Welcome to Del Mar
Relaxed sophistication meets Old Hollywood glamor in this iconic seaside town
With a stunning coastline and breathtaking ocean views, Del Mar certainly lives up to its name. Meaning “of the sea,” Del Mar first caught the eye of railroad engineer Theodore Loop, in the 1880s, who called it “the most attractive place on the entire coast.” Loop saw such potential for the sleepy coastal town, he set out to build a railroad connecting Los Angeles to San Diego. By 1886, Loop had built the quaint village of Del Mar and opened the area’s first seaside resort, Casa Del Mar. What started out as a retreat for wealthy residents of Los Angeles soon brought stars from Hollywood’s golden years, including Bing Crosby, Rita Hayworth, and Ava Gardner.
The Del Mar of today retains the coastal charm and oceanfront glamor of days past and adds an incredible culinary scene, stylish boutiques, and uncompromising luxury. With a reputation as the place “where surf meets turf,” Del Mar offers breathtaking estates and ocean view properties, including custom builds by savvy architects who understand how to incorporate the spectacular vistas and rugged coastline, historic homes meticulously restored to their opulent glory, and sleek townhouses boasting views of Del Mar’s wild beauty.
What to Love
- Charming architecture
- Gorgeous beaches and golf courses
- Oceanfront dining and outstanding cuisine
- Grand estates overlooking the Pacific
Local Lifestyle
Relaxed elegance, laid-back sophistication, and creative flair are the hallmarks not only of this tony town but its cultured residents. Del Mar’s vintage charm, coastal style, and luxe amenities continue to draw celebrities, and today Hollywood's new Crosbys and Hayworth's mingle with professional athletes, industry executives, and entrepreneurs. With its fresh ocean air, healthy lifestyle, and abundance of exquisite culinary choices, Del Mar is considered one of Southern California's best places to live.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The outstanding culinary scene in Del Mar dazzles the palate. With a menu of fresh coastal flavors and a beachfront patio, Poseidon is known for stunning seafood dishes and craft beer, while Jake's Del Mar delights guests with breathtaking views, chef-driven coastal cuisine, and a lovely Sunday brunch. Global Mediterranean flavors and easy elegance shine at Chef Christophe’s Beeside Balcony, and the vibrant menu of locally sourced ingredients and fresh-caught seafood is as much a feast for the eyes as the palate. One of our personal favorites is MARKET Restaurant + Bar. It has a great atmosphere, an impressively designed menu, and continues to be one of the highest Zagat rated restaurants in Southern California. Stop in at Monarch Ocean Pub for a more casual apres-beach bite and serene ocean views, or try the elevated ocean-to-table fare at Pacifica Del Mar. Spend the day at the upscale Del Mar Plaza and indulge in everything from boutique shopping and salon treatments to oceanfront dining and music.
Things to Do
Del Mar has been entertaining residents for well over a century and lays claim to some of Southern California’s most iconic events. Bing Crosby changed the face of Del Mar’s social scene when he invested in a small racetrack near his own equestrian estate, and his charm and roster of celebrity friends turned this little venture into the now famed Del Mar Race Track. Held at the equally famous Del Mar Fairgrounds, this community favorite is only one of many iconic events open to Del Mar residents. The beloved San Diego County Fair calls the Fairgrounds home, as do special exhibits, art shows, and weekly events. Horses aren’t the only four-legged friends to get in on the scene – Del Mar Dog Beach caters to beloved canines with a leash-free space for dogs to run and play. Annual highlights on the Del Mar social calendar include the festive Santa to the Sea event, while the Del Mar Farmers’ Market delights gourmands every Saturday.