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CARMEL VALLEY HOMES FOR SALE

JUST LISTED CARMEL VALLEY HOMES

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ABOUT CARMEL VALLEY

Located just east of Torrey Pines, Carmel Valley is the most northwestern community of San Diego and is part of the 92130 zip code.

One of the newer towns in San Diego, having been established in 1975, Carmel Valley was an early experimenter in smart growth and has steadily developed itself into a wonderful place to live given its close proximity (1.5 miles) to beautiful beaches, its top rated school system and its overall quality of life.

It is important to know that Carmel Valley shares the 92130 zip code with other completely separate master planned communities.

But because Carmel Valley was the first community built, most people tend to think of these other communities as a part of it. However, this isn’t true.

Still, for our purposes here, we will consider these neighboring communities as such and include them in this guide.

CARMEL VALLEY  REAL ESTATE INSIGHTS

DETACHED HOMES IN CARMEL VALLEY

CARMEL VALLEY NEIGHBORHOODS

CARMEL COUNTRY HIGHLANDS

AVAILABLE HOMES IN CARMEL COUNTRY HIGHLANDSCLICK TO VIEW

Country Highlands sits on a ridge that offers views of rolling hills, canyons, downtown San Diego and the Pacific Ocean.

It is located east of Interstate 5, south of Carmel Country Road and Highway 56, and west of the junction of Carmel Country Road and Carmel Mountain Road. The southern border of the neighborhood travels just below Carmel Mountain Road.

There are 10 communities within Carmel Country Highlands.

Homes range from 2 bedroom, 1,200 sq,ft. townhomes to 8 bedroom 4,800 sq.ft. homes on up to 0.3 acres. Typical price range is $650,000 to $2.5M.

CENTRAL CARMEL VALLEY

Central Carmel Valley is an area that is approximately bordered by El Camino Real to the west, Del Mar Heights Road to the north, Carmel Canyon Road to the east and Route 56 to the south.

There are 20 communities within Central Carmel Valley. Homes range from two bedroom, 1,100 sq,ft. townhomes to five and six bedroom homes of up to 3,500 sq.ft., on 0.15 acres. Prices typically range from $600,000 to $1.6M.

CENTRAL EAST CARMEL VALLEY

Central East Carmel Valley is an area that is approximately bordered by Old Carmel Valley Road to the east, Del Mar Heights Road to the north, Carmel Canyon Road to the west and Route 56 to the south.

There are 14 communities within Central East Carmel Valley. Homes are all detached and range from four to six bedrooms, 2,200-4,500 sq.ft., and with lots up to 0.3 acres. Prices typically range from $1M to $2M.

DEL MAR MESA

Del Mar Mesa is a beautiful neighborhood located on a sweeping plateau that looms over Carmel Valley and Los Peñasquitos Canyon.
It is located east of Interstate 5 and Carmel Country Road, south of Route 56 and is bordered to the north by Carmel Mountain Road.

685 homes on just over 2,000 acres make up this neighborhood that also includes 900 acres of preserved open space. Most of the homes in Del Mar are in small enclaves of luxury estates and custom builds.

There are 13 communities within Del Mar Mesa. Homes are all detached and range from 4 to 8 bedrooms with between 3,500-9,000 sq.ft. Lot sizes average between 0.3 to almost 1 acre. Typical price range is from $2M to $5M.

MEADOWS DEL MAR

Meadows Del Mar is is a gorgeous gated residential community that sits among The Grand Golf Club, fearturing San Diego’s only Tom Fazio-designed course. The 134 stunning single-family homes offer golf course, ocean or hillside views. Most homes are over 5,000 square feet, with floor plans that include at least 5 bedrooms. Lot sizes average 0.3 acres. Homes are all detached with typical prices between $2.3M and $3.5M.

Neighboring the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Meadows Del Mar is located three miles from Torrey Pines State Beach, east of Interstate 5 and south of Route 56.
Access is via Carmel Country Road to Grand Del Mar Way, which then leads to Meadows Del Mar.

