Between San Diego And Laguna Beach Is A Laid-Back Beach City With Coastal Parks

There are so many small, quieter destinations outside California's crowded cities that more travelers should know about. Del Mar, California, is one of them. With more than 2 miles of gorgeous coastline, thousands of acres of parks, and a vibrant downtown scene, it's obvious why people have been coming to this city to get away for a long time. Its location is also perfect for folks seeking a quaint coastal experience outside of California's big cities that's still easy to get to: Del Mar is a short 30-minute drive north of San Diego and just an hour south of Laguna Beach.

Del Mar is home to fairgrounds that host roughly 350 events each year. For example, it's the host of the annual San Diego County Fair each summer, a massive celebration of Southern California food, history, and culture. Del Mar also has a famous racetrack where, since the 1930s, it has hosted thoroughbred horse racing events. In fact, it's the second-largest horse track in the Western United States, and there are tons of events and festivities during the racing season here that make the city come alive.

Don't let the bustling fairgrounds and racetrack fool you, though. This beach town's identity is deeply rooted in its history as a destination for retreating from the city and dipping into the natural rhythms of the Pacific. People come here first and foremost to get a taste of quintessential California sun, sand, and surf. If you're looking for a quiet place for swimming, picnics, and watching the sunset with sand between your toes, you won't be disappointed.

One of the most beloved beaches in Del Mar is Dog Beach. Officially, it's called North Beach but got its name because local leash laws relax after Labor Day and allow dogs to be off leash here until mid-June. Visitors note that there's a fun and friendly atmosphere at Dog Beach, with both locals and travelers from afar bringing their dogs to play and enjoy the shoreline. There is nearby parking if you have a car, or it's about a 30-minute walk north of downtown Del Mar. While this is a pet lover's paradise, it may not be the best option if you just want to relax in the sand. For that, you might want to head over to Powerhouse Park.

Powerhouse Park is where Del Mar's main beach begins, running northward. It's a lush, green waterfront park that rolls into the sandy beach with several facilities that make it a great place to pitch an umbrella for a full beach day. Pack a picnic and enjoy your spread on one of the park's many picnic tables, or enjoy local cuisine that includes exquisitely fresh seafood. There are a dozen or so restaurants and coffee shops within walking distance of the beach.

On the southern end of Del Mar's coastline sits a real gem. While it may not be the "crown jewel of California's state park system" (that nickname is reserved for Point Lobos State Natural Reserve), the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and Torrey Pines State Beach still form an oasis of natural beauty, offering majestic views of red-hued sandstone bluffs overlooking the ocean, an abundance of wildlife, and access to 4.5 miles of sandy beach. The reserve, which adjoins the beach, comprises 2,000 acres that include one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California. Take a hike along one of the park's several trails and you might spot bobcats, foxes, skunks, raccoons, coyotes, and rabbits. From the Beach Trail and Razor Point Trail, visitors can spot some of the 20,000 gray whales (several per hour) migrating southward.

Del Mar is highly accessible from San Diego. You can certainly drive, and the Pacific Coast Highway offers a rather scenic route. But many visitors have noted that parking in Del Mar can be a real headache, not to mention expensive. Luckily, Del Mar is small and super walkable, so if you wanted to save yourself the hassle, you could take the bus or bike there. The Pacific Coast Highway is a popular route for cyclists who feel comfortable road biking. The route is mostly flat but includes some challenging hills along the Torrey Pines section — with ocean views that might make the extra effort totally worth it.

Accommodations in Del Mar tend to be more upscale, which is consistent with its history as a retreat destination for Hollywood's elite. There are a handful of mid-sized hotels, luxury resorts, and smaller boutique inns. There are also private residences available on short-term rental platforms, but these, too, tend to be relatively expensive.

This is a destination that remains inviting all year round. But if you're looking to meet Del Mar at its most laid-back, try going in the fall. You will have much more space and quiet on the beaches, and the weather will still be warm and sunny. It's also just after all of the major summer festivities have happened, when the city begins to adopt a slower pace. That said, even during peak season, you can usually find a few local hideaway spots tucked in between the bluffs that make Del Mar feel like a world apart.