Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Del Mar
Del Mar offers a unique coastal experience where natural beauty and resort-style living meet. Visitors can surf in the morning, dine at gourmet restaurants by night, and stroll through boutique shops in between. The community maintains a village atmosphere despite its upscale appeal. Del Mar is the ideal destination for travelers seeking both elegance and beachside ease.
Where to look for an Airbnb in Del Mar
Del Mar Village
Del Mar Village is the heart of the town, known for its walkability, restaurants, art galleries, and coastal views. Rentals in Del Mar Village include elegant condos, cliffside Airbnbs, and beach bungalows within steps of Camino Del Mar. Guests can enjoy gourmet meals, browse boutiques, and walk to the beach.
Beach Colony
Running along the coast, the Beach Colony neighborhood offers direct beach access and a true California surf vibe. Vacation rentals in Beach Colony include oceanfront homes, modern cottages, and laid-back bungalows perfect for sunseekers. The area is ideal for morning runs on the sand, paddleboarding, and family beach days. Beach Colony is a favorite for those wanting a toes-in-the-sand stay.
Del Mar Heights
Perched in the hills just east of the village, Del Mar Heights features quiet streets, panoramic views, and lush landscaping. Airbnbs in Del Mar Heights range from luxury homes with pools to private retreats with outdoor lounges and canyon vistas. It’s a great choice for visitors wanting privacy and upscale living. Del Mar Heights is tranquil yet close to everything.
Crest Canyon and San Dieguito Lagoon Area
The Crest Canyon and Lagoon Area offers peaceful natural surroundings with access to hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and birdwatching. Rentals include eco-conscious Airbnbs, secluded cottages, and contemporary homes with large patios. Guests can explore the lagoon trail system or walk to nearby parks and viewpoints.
North Bluff / Border of Solana Beach
Just north of Del Mar Village, the North Bluff Area near Solana Beach offers stunning clifftop homes and modern rentals close to both beach and train access. Vacationers can enjoy dramatic sunsets, beach walks, and easy transit to San Diego. The neighborhood blends Del Mar elegance with a touch of artistic Solana Beach flair.
What to do if you spend a vacation in Del Mar
Del Mar Racetrack
The historic Del Mar Racetrack is the city’s most iconic attraction, hosting thoroughbred horse racing and seasonal events since 1937. Visitors can enjoy races, food festivals, and concerts during the summer and fall seasons. The track’s Spanish-style architecture and ocean breezes create an unforgettable setting.
Del Mar City Beach
Stretching along the coast, Del Mar City Beach is known for soft sands, surfable waves, and scenic beauty. Visitors can sunbathe, swim, or watch dolphins from the shoreline. The beach is clean and family-friendly with lifeguards and facilities.
Seagrove Park and Powerhouse Park
Located above the beach, Seagrove and Powerhouse Parks offer grassy lawns, picnic areas, and panoramic ocean views. Families enjoy playgrounds, community events, and easy beach access from both parks. These spots are perfect for weddings, sunsets, and relaxed afternoons. They provide a peaceful retreat in the heart of town.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Just south of Del Mar, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve features dramatic coastal cliffs, rare pine trees, and scenic hiking trails. Visitors can hike to Razor Point, explore the beach below, or watch paragliders soar from the cliffs. The reserve is a highlight for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary
The Free Flight Bird Sanctuary offers a one-of-a-kind experience where guests can interact with rescued exotic birds in a lush garden setting. The sanctuary is educational, fun for families, and a hidden gem in Del Mar. Visitors can feed the birds and learn about their stories from staff and volunteers.
Del Mar Farmers Market
Held weekly, the Del Mar Farmers Market showcases local produce, handmade goods, and gourmet snacks just steps from the beach. Visitors can meet local vendors, enjoy fresh food, and support sustainable agriculture. The market has a lively community feel and coastal charm.
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
A short drive inland, Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve offers waterfalls, bike trails, and diverse plant and animal life in a protected natural area. Hikers can spot deer, hawks, and wildflowers along the flat, family-friendly trails. The preserve connects visitors to the region’s ecological diversity.
Del Mar Plaza
Overlooking the ocean, Del Mar Plaza is a shopping and dining complex with upscale boutiques, fine dining, and rooftop terraces. Guests can browse local fashion, enjoy sushi or wine with a view, and attend seasonal events. The plaza offers luxury with laid-back California elegance.
Where to find a vacation rental near Del Mar
San Diego, California
Just 25 minutes south, San Diego offers a rich mix of culture, coastline, and vibrant neighborhoods. Visit Balboa Park, explore museums, or relax at Pacific Beach before dining in the Gaslamp Quarter. Staying in a vacation rental in San Diego, like a La Jolla villa or downtown loft, brings big-city excitement and coastal elegance to pair with Del Mar’s laid-back pace.
Carlsbad, California
Roughly 25 minutes north, Carlsbad is a family-friendly beach town known for its flower fields, LEGOLAND, and welcoming village vibe. Browse local boutiques, enjoy oceanfront trails, or explore kid-friendly attractions. A stay in a vacation rental in Carlsbad, such as a seaside condo or spacious home, adds variety and accessibility to your coastal itinerary anchored in Del Mar.
Encinitas, California
Just 15 minutes north, Encinitas is an artistic, surfer-friendly town with a relaxed soul. Spend time at Moonlight Beach, shop local galleries, or sip coffee in a bohemian café. Booking a vacation rental in Encinitas, like a surfer cottage or trendy beach apartment, introduces creative flair and youthful energy alongside your Del Mar stay.
La Jolla, California
South of Del Mar, La Jolla is known for its upscale ambiance, rugged coastline, and sea caves. Dine along Prospect Street, snorkel near La Jolla Cove, or visit art galleries and boutiques. Choosing a vacation rental in La Jolla, such as an oceanfront estate or hillside condo, adds sophistication and marine beauty just minutes away from Del Mar.
Solana Beach, California
Directly north, Solana Beach offers boutique shopping in the Cedros Design District, cozy cafés, and blufftop beach access. Visitors can walk to art galleries or take the train for coastal day trips. Settling into a vacation rental in Solana Beach, like a modern townhome or ocean-view apartment, brings local character and creativity to complement Del Mar’s beachside charm.
Experience luxury and coastal charm across America's stunning landscapes
Del Mar is a haven for those seeking luxury travel experiences, with its elegant cliffsides and exquisite views. If you wish to extend your plush getaway, explore the posh allure of Beverly Hills airbnb options and its renowned Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles. Consider expanding your travel along gilded paths to find rentals in Scottsdale, where the desert's beauty complements upscale art galleries and golf resorts. Alternatively, the enchanting coastal landscapes of California can be experienced when you stay at Malibu, renowned for its stunning beaches and iconic pier.
Renowned for its breathtaking beaches, consider broadening your oceanside adventures by visiting rental homes at Huntington Beach, celebrated for its vibrant surf culture and buzzing pier. For more laid-back coastal fun, the sun-drenched shores of Florida beckon, with airbnb in Panama City Beach offering thrilling beach activities, or choose tranquility in rental homes in Daytona Beach Shores. For a freshwater alternative, the charming vacation rentals in Caseville along the Great Lakes provide picturesque sunsets and a serene vibe, perfect for families and solo travelers alike.