NORTH CARMEL VALLEY

North Carmel Valley is an area approximately bordered by Pacific Highlands Ranch to the east, San Dieguito Road to the north, Interstate 5 to the east and Del Mar Heights Road to the south.

There are 27 communities within North Carmel Valley. All homes are detached and range from three to six bedrooms, 2,300-4,700 sq.ft., and with lots up to 0.32 acres. Prices typically range from $1M to $2.4M.

PACIFIC HIGHLANDS RANCH

AVAILABLE HOMES IN PACIFIC HIGHLANDS RANCHCLICK TO VIEW

Pacific Highlands Ranch is a master planned community of over 2,600 acres.

It is bordered to the north by Fairbanks Ranch and Rancho Santa Fe, to the south by Del Mar Mesa, to the east by Torrey Highlands and to the west by Carmel Valley.

The neighborhood includes 1,300 protected, walkable acres of sage-scrub scented, preserved open space.

Communities are connected by Pacific Highlands Ranch’s winding multi-use trail system that links residents to resort-style recreation amenities.

There are 33 communities within Pacific Highlands Ranch.

Homes range from 2 bedroom, 1,400 sq,ft. townhomes to 5,000 sq.ft., 6 bedroom homes on 0.3 acres.

Prices typically range from $750,000 to $2M.

PALACIO DEL MAR

Palacio Del Mar is located just south of Highway 56, east of Carmel Country Road and north of The Grand Del Mar.
While most refer to it as Palacio, Palacio Del Mar is actually made up of Palacio and The Vintage.

The 420 homes were built in two phases in the mid-1990s by Pardee and McComic and there are six floor plans from which to choose. Most residences are two-story homes, but there are two single-level floor plans available. Homes are all detached and range in size from just under 2,000 square feet to about 3,500 square feet, most having at least four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Home prices typically range between $1M and $1.5M.

Palacio Del Mar is a guard-gated community that offers country club living with a golf course, fitness center, tennis courts and more just minutes from the beach, shopping centers, fine and casual dining, great schools and hiking trails. It is also a very family friendly neighborhood with community events and an active homeowners association.

RANCHO PACIFICA

Rancho Pacifica is considered one of the most exclusive communities in San Diego. It sits at the most north end of Carmel Valley, just southeast of El Camino Real and San Dieguito Road. It’s often assumed that it is part of Rancho Santa Fe, however, it is in fact part of Carmel Valley.

Rancho Pacifica features 148 custom estates situated among over 400 beautiful acres that offer sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Fairbanks Country Club, the Polo Fields and Gonzales Canyon.  The homes are all detached and are inspired by Mediterranean and Tuscan architecture and feature floorplans of approximately 5,000 to 14,000 square feet. Lots range in size from 0.25 to 2 acres. Home prices typically range between $2M and $9M.

TORREY HIGHLANDS

Torrey Highlands is split between two zip codes, the 92130 zip code that is part of this guide and the 92129 zip code which is part of Rancho Penasquitos.
Children living in Torrey Highlands (regardless of  zip code) attend schools within the Poway Unified School District.

Torrey Highlands is located east of Pacific Highlands Ranch, northeast of Del Mar Mesa, south of Black Mountain Ranch and west of Rancho Penasquitos. Route 56 bisects the area.

There are 7 communities, including the coveted Fairbanks Highland Estates address, within Torrey Highlands.
Homes in Torrey Highlands are all detached (in the 92130 zipcode) and range from three to eight bedrooms, 2,100 sq.ft. to 6,300 sq.ft., and up to 0.3 acre lots.
Price typically range from $900,000 to $2.8M.

TORREY HILLS

Originally named Sorrento Hills, Torrey Hills has been the official name since 2002. Encompassing 784 acres, it is located just east of Interstate 5, north and northwest of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, west of Carmel Valley and south of State Route 56 and Torrey View Estates.

There are 21 communities within Torrey Hills. Homes are all detached and range from two bedroom, 1,400 sq,ft. homes to six bedroom, five bath homes of 4,500sq.ft., on 0.2 acres. Prices typically range from $785,000 to $2M.

