs."

Del Mar Pizza
I'd have to stop here to grab some pizza. A block uphill from the beach, there is outdoor patio seating available under twinkle lights. They specialize in thin crust Neapolitan pizza using a secret family recipe for it's dough.

Pacifica Del Mar
Here's your brunch spot - sitting on a hill in town with ocean views - Pacifica is known for their seafood. Their Ocean Bar includes and International Vodka Bar. And if you can grab a table with a sunset view.

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What to Do
Del Mar Racetrack
As I mentioned before, Del Mar is known for it's horse racing. Founded and popularized by Bing Crosby - who knew?!- The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racetrack is housed at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This year the season runs from July 18 to September 3. And the world famous Breeders Cup Race brings some 90 million dollars in to the San Diego economy. So try your luck if you're in town!

San Diego County Fair
The largest county fair in the United States, the San Diego County Fair is held each year in June and July (2018 dates are from June 1 to July 4) It attracts over a million and a half visitors to watch concerts, ride rides, peruse the competitive exhibits and see the animals.

Del Mar Dog Beach
Bring your favorite puppy to Dog Beach which is known to be long, cliff-lined and perfect for a walk with Fido or Rover.

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And, of course, there is the beach, surfing, paddle boarding, shopping and spa visiting if the above doesn't satisfy you.

Another unique feature of Del Mar is the Amtrak and Coaster trains which run right along the coastline. You can get off at the nearby Solana station and take a complimentary shuttle to Del Mar Racetrack.

How about you? Have you been to Del Mar? What is your favorite thing to do there?



Linking up with: WATW at Communal Global, The Weekly Postcard at Travel Notes and Beyond,The Weekend Wanderlust Travel Blog Party and Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox!