Things to Do in Del Mar, California
Southern California is home to a plethora of fun activities and things to do, from local wining and dining to outdoor recreation. Del Mar is the perfect place to enjoy a day out with friends or family, and there's something for everyone!
Whether you're in town for the San Diego County Fair or Thoroughbred horse racing season, there is something to enjoy. You can take in the view from the pier, visit a historic mansion or get a little bit of exercise on the beach.
The Del Mar Horse Racing Club is an excellent option for visitors who want to watch the races and see horses up close. Their stables are located at the end of Pacific Coast Highway.
Del Mar is a small beach town that's filled with great restaurants, a lively downtown, and an array of attractions for the whole family to enjoy. One of the best places to spend a day in town is the Cedros Design District, where you'll find plenty of independent boutiques and shops housed in Quonset huts from the 1940s.
There are also plenty of great shops and restaurants in the center of town, including the Frustrated Cowboy for western gear and Ooh La La for crystal-embellished blouses, lace-and-ruffle tops, and wildly striped sundresses.
Another great place to visit is the revitalized oceanfront Plaza, where you can grab a bite at some of the best restaurants in Del Mar while sipping a refreshing margarita or horchata. You can even rent bikes and ride the bike path that runs from the Del Mar Plaza to the beach.
You can also take a stroll down Ocean Boulevard to visit the Goldenrod Footbridge, a 1928-built structure that offers beautiful ocean views. Or, head down to Pirates Cove, a popular beach for families, to see the cliffs and caves that appear on TV's Gilligan's Island.
A short drive away is Hearst Castle, where you can tour a Victorian-style home that was built in the 1930s to showcase the massive art and furniture collections of the famous newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst. There are a number of tours available, so you can experience all the history this magnificent structure has to offer.
Hearst Castle is open to the public on selected days throughout the year and offers a fascinating glimpse into the opulent life of Hearst, as well as the surrounding area's natural beauty. You can also check out Hearst Museum, a unique exhibition of his extensive collection that includes original furnishings and artwork.
Lastly, don't forget to visit the Del Mar Farmers Market and sample the freshest ingredients from the area. You can find a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and other produce at the market, which is held every Saturday from 1-4 pm.
If you're traveling with your dog, be sure to visit Dog Beach, a sandy strand just a few blocks south of the Del Mar Racetrack. This dog-friendly stretch of sand is great for running and playing. From Labor Day through mid-June, dogs are allowed to run freely off-leash on this half-mile strip of sand between 29th Street and the Solana Beach border.