WEST CARMEL VALLEY CONDOS AND TOWNHOMES

Located along El Camino Real, running north from Route 56 to Del Mar Heights Road, and just east of Carmel Country Road.
This is the area that is most populated with townhomes and condos.

Floorplans range from one bedroom condos to four bedroom townhomes. Size ranges from 700 sq.ft. to 1,500 sq.ft.
Prices typically range from $350,000 to $860,000.

Most communities are an easy walk to Del Mar Highlands Town Center and the newly opened One Paseo.

CARMEL VALLEY WEATHER

The weather in Carmel Valley is excellent, much like the rest of San Diego.
The average high temperatures all year long are between 67 degrees and 81 degrees, while the average low temperatures range between 43 degrees and 62 degrees.
The average low temperatures Given that it almost two miles from the ocean, Carmel Valley will always be a couple of degrees warmer than the temperatures at the beach, but Carmel Valley benefits because it doesn’t have the marine layer that can cause the beach areas to sometimes be fogged in and damp. Areas like Pacific Highlands Ranch and Torrey Highlands, because they are farther east than Carmel Valley, could see temperatures be higher by about 2-3 degrees.

CARMEL VALLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

People come to Carmel Valley for the schools, which are some of the best in the nation. It may surprise new residents that the schools are not San Diego city schools, and there is not a single school district that is responsible for the space.

Carmel Valley (as does the entire 92130 zip code) public school students are served by multiple school districts, including the Solana Beach School District, Del Mar Union School District, San Dieguito Union High School District and Poway Unified School District (only for students living within Torrey Highlands).

Public middle and high school students are served by the San Dieguito Union High School District.
Students living in Torrey Highlands are served by the Poway Unified School District.

Carmel Valley Public Elementary Schools

According to the GreatSchools ranking system:
Carmel Creek, Carmel Del Mar, Del Mar Hills, Sage Canyon, Solana Highlands, Solana Pacific and Torrey Hills rank 10/10.
Adobe Bluffs, Ashley Falls, Deer Canyon, Del Mar Heights, Willow Grove and Ocean Air rank 9/10.
Sycamore Ridge ranks 8/10.

Carmel Valley Public Middle Schools

According to the GreatSchools ranking system:
Carmel Valley ranks 10/10.
Earl Warren and Mesa Verde rank 9/10.
Black Mountain ranks 8/10.

Carmel Valley Public High Schools

According to the GreatSchools ranking system:
Canyon Crest Academy, Torrey Pines and Westview rank 10/10.

CARMEL VALLEY PRIVATE SCHOOLS

There are many excellent choices when it comes to private schools in and around Carmel Valley, in fact, some are nationally renowned.
The private schools selected for this list are within a five mile radius of Carmel Valley.

CARMEL VALLEY COLLEGES

There are no colleges or universities located within Del Mar.
However, there are ten excellent two and four year schools that are within a 15 mile radius of Del Mar.

CARMEL VALLEY HEALTH CARE SERVICES

While there is no hospital actually in Del Mar, it is only a couple of minutes to two of the best in San Diego, Scripps and UCSD. There are two Scripps hospitals in La Jolla, Scripps Memorial and Scripps Green. UCSD offers the newly built Jacobs Medical Center and Thornton Pavilion.

If you are looking for a family doctor or a specialist, it is not necessary to leave Del Mar to find one to take care of you and your family.

CARMEL VALLEY BEACHES

Remember the Beach Boy’s classic song, “Surfing USA”? Well, Del Mar has the honor of being the first surf spot mentioned in the song when they sing “you’ll find them surfing at Del Mar…” There’s a reason that Del Mar is well known and the beaches have a lot to do with it.

