DEL MAR

 

 

The peaceful enclave of Del Mar sports all the peaceful vibes and Old Hollywood glamor of its early days as a celebrity resort town. Golden Age stars began building homes here in the 1930s and created a coastal paradise of privacy and lavish living. Bing Crosby led the charge and even founded the iconic Del Mar Race Track. The glitter of Tinsel Town’s elite founders is outshined only by the area’s stunning terrain and dazzling wild beauty, which includes the majestic Torrey Pine — in fact, Del Mar is one of only two locations where the endangered plant grows, and the community takes care to cultivate and protect this and other species of plants and wildlife.

While Del Mar’s original real estate scene featured cozy cottages and beach bungalows, today’s properties take on luxurious, modern designs and an air of opulence. Oceanfront estates are truly spectacular, with indoor-outdoor conversion walls and lush landscaping to highlight the seaside scenery.

 

Originally built as a resort town, Del Mar retains a sense of easy elegance and effortless grandeur. Today residents bask in the glory of the pristine coastline, the tranquil atmosphere, and the unique topography weaving throughout the area.

The community is committed to preserving the natural terrain and vintage glamor, and locals can often be found strolling the sugar-white beaches, hiking the picturesque hills, or dining at Del Mar’s world-class restaurants.

 

Fresh seafood and oceanside views make Jake’s Del Mar a coveted spot for lunch or dinner. The scenery here is matched only by the grandeur of the renowned Sunday brunch, which offers standouts like ahi Benedict and achiote roasted fish. The New American cuisine at Sbicca shines with classic coastal flavors, and the rooftop terrace is perfect for alfresco dining.

Pacifica Del Mar is renowned for its impeccable service, exceptional views, and luxe menu of artful creations like sugar-spiced salmon and lemongrass poached shrimp. The Del Mar Plaza perfectly captures the town’s breezy elegance and refined tastes, offering an array of upscale boutiques and lavish spa services. The refined menu at Adelaide showcases the freshest seafood and finest coastal flavors. This posh eatery is set inside the lovely L’Auberge Del Mar, a seaside retreat with sumptuous spa services, tennis courts, and airy rooms evoking the vintage glamour of Del Mar’s art deco days.

 

Del Mar would not be the town it is today without the influence of Hollywood’s Golden Age stars, and the legendary Del Mar Race Track is proof. When this local landmark first opened in 1937, Bing Crosby himself greeted guests.

 

Today the race track is housed at the famous Del Mar Fairgrounds, which is also home to several festivals throughout the year, like the delightful Snow N Glow Holiday Festival. This colorful holiday celebration invites guests to go sledding down the mountain, make s’mores in an igloo, build a snow village, and enjoy homemade hot chocolate while gazing at the glowing light display.

Del Mar residents love their dogs, and the canine-friendly Del Mar Dog Beach allows pups to play freely, splash in the waves, and lounge on the beach with their people.