Del Mar Beaches

Del Mar, which means “by the sea” in Spanish, is famous for horse racing at the fabulous Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. This is the land where the turf meets the surf and the surf is up at the Del Mar beaches.

While you won’t see horses prancing in the waves, you will see plenty of dogs romping. That’s because the City of Del Mar has generous dog beach policies. Pay close attention to the “wheres” and “whens” of taking the dogs to Del Mar beaches.
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• For year round, on-leash, dog beaches head south of Powerhouse Park.
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• North of Powerhouse Park and south of 29th Street - Dogs are prohibited during the summer months (June 16th through Labor Day) but are allowed on a leash the rest of the year.

• For off-leash dog beaches, head north of 29th Street after Labor Day and before June 16th. During this time, the dogs may be off the leash but under voice control. During the summer, dogs are permitted but must be on a leash out of consideration of the summer beach goers.

The beaches of Del Mar are about twenty miles north of Downtown San Diego. The area is upscale and gorgeous. Torrey Pines State Beach lies on the southern edge of Del Mar and includes the Torrey Pines State Reserve on the bluffs above and a fantastic stretch of beach below. The beaches of Del Mar stretch for 2 and a half miles, offering a patch of sand for everyone.

Del Mar no longer allows fires or glass on their beaches. Beach access is free in most cases and public restrooms are provided at many of the beaches. The beaches at 17th street and 25th street have restrooms behind the lifeguard towers.

The beaches here tend to have more local residents and a laid back attitude versus the more touristy beaches further south. The water and sand are perfect on a hot summer day with plenty of room to stretch out. Surfing, swimming, boogie boarding, beach combing, jogging, dog walking and castle building are all popular activities.

A unique experience that Del Mar is known for is a hot air balloon ride at sunset over the ocean. Whether you’re in the hot air balloon above, or on the beach below, it’s a gorgeous sight to behold. Many hot air balloon companies offer rides and are based right in the charming town of Del Mar.

The stretch of California coastline in Del Mar CA is the perfect place to get a taste of southern California beaches at their best.