THE BEST BEACHES IN DEL MAR

• Main Beach starts at Powerhouse Park and goes north all the way to the lagoon entrance at the San Dieguito River. There are plenty of access points and the beach is wide enough, sandy enough and good for all types of water activity.
• North Beach in Del Mar. The main part of this beach is on the north side of the San Dieguito River Lagoon entrance next to Camino del Mar. It is referred to by locals as Dog Beach because it’s the only place dogs can be off-leash (all day long from the day after Labor Day through June 15 and June 16 through Labor Day from dawn until 8:00am) on Del Mar city beaches. There are volleyball courts set up in the wide flat part of the beach by the road. Parking can be found along Camino del Mar behind the beach and also at 29th Street.
• South Beach in Del Mar is south of Powerhouse Park all the way to 6th Street at the north end of Torrey Pines State Beach. This beach is less crowded than Main Beach. It You can park near Powerhouse or Seagrove Park and explore on the beach as far south as you want. Free street parking can also be found near the west end of 13th through 6th Streets where you’ll have to cross the railroad tracks and then find a route down the cliffy bluff to the beach. The safest route down the bluff is at 11th Steet, but it’s easy to park at any of the numbered streets and walk along a dirt path next to the railroad tracks to get there.
• North Beach at Torrey Pines State Beach is on the north side of the lagoon entrance at Los Penasquitos Marsh Natural Preserve. The lagoon and wetlands are excellent for bird-watching. Like Torrey Pines South Beach across the marsh entrance channel, North Beach has a large parking lot with easy access and nice facilities. When the water is deep enough you can swim in the saltwater at the channel. When conditions are safe you can play in the surf here too, but the waves can be up and better suited for surfing which is popular. There are lifeguards on staff in the summer months.

DEL MAR PARKS

There are a number of beautiful parks in Del Mar. And as you would expect from this gorgeous coastal community, many of these parks offer breathtaking views.

THE BEST PARKS IN DEL MAR

• Powerhouse Park is located south of Seagrove Park on the way to Main Beach. It is the main waterfront park in Del Mar. It has large grass lawns, walking paths, showers, a playground for kids, picnic tables and benches. Restrooms are available at the lifeguard tower building just a short distance north.
• San Dieguito County Park is located aapproximately a mile east of Interstate 5 on Lomas Santa Fe Drive. The park offers a variety of recreational activities including five miles of hiking trails, five playgrounds, a basketball court, a wedding gazebo, pavilions and picnic areas and BBQs. It’s open daily from 9:30am to sunset. Parking is $3 dollars.

• Seagrove Park is a small grassy park on the ocean bluff just steps from downtown Del Mar. Walk down 15th street, crossing Coast Blvd and you’ll run right into it. It couldn’t be a more beautiful spot. There are benches scattered about with unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean. It is just a two minute walk from the park to Main Beach.

DEL MAR ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

La Jolla is home to world-class arts and entertainment.

THE BEST THEATRE AND MUSIC IN DEL MAR

Belly Up Tavern. Technically located in Solana Beach (but I’m counting it as part of Del Mar since it’s within a minute and it’s such a great spot) on Cedros Avenue, just south of Lomas Santa Fe Drive, the “Belly Up” has been a entertainment mainstay for forty years. In fact, Rolling Stone has called the 640 person capacity venue “one of the hottest live music clubs on the West Coast.” The Belly Up consistently earns the San Diego Music Awards’ honor for best live music venue in San Diego. The local landmark hosts concerts seven days a week. Genres include blues, jazz, country, folk, bluegrass, reggae, hip hop, rock and pop.

Concerts at the Del Mar Fair occur every year between the end of May through the beginning of June. In addition to the main stage, there are a number of smaller stages scattered around the fairgrounds. One would expect only cover or local bands on these stages, but in reality there often are some very well known national touring bands. Fair admission typically allows you the opportunity to see any of the bands. It’s a great deal on a summer night

KABOO Del Mar is located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, KABOO is a three day music and comedy festival that takes place each year in mid September. The festival offers a variety of sounds and styles and always includes a big name headliner each night. Typical attendance usually amounts to approximately 40,000 concertgoers over the three day period. The most inexpensive tickets cost approximately $125 per day.

North Coast Repertory Theatre. Located on Lomas Santa Fe Drive, technically in Solana Beach, “the rep”  a non-profit organization, has evolved into one of the area’s leading performing arts organizations, recognized for the quality of its work and its commitment to excellence. The theatre boasts an award-winning Mainstage season, with performances year-round to over 40,000 people in its intimate 194-seat setting.

