Del Mar: Beaches, Nature and Local History

Del Mar combines a long sandy coastline with a Village that’s easy to explore on foot and by bike. Its beaches offer more than two miles of sandy shore for relaxing, strolling or running. As you plan your trip, you can focus on different interests: beach time, nature and local history each offer their own points of interest.

Beaches and Nature

The main beach stretches from 15th Street to the River Mouth. North Beach, also called Dog Beach, lies north of 29th Street and extends for almost half a mile to the Solana Beach boundary. Streets, the river mouth and the community boundary help distinguish the named beach areas. Swimming is possible at River Mouth/Dog Beach. Since beach conditions can vary, check with local lifeguards before swimming.

At Del Mar’s northern end is Scripps Bluff Preserve. The preserve offers views of the San Diego coastline, as well as native plants, coastal birds and other wildlife. This brings the area’s natural features into focus alongside its sandy coastline. If you’re primarily interested in beach activities, the named areas offer clear reference points; Scripps Bluff Preserve adds coastal scenery and wildlife to the picture.

Del Mar Village on Foot and by Bike

Del Mar Village can be explored without a car. In the heart of the Village, shops, services, restaurants and boutique hotels are within walking distance. The Village is also easy to explore by bike. These two options offer a different perspective from the long stretches of beach: here, you can focus your stay on the Village’s offerings and routes without assuming that any particular hotel amenities are available.

History and Art in the Village

A historic walking tour of Del Mar Village introduces visitors to the history of the Village of Del Mar. Along the tour route, smartphone and tablet users can follow links on plaques to find detailed information about buildings. This lets you combine the walk with information about individual structures. The Stratford Square Building was designated a historic landmark in 1978 and houses a historical museum inside. A sculpture by James Hubbell stands in front of the Del Mar Library.

Contemporary art is also part of the local landscape. The 2025–2027 temporary outdoor sculpture program began in July 2025: five contemporary sculptures are on public display in the city center for 23 months. Another historical connection is the Del Mar Turf Club, which originally began leasing the racetrack for annual Thoroughbred races. Together, these topics offer different ways to explore local history—from a building and its landmark designation to public art and the history of the racetrack.

Focus for Your Stay

If the coast is your main focus, the length of the sandy beaches and the named areas provide different points of reference. For nature lovers, Scripps Bluff Preserve, with its views, plants and wildlife, offers a focus of its own. In the Village, you can combine walking routes, biking and historical topics. As you choose where to stay, consider which side of Del Mar interests you most; the Village center and the coast offer different themes, and neither needs to take the place of the other.

Discover more destinations: Santee, Ramona, Solana Beach, Bonsall, Lakeside, Carlsbad, Descanso, San Diego

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