23 Great Things About Del Mar
Bing Crosby sang it right — Del Mar certainly is a charming beachside town "where the turf meets the surf," where the upscale and the casual blend together seamlessly to create a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike. Here are 23 highlights. — Mia Stefanko, photography by Vincent Knakal

Powerhouse Park & Community Center
Originally built in 1928 and brimming with history, Powerhouse today offers numerous community events including Summer Solstice featuring silent/live auctions, culinary creations from Del Mar restaurants, and selections from some of California’s best wineries and breweries. Also a favorite are the Summer Twilight Concerts where local families and visitors bring blankets, chairs, and picnic materials to enjoy featured musical guests (August 19 features Cactus Twang & Whyte, Grano & Nash, and Eve Selis; and September 21 features Soul Seduction). Powerhouse Community Center is also available to rent for special events.

The Brigantine’s Fish Tacos
We’ve written about them before — the Brig’s fish tacos are definitely one of the great things about Del Mar. Upon warm corn tortillas rests a generous portion of Alaska Pollock dipped in batter made from Brig Brew and fried to a perfect golden-brown, red cabbage, salsa fresca, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and a lime wedge. To top it off, a seat on the outdoor patio affords fantastic views of the Del Mar Race Track.

Del Mar Television Foundation
Del Mar Television Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to providing programming, communication, education, training, and historical archiving for Del Mar and surrounding communities. With its own public access TV station (DMTV24), Del Mar Hot Topics addresses issues of public policy, allowing residents of Del Mar to evaluate important policy matters by hearing both sides of issues.

The Dredging Project — San Dieguito Lagoon With Its New River Path
The area just west of I-5 near the fairgrounds is returning to its natural state as a habitat for numerous wildlife including ducks, blue heron, fish, frogs, snakes, lizards, and more. This $86 million restoration project is being funded by Southern California Edison (SCE) to make 160 acres of wetlands (500 acres total) a healthy tidal basin with adjoining uplands that will be home to over 145 different bird species. SCE is also hand-planting over 350,000 seed-grown specimens of pickle weed, jaumea, salt grass, and other marshland natives.

Pelly’s Mini Golf
Located in Del Mar Golf Center are two 18-hole mini golf courses that feature life-like marine animals created by local artist Gerry Kirk and holes themed after local surf breaks. The courses were designed in cooperation with the Surfrider Foundation and Birch Aquarium at Scripps to not only entertain, but also educate participants about one of our most precious resources — the ocean.

L’Auberge Del Mar
L’Auberge is a favorite among locals not only for its stunning new renovation, but also for its historic roots. The story dates back to 1910, when the landmark property first opened as The Stratford Inn. In 1926, the name was changed to Hotel Del Mar to more closely identify with the popular beach town. Starting in 1937 with the opening of the Del Mar Race Track, the property then became a destination for visiting Hollywood movie stars. The legacy lives on today as L’Auberge continues to be a leading San Diego retreat.

Free Flight At Animal And Bird Hospital Of Del Mar
Under the direction of Robert Stonebreaker, DVM, Free Flight is a garden sanctuary for exotic birds including cockatoos, parrots, and more. Birds are stationed on perches and in cages, some calling out to be held, and others to be admired. All proceeds go toward the care and support of the birds, many of which have been discarded or have out-lived their owners. Boarding is also available.

The Beaches
Del Mar’s many beautiful beaches, from 4th Street through Del Mar Dog Beach, offer something for every type of beachgoer. Local favorites include the 8th and 11th Street surf breaks, 15th Street for its family-friendly atmosphere, and Dog Beach, as Fido can run free from the day after Labor Day until June 15.

Del Mar Junior Guards
Two-, four-, and five-week junior lifeguard programs teach those ages 9 to 17 about sportsmanship, teamwork, respect of the beach and ocean, rescue techniques, first aid, and CPR. Participants also enjoy Junior Lifeguard Competitions, field trips, and an awards banquet at the end of each session. A Little Turtles program is available for those ages 7 and 8.

Flower Hill Promenade
A community staple for 30 years, Flower Hill Promenade offers an upscale collection of 42 specialty shops and restaurants including The Rare Earth, Thinker Things, Dig, Tatiana, Madison Leather & Luggage, Buddy’s, Milton’s, Paradise Grille, and more, as well as an UltraStar Cinemas.

The Del Mar Race Track
A much-anticipated tradition since it opened in 1937 through a partnership with Bing Crosby, Pat O’Brien, Jimmy Durante, and Charles S. Howard, the Del Mar Race Track offers high-quality horse racing at one of the premier racetracks in the country. Not-to-miss dates include opening day, the Pacific Classic Day (August 24), Four O’Clock Friday concerts, Party in the Paddock (September 3), and more.