WHERE TO EAT IN DEL MAR

Del Mar is home to some of the best restaurants in all of San Diego. The following list doesn’t include every spot, just  a good portion (pun intended) of the ones you should visit. Some spots in Solana Beach are included because they are within a minute of Del Mar and they shouldn’t be missed.

THE BEST BREAKFAST IN DEL MAR

AMERICANA RESTAURANT
The Americana is located on Camino del Mar at 15th Street.
It’s perfect corner location in The Village is enough (just a block from Seagrove Park and the Pacific Ocean) and outdoor seating practically ensures that is a good spot, but the food makes certain of it. It’s just a good, classic morning breakfast kind of place (though they serve lunch and dinner too).

CLAIRE’S ON CEDROS
Located on Cedros Ave, just north of Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Claire’s is a restaurant, cafe and bakery. Their space is LEED® Platinum certified, making it the first restaurant of this distinction in San Diego. The food is terrific. They specialize in fresh, homemade, California-style comfort food as well as a variety of homemade breads, pastries and desserts.

LOFTY COFFEE
Technically located in Solana Beach, within the Cedros Design District on Cedros Ave, it is so close to Del Mar, we are just going to count it as so. Lofty Coffee offers only outdoor seating. Theirs is a full menu of organic breakfast (and lunch) items that is sourced from local farms. Everything is excellent.

STRATFORD COURT
This is the kind of place that you could walk by a hundred times and not realize it’s there (even though it has been for decades). Stratford Court is situated on the grounds of an early 1900’s Cape-Cod style home. Located in the center of Olde Del Mar on Stratford Court, the Stratford offers a lovely garden setting for enjoying scrumptious breakfast selections, hearty sandwiches and salads, fresh baked pastries and cookies, smoothies, specialty coffee drinks and espresso.

THE BEST LUNCH IN DEL MAR

BOARD & BREW

Established in 1979, this is the original location. If you like great sandwiches, then run to this place fast. Located in The Village, on Camino Del Mar, this no frills sandwich shop will keep you coming back for more. Whatever you order, make sure you get “sauce” on the side. It is that good.

FLOWER CHILD

Though it is not born in Del Mar, you’d think it was based on how popular this place is. Whether you’re craving a taste of their bowls, grains, greens and wraps or looking to refresh with their flavored lemonades, kombucha or organic wine and beer, you’ll be happy that you did. Flower Child makes every last bite on their menu from scratch, using farm-fresh ingredients. Located within Flower Hill mall, just on the immediate east side of Interstate 5 off of Via De La Valle.

MILTON’S DELICATESSEN
Opened in 1995, Milton’s is a version of a traditional deli. From crunchy kosher pickles to piled high pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, steaming bowls of matzo ball soup, traditional brisket dinners, and a bakery boasting homemade recipes, there’s a reason why Milton’s has been successful for so long. Milton’s is located within the Flower Hill mall, off of Via De La Valle, just east of Interstate 5.

VIEWPOINT BREWING COMPANY
This is Del Mar’s first brewery. It is located on San Dieguito Drive, overlooking San Dieguito lagoon. The 7,000 sq.ft brewery and restaurant features a full-service dining experience serving familiar dishes reinterpreted. Everything here is good, but the first thing you order might just need to be the charred broccolli. Lunch is a better experience in my opinion simply because you get to take in more so of the view, but anytime is good.

THE BEST DINNER IN DEL MAR

BEESIDE BALCONY
This is one of those hidden gems that you root for to continue to thrive. Located in The Village of Olde Del Mar, on Camino Del Mar, Beeside offers a relaxed seaside chic décor where guests enjoy ocean views from the covered outside balcony. During cooler weather, they’ve got you covered with amazing patio heaters and an intimate inside dining room. The menu is chef-driven with every dish made to order and features New American flavors with a unique fusion of Mediterranean and California cuisine. It’s small and you just do not want to hurry to get out of there. So, don’t.

CAFE SECRET
Located like so many other resturants in Olde Del Mar, on Camino Del Mar, Cafe Secret is a quaint and charming authentic Peruvian restaurant. It feels like a little secret hideaway but the accolades from the culinary press prove that Cafe Secret is no secret.

