Explore Del Mar according to your travel interests: the coast is ideal for beach activities, while nature, local history, and Del Mar Village offer other highlights.
Beaches and Coastal Nature
The beaches offer more than two miles of sandy coastline for relaxing, walking, or running. The main beach stretches from 15th Street to the river mouth, River Mouth. This figure applies to the beaches overall.
North of 29th Street is North Beach, also called Dog Beach. It stretches almost half a mile to the border with Solana Beach. Its name and geographic reference points locate this stretch of beach along the coast.
At the northern end of Del Mar is Scripps Bluff Preserve. It offers views of the San Diego coast, as well as native plants, coastal birds, and other wildlife. So, in addition to beach activities, visitors can also choose to focus on the views and coastal nature: the beaches offer room for walking or running, while the preserve focuses on scenery and wildlife.
Swimming is possible at River Mouth/Dog Beach. Beach conditions can vary, so check with local lifeguards before swimming.
Getting Around Del Mar Village
Del Mar Village can be explored without a car; shops, services, restaurants, and boutique hotels are within walking distance in the heart of the Village. The Village is also easy to explore by bike. Walking and cycling are two different ways to explore the Village.
History and Art
A historic walking tour of Del Mar Village introduces visitors to the history of the Village of Del Mar. In the tour area, smartphone and tablet users can follow links on signs to access detailed information about buildings. The tour thus combines a walk with digital information about individual buildings: the walk conveys local history, while the signs draw attention to the buildings.
The Stratford Square Building was designated a historic landmark in 1978 and houses a history museum inside. A sculpture by James Hubbell stands in front of the Del Mar Library.
Contemporary art is also part of Del Mar’s public image. The 2025–2027 temporary outdoor sculpture program has presented five contemporary sculptures in downtown Del Mar since July 2025; the public display is scheduled to last 23 months. The individual work in front of the library and the time-limited sculpture program downtown thus represent different ways to experience art.
The Del Mar Turf Club began leasing the racetrack to host its annual thoroughbred horse races there.
Discover more destinations: National City, Valley Center, Fallbrook, Julian, Palomar Mountain, Escondido, La Mesa, Borrego Springs
For the main travel overview: San Diego.