Del Mar Plaza
Nestled in the heart of the village of Del Mar, Del Mar Plaza houses myriad fashion, jewelry, and home décor boutiques including San Diego Beachwear, Jolie Femme, Bayley, and more; as well as a handful of spectacular restaurants such as Epazote and Pacifica Del Mar — perfect for sweeping sunsets at happy hour, as well as delectable cuisine.

Beachfront Dining
Few restaurants in San Diego can rival the prime oceanfront location upon which The Poseidon and Jake’s Del Mar reside. Patrons can soak in the ultimate Southern Californian experience with dramatic beachfront views of the surfers, sunbathers, and ocean lovers just steps away.

Weddings At Seagrove Park
Though visible to passersby, weddings at Seagrove Park offer an intimate, acoustic gathering for up to 200 people with breathtaking views of the sparkling blue Pacific.

Americana For Breakfast
Occupying a most quaint location in the historic Stratford Court building at the southwest corner of 15th Street and Camino Del Mar lies Americana Restaurant, the brainchild of restaurateur Randy Gruber, which offers mouthwatering breakfast creations such as Lina’s Breakfast Sandwich (scrambled eggs, chicken apple sausage, roasted tomato, spinach, and goat cheese on Tuscan toast), and fresh-squeezed juices (lunch and dinner are also not to be missed).

Hot Air Ballooning
Hot Air Flyer and Skysurfer Hot Air Balloon Rides are just two of the myriad hot air balloon companies available to sweep you off your feet and offer breathtaking views of the Del Mar region and the ocean beyond. Specific offerings vary, but most include chilled beverages served in-flight, snacks and hors d’oeuvres, transportation to/from the launch site, and a commemorative photo.

The San Diego County Fair
Born in 1880 as an agricultural fair to bring county farmers together to share ideas, see who had the best citrus fruit and pies, and who had the fastest horse, the San Diego County Fair today is one of four major annual events that takes place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Known affectionately to locals as the Del Mar Fair, this festive event offers food vendors galore, exhibitors of all kinds, farm animals, carnival rides, art exhibitions, musical entertainment, and more.

Holidays In Del Mar
Holidays come to life in Del Mar. Holiday Wonderland (December 7) is a festive event featuring entertainment and activities that encompass the entire downtown area with samples from over 20 local restaurants, a holiday gift bazaar, horse and carriage rides, live music, a visit from Santa, a fun zone, arts and crafts, a cake walk, and a tree lighting ceremony at dusk. Nearby, Holiday of Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is the largest animated drive-through light show on the West Coast, with over 400 twinkling displays located around the racetrack.

The Taste And Art Stroll In Del Mar
Hosted by the Del Mar Village Association, this annual event features a free art stroll and a ticketed restaurant taste along Camino Del Mar. Artist’s tents feature juried original artwork by over 70 talented local and regional artists. This celebration of art and cuisine also includes live music, a children’s interactive art area, and a pet stroll.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Though technically not in the city of Del Mar, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers 2,000 acres of and nearly just as it was before San Diego was developed — with Torrey pine trees, the chaparral plant community, unspoiled beaches, and a lagoon vital to migrating seabirds. Eight miles of trails afford breathtaking views of the ocean below, and locals enjoy guided nature walks on weekends and holidays.

Rock Haus
On the northeast corner of 15th Street and Luneta stands a home originally built in 1910 by Henry W. Keller, one of the original members of the South Coast Land Company, who lived there when the Stratford Inn was being constructed. The large rocks embedded in its exterior walls give it its name, Rock Haus. During Prohibition in the 1920s, the home earned a reputation from rumors of prostitution, gambling, and rum running. In 1981, Tom and Carol Hauser bought the property and opened a bed-and-breakfast. It is currently a private residence.

The Castle
Originally called La Casa de Sueña, this dream house of Massachusetts transplants, Marston (a textile magnate) and Ruth Fitzhugh Harding, is considered 1920s architect Richard Requa’s masterpiece. Perched atop the crest of old Del Mar upon three acres of land, this classic 1927 Spanish-style home incorporates antique 18th century fixtures collected by the Hardings and custom architectural elements specified in 38 pages of Requa’s hand-drawn plans now in the archives of the San Diego Historical Society.

The Snake Wall Property
Occupying 23 acres on a hill above the San Dieguito Lagoon, the Snake Wall Property was developed in 1925 by Coy Burnett, president of the Monolith Portland Cement Company. Requa designed an expansive mansion for the Burnett family, which had a seven-room house below it for his servants, along with several other buildings. The main house burned down in 1941, but the servant’s house still exists today. A new home now occupies the upper portion of the property. The massive cement wall that surrounds the estate is rumored to have been built for Burnett’ daughter, Valentine, who was deathly afraid of snakes.