CUCINA ENOTECA
CUCINA enoteca is a wildly popular California-inspired Italian restaurant and wine shop located off of Via De La Valle in Del Mar’s Flower Hill Promenade. It includes an open kitchen, bustling communal bar area, intimate glass dining room and upper level outdoor patio. The spacious, two-story dining area features an exciting mix of modern and vintage finds and reclaimed materials.

DEL MAR PIZZA
Very popular pizza spot. No frills. Located on 15th street less than a block from the ocean and Seagrove Park. Serving since 1989, they even deliver to the beach. Del Mar Pizza specializes in traditional Neapolitan thin crust pizza and everything they make, from salads and dressings to meatballs and soft serve ice cream is all made in house and from scratch.

EN FUEGO
This is a go-to Mexican restaurant in The Village of Olde Del Mar on Camino del Mar. It’s a two story, lively spot. The resturant is on the top (street) level and the Cantina is down below. The entire place is outdoor seating. It’s not the best mexican food you’ll ever have and certainly not the worst. But, it’s a great spot to munch on chips, order a margarita and have some tacos or enchiladas without breaking the bank.

JAKE’S DEL MAR
Serving the Del Mar community since 1981, Jake’s is beachside dining. Floor to ceiling windows provide dramatic panoramas of the breaking surf. Lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunches all showcase California coastal cuisine. Located on Coast Blvd, just north of Powerhouse Park, Jake’s genuine, friendly service and delicious menu makes for a relaxed atmosphere that is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The bar offers a special bistro menu specializing in more casual fare.

MARKET RESTAURANT + BAR
Located in the east part of Del Mar, across from the Polo fields at El Camino Real and Via De La Valle, Market is a fantastic dining experience offering a sensational selection of seasonal dishes consisting of fresh, locally grown, hand-selected ingredients. It is a beautiful space, providing great service and delivering delicious food. There’s good reason it has been voted as one of the Top 100 Restaurants in America by OpenTable in both 2017 and 2018.

PACIFICA DEL MAR
Located in Del Mar Plaza in The Village at 15th Street and Camino Del Mar, Pacifica offers great food and great views. This local stalwart continues to thrive. Recent awards include the California Restaurants “Gold Medallion for best seafood” and USA Today’s 10 best “Fabulous ocean views, a lively bar scene, an award-winning wine list, and a well-conceived menu have catapulted Pacifica Del Mar to the top of the metro San Diego restaurant heap.” Go there and I think you will agree.

POSEIDON
When a restaurant is located on the beach, there are times when that restaurant will take the easy way out and rely on the view. Poseidon is not one of those places. Serving excellent seafood, steaks and coastal cuisine. Reserve a table outside in time to watch the sunset. Located steps from Jake’s Del Mar on Coast Blvd.

SEASALT DEL MAR
Seasalt is a seafood bistro serving lunch and dinner daily including fresh fish, seafood, soups, salads, pasta, and sushi with an extensive wine list. It is located in the Del Mar Terrace neighborhood which is west of Interstate 5 and just north of Carmel Valley Road. It’s an area of Del Mar that visitors aren’t going to really know about, but locals certainly do.

ZEL’S DEL MAR
Zel’s is located in Olde Del Mar on Camino Del Mar. It is a good spot that incorporates a full bar and live music to go with their dining room. The outdoor seating area is especially pretty. The food includes salads, seafood, pizza and the like. It can be a gathering spot for a family dinner, a date night or just a chance to meet a few friends for dinner.

WHERE TO STAY IN DEL MAR

When it comes to finding a hotel in Del Mar, there are a number of options. The following list, which includes all types of hotels and price arranges, is not of every hotel that is in Del Mar, just the best.

THE BEST HOTELS IN DEL MAR

BEST WESTERN PREMIER HOTEL DEL MAR
Providing an excellent value for a hotel stay in Del Mar, west of Camino Del Mar and only a few blocks from the beach, the three story Best Western is a great choice. Comfortable (but basic) rooms and suites overlook gardens or have an ocean view. Many rooms have balconies. Amenities include a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness room, microwave and fridge. Keep in mind that this boutique hotel does not allow pets. To give you an idea of cost, summer rates begin at approximately $230 for an ocean view room, per day before taxes.

