When you think of a classic, laidback Southern California beach community, you’re probably picturing Del Mar! Less than two square miles in size, Del Mar is one of San Diego’s premier coastal communities, first established in 1885 as a seaside resort. 

But it’s not just known for its incredible beaches! From the Del Mar Racetrack, which presents the world-famous Del Mar Horse Races, to the San Diego County Fair (held in Del Mar each summer), to some of the best beachside dining in the county, to perhaps the most incredible coastal weather in the continental United States… Well, Del Mar offers something for everyone!

 

 

Quiet, upscale, and clean, Del Mar has both some of the best beaches in San Diego and one of the best overall lifestyles. There’s a reason it’s currently ranked #1 in the list of Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in San Diego and #1 in Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in San Diego County on Niche.com. You can expect to spend your weekends lounging on the beach, hiking in nearby Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, or enjoying fine wine and seafood as you watch the sunset over the Pacific from your back porch!

This isn’t just some chilled-out beach town though. There are plenty of opportunities for growth. Del Mar was ranked #2 in Best Suburbs for Young Professionals in the San Diego Area by Niche.com, and nearly 90% of employed Del Mar residents are white-collar workers. When you live in Del Mar, you’ll enjoy everything you could hope to have from a beachside community. You’ll have the laidback, relaxed lifestyle of a classic California beach town, but remain connected to the cultural hub of San Diego, just a short drive away from the I-5, downtown, and the rest of San Diego proper.

 

 

Del Mar’s most famous outdoor destination is Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, which is perhaps the most famous outdoor destination in all of San Diego! Named for the endemic (and rare) Torrey pine, this 2,000-acre park is the wildest stretch of land on the Southern California coast, and features eight miles of trails weaving in and out of the rocky coastal cliffside. 

Of course, we’d be remiss to not mention Del Mar North Dog Beach and the Del Mar Rivermouth Dog Beach, because both welcome furry friends! Other classic Del Mar beaches include Powerhouse Park, home to expansive grass lawns ideal for a family picnic, and the mellower South Beach, which is perfect to escape the crowds. Nearby Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, featuring a sprawling 3,700 acres and nearly 12 miles of trails, is another great outdoor destination.

 

 

The cuisine in Del Mar spans the gamut of the finest San Diego has to offer, but you can’t be at home in Del Mar without sampling the exquisite seafood. From chill local spots like Poseidon, Jake’s Del Mar, and Pacifica Del Mar to the first and only two-star Michelin restaurant in San Diego County, Addison, there’s dining for everyone! (Addison is also Southern California's only Five Diamond and Five-Star restaurant…It’s well worth a visit.) If you’re a beer connoisseur, don’t miss Viewpoint Brewing, the first brewery in the San Diego area!

The shopping is just as good as the cuisine, if not better! According to USA Today, “what awaits shoppers is the creme de la creme of stores. There are no major malls here and very few chain stores.” Instead, you’ll find boutiques galore ranging from high-end children's wear to gifts and accessories for the entire family. Local favorites include Julie’s Beachwear, perfect for snagging a stylish swimsuit, Annmarie D'Ercole Jewelry, offering myriad handmade jewelry pieces, and of course Del Mar Plaza, the central hub of Del Mar’s shopping scene.

 

 

Although Del Mar spans less than two square miles and is home to barely more than 4,000 people, it features some of the best schools in both San Diego County and the country at large! Niche.com ranked it the third-best suburb in California for its public schools, and even ranked it 20th in the entire United States! So it’s no surprise that several Del Mar area schools were awarded the prestigious “A+” grade by Niche.com, including Torrey Pines High School, Canyon Crest Academy, San Dieguito High Academy, and Earl Warren Middle School.