June 30th, 2009 - Five Things You Must Do When Visiting Del Mar California
The beach town of Del Mar California is one of the most beautiful destinations along the SoCal coast of the Pacific Ocean. Situated on the northern edge of the city of San Diego, Del Mar is a quaint historical village that serves as a backdrop to a seaside resort where Hollywood stars Bing Crosby and Jimmy Durante built a horse race track in the 1930s.
1. The Place To Be Is Epazote
Del Mar’s downtown village was developed back in the 1800s. Here you will find upscale clothiers, chic jewelers, eclectic Asian and European importers plus more than 65 other shops, resorts, inns, bed and breakfasts and hotels. Hungry? In the downtown area alone you will find more than 20 unique restaurants of every stripe, many with drop-dead gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean as you dine.
One of our favorites for outdoor “ocean-view” dining is Epazote, a great place for lunch. It’s sunshine-splashed outdoor patio swells with sea breezes and sweeping panoramic views of the ocean. Epazote is also one of Del Mar’s popular night spots featuring a fun but noisy bar with an upscale and sophisticated feel. You can have a few margaritas and walk back to your bed and breakfast or hotel. The fare at Epazote is creative, tasty and unique.
2. Hike Through Abstract Red Rock Canyons
At the southern edge of Del Mar, along the Pacific Coast, Torrey Pines State Park is a 1700 acre natural habitat to the rare Torrey Pine. The park offers seven hiking trails with stunning views of wind bent trees, abstract sandstone formations, wildflower fields and the sea below, all of which is constantly changing as the sun and cloud formations move to change the lighting. Locals park just outside the park in the free parking lot along the ocean and Highway 101 and walk up the hill to the Nature Center. In spring and early summer the hillsides are covered with native plants and spectacular blooms of wildflowers. You can easily spend a whole day hiking up the cliffs and down to the ocean through red sandstone canyons carved thousands of years ago.
3. Come Sail Away In Your Beautiful Balloon
Every evening we see them from Encinitas - hot air balloons, specs in the distance, soaring through the sky just before sunset after taking off from Del Mar. We have been “up there” and can testify that a balloon ride is a one-of-a-kind experience. You can’t help but gain a unique perspective of the immenseness of the Pacific Ocean and sweeping San Diego countryside. Our usual sunny skies and calm morning and evening winds allow you to experience what it’s like to float among the clouds. Hot air balloon companies have sunrise and sunset tours - weather permitting - from Del Mar.
Many describe flying in a hot air balloon as one of the most serene, enjoyable activities they’ve every experienced. Sunny skies and a heavenly sunset allow you to experience what it’s like to float among the clouds. If you’re staying at a hotel in Del Mar, you can experience the views and flights of a lifetime with Panorama Balloon Tours, Skysurfrer Balloon Tours or Magical Adventures. Simply Google them for information.
4. Get The Tan Of A Lifetime
Located just north of Torrey Pines reserve, Del Mar Beach is a beach-lover’s delight, a great spot for families, friends and surfers who enjoy its wide expanse of soft sand. Swimming, loafing, sunning, walking, jogging, surfing, body boarding, boogie boarding and even grunion hunting are just a few of the activities you will enjoy here. In town, the most popular beach is at the end of 15th Street. Crowded year-around with families, couples, friends and surfers, parking can be a problem at 15th Street, and even if you find a space, you must feed the meters. Parking is free on 17th Street if you get there early in the day - during the summer the parking spaces fill early. Lodging and accommodations can be found throughout the area, from cute and intimate Del Mar bed and breakfasts to the more traditional hotels in Del Mar.
5. Pedal Around Town
Historic Coast Highway 101 runs through the center of downtown Del Mar and is one of San Diego County’s best cycling routes. Distance bikers start their rides in Del Mar and head either south to Torrey Pines Reserve or north to Solana Beach, Encinitas and Carlsbad. For less intense riders, bicycling is one of the simplest ways to have fun, enjoy the wonderful Del Mar scenery and stay fit and in-shape, especially if you’re enjoying the breakfasts at one of the Del Mar Bed and Breakfasts, inns or hotels in town. With great biking weather all year, you can ride up and down quiet residential streets and along the ocean until you’re ready for lunch - Epazote anyone?