DEL MAR MOTEL

You can’t get anymore beachfront in Del Mar than the Del Mar Motel.
This small, botique motel is the only hotel on the beach. It’s not a fancy place, but it’s updated, provides a comfortable space and you can’t beat the value.
The two story Del Mar Motel offers Wi-Fi, hotel parking and use of beach chairs, boogie boards, umbrellas and beach towels. There also is a private picnic area with a BBQ grill for you to grill your food and enjoy an outdoor picnic lunch. Additionally, there is a lovely private sundeck on the first floor. And for those who want a more unique, private experience and would also like more room, there is a bungalow next door that is owned by the motel.
To give you an idea of cost, summer rates at the motel begin at approximately $200 per day before taxes.

FAIRMONT GRAND DEL MAR

First things first, though it has “Del Mar” in its name, this hotel is about three miles outside of Del Mar. But since it is so close, and so good, it is included in this list of the best hotels in Del Mar. Located east of Interstate 5 in Carmel Valley, on Grand Del Mar Court, “The Grand” is stunning and lovely.

Magnificently situated on 400 acres in a pristine coastal canyon, this AAA Five Diamond luxury resort (for ten years straight) includes a private Tom Fazio designed golf course, a five-star spa, four pools, tennis courts, yoga and fitness classes, Explorer’s Club for kids, nightlife and exquisite dining – epitomized by Addison, a AAA Five Diamond restaurant for the last ten years in a row.

The resort is comprised of 249 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites, featuring spacious marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, expansive balconies and terraces, and spectacular views of the resort gardens, Grand Golf Club or Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. You have been warned. You may never even make it to the beach. To give you an idea of cost, summer rates at the motel begin at approximately $800 per day before taxes.

HILTON SAN DIEGO / DEL MAR

Located across the street from Del Mar Fairgrounds and Race Track and adjacent to a golf driving range, the location provides easy access to Interstate 5, yet is still less than a five minute drive to the beach. The hotel offers all that you would expect from a Hilton property, but also includes a nice outside patio area complete with fire pits. To give you an idea of cost, summer rates at the motel begin at approximately $300 per day before taxes.

HOTEL INDIGO

There is nothing that will disappoint you at this property. Everything from the staff to the cleanliness of the modern rooms to the value and location will impress. Rooms have private balconies, with some offering ocean views and fireplaces. Hotel Indigo is located towards the south end of Del Mar, a block north of Del Mar Heights Road and on the west side of Camino Del Mar. Amenities include a fitness center, European style spa services, a very good tasting restaurant, parking, business center and two pools. To give you an idea of cost, summer rates at the motel begin at approximately $360 per day before taxes.

L’AUBERGE DEL MAR RESORT AND SPA
If you are looking for a perfect spot and a fantastic hotel, then look no further. Located in the heart of Olde Del Mar, at the cross section of Camino Del Mar and 15th street, L’Auberge is literally a block from Seagrove Park and the beach. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this Triple AAA Four Diamond resort offers 121 deluxe guestrooms including 7 well-appointed luxury suites, offering stunning property and coastal views. All of the features that one would expect are available, including a beautiful pool, spa treatments, indoor and outdoor bar, gorgeous lobby and a excellent restaurant. To give you an idea of cost, summer rates begin at approximately $400 per day before taxes.

POPULAR DEL MAR ATTRACTIONS

The following guide describes the most popular Del Mar attractions.
Though it’s only two square miles, you’ll quickly realize how much Del Mar has to offer. Enjoy the fun.

THE BEACHES OF DEL MAR

It’s free, accessible, spectacularly beautiful and offers a surfing, swimming, jogging, walking, tanning, picnics, boggie boarding and even off-leash fun with your dog. No matter what attraction you visit, this is most likely the one that you will visit the most and still keep coming back for more.

• DOG BEACH
• MAIN BEACH 
• SOUTH BEACH

DEL MAR HORSE RACES

This is what really put Del Mar on the map.
Located on the site of the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Jimmy Durante Blvd, the Del Mar Racetrack is leased by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Opened in 1937, by megastar Bing Crosby (who is the voice of the famous song and phrase “where the turf meets the surf, at Del Mar”), the races at Del Mar continue to draw crowds over the course of its two meets. The Summer season runs from mid July to the first days of September and the Fall season runs from the first week of November to the first week of December. There are usually 9-10 races each race day, with the first race beginning at 2pm in the Summer and beginning at 12:30pm in the Fall. Attendance usually averages about 5,000 people per day.

The Del Mar Thoroughbred club has done a good job keeping the racetrack up to date and current. During the course of the meet, they will have concerts at the end of the race day and other promotions. The most popular event is Opening Day in the Summer. This day coincides with Hats contest. It is quite a spectale and typically draws an audience of 40,000.

DEL MAR FAIRGROUNDS

Located on Jimmy Durante Blvd, the Del Mar Fairgrounds was built in 1936 and hosts over 300 events a year on it’s premises. The largest of the events include:

• SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR which is the largest county fair in the U.S. Annual attendance typically exceeds 1.6 million people. The Fair runs from the first weeknd in June through the Fourth of July. In addition to typical fair activities, the San Diego County Fair hosts a very impressive lineup of music with national acts performing not just on the main stage, but at some of the other stages scattered about the grounds.
  

• DEL MAR NATIONAL HORSE SHOW is a an exciting three week event that features three distinct equestrian disciplines — Western, Dressage and Hunter/Jumper — and is recognized as one of the top horse shows on the international stage, attracting nearly 1,500 horses and Olympic, World Cup, and World Champion athletes. Each Saturday evening features exciting equestrian sportsmanship in the Arena and pre-show family activities, entertainment, and unique boutique shopping.
  The show usually runs from the middle of April through the first week of May and begins most mornings by 8:30 a.m. and continues well into the afternoon. Admission is free during the weekdays.
• KABOO is a three day music and comedy festival that draws some of the biggest artists around.
• THE SCREAM ZONE is a popular annual Halloween experience that includes a House of Horror, KarnEvil and a Haunted Hayride. San Diego County’s largest haunted experience runs from the end of September through October 31 and costs $21 per person for one attraction or $34 for all three. Enter at your own risk.

SURF CUP SPORTS PARK (formerly the Polo Fields)

Located 2.8 miles east of Interstate 5 on Via De La Valle, the former Polo Fields is now home to mostly youth soccer tournaments with a few other sports thrown in on occassion. This is a large site of natural grass than can hold eighteen regulation size soccer fields. The San Diego Surf Cup continues to be the premier summer tournament for youth soccer, featuring the top teams in the nation and drawing the attention of thousands of spectators while attracting more than 500 college coaches and scouts.

FREE FLIGHT EXOTIC BIRD SANCTUARY

Free Flight is a unique exotic bird sanctuary open to the public seven days a week. It is located just south of the Del Mar fairgrounds on the east side of Jimmy Durante Blvd. Their mission is to maintain a sanctuary that shelters, nurtures and re-socializes parrots, while educating the public. Their hours are 11:00am to 4:00pm (until 2:00pm on Wednesday). Admission is $7 dollars for adults and $3 dollars for childen 13 years old and younger. Plan on spending a minimum of thirty minutes.

TORREY PINES STATE BEACH

This beach is not located in the guide of Del Mar’s best beaches, beacuse it isn’t actually in Del Mar. Torrey Pines State Beach stretches 4.5 miles and is located just south of Del Mar and just north of La Jolla. Whether you are coming from the south or the north you will certainly notice its picturesque landscape and all of the cars parked along the side of the road (and those that are slowly looking for an open parking space). Swimming, surfing and fishing are popular. Red-hued bluffs and wet sand make strolling on the beach popular at low tide. A picnic area and parking lot are near the entrance on North Torrey Pines Road.

There is no cost to access the beach, however if free parking isn’t available, then use of the North Lot is $10-$25 per vehicle (demand based pricing).

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