Del Mar Beaches

The Del Mar beaches make for a great getaway whether you’re looking to surf a perfect wave, swim in the ocean, or find a pet-friendly beach for your dog.
Todd Sarouhan
Del Mar Beaches
Overview
Go Pass & Save
The Neighborhood
Known For
Dog Park
Surfing
Swimming
Stay Nearby

Fun in the Surf and Sun at the Del Mar Beaches

Surfing and swimming are perfect beach day activities, and that’s especially true at the Del Mar beaches. The waves are great for intermediate-level surfers, and there’s more than enough space for undisturbed swimming too. You can rent a surfboard or check out a local surf school if you’re new to the sport.

Del Mar is also known for its dog park beach, also known as Del Mar Dog Beach, which offers plenty of space for your canine companion to stretch their legs off their leash.

Many of the beaches in this area are surrounded by tall bluffs that overlook the ocean. However, the beaches themselves are generally flat and sandy, with the Del Mar City Beach often regarded as one of the best beaches in San Diego.

If you’re headed to the Del Mar beaches, other fun activities include beachcombing, renting a boat, and sailing. You might also enjoy trying your hand at paragliding or hang gliding at the Torrey Pines Gliderport which overlooks the Torrey Pines State Beach and Blacks Beach.

Whale Watchers Save BIG!

Whale Watching by Hornblower Cruises
Whale Watching Cruise
Bring your binoculars because your All-Inclusive Go City Pass includes a cruise for whale watching! Look out for sea lions, dolphins and a variety of sea birds too. You'll love this four hour cruise out in the stunning Pacific Ocean!
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Local Tips
What is a Go City San Diego pass?

The Go City San Diego pass allows visitors to experience more attractions while simultaneously saving money.

With the pass, you can visit San Diego’s top attractions like the San Diego Zoo or LEGOLAND, all while saving up to 55% off on admissions. Plus, the pass gives you the ability to skip the line when visiting select attractions.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra

The Del Mar Neighborhood

Del Mar is a seaside city with a small-town feeling. It is heavily influenced by European culture, and it features some of the most pristine beaches in Southern California. When you visit, you’ll see stunning views of the coastline, plenty of unique local shops, a wide variety of restaurants, and much more.

In addition to the spectacular beaches, Del Mar also has its own horse racetrack, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. During the summer months, Del Mar also hosts the San Diego County Fair.

If you’re flying into Southern California from the San Diego International Airport, Del Mar is about a 20-minute drive away. This puts it in close proximity to Downtown San Diego, where you can enjoy many attractions and unique experiences.

If you’re looking for even more to do in the area, head to Balboa Park where there are plenty of San Diego’s best museums and other must-see activities such as the San Diego Zoo. Visit the newly-renovated San Diego Museum of Us, or take a walk through the Japanese Friendship Garden if botanical gardens are more your thing.

These attractions and many more are included in the Go San Diego Pass, which you can buy before your trip to save big on your vacation. Use our referral link to get an additional discount!

As for lodging, L’Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa is a popular choice for guests who want to stay close to the beach. It offers a luxury stay complete with pool and beach access, a shuttle service, its own fitness center, and computer access, and it’s pet-friendly too!

If you’re more interested in nature and looking for a high-end experience, The Lodge at Torrey Pines is located next to the nature preserve and also has a pool and fitness center. As a 5 star resort, the lodge is featured in our article as one of the ‘Best Luxury Hotels in San Diego’.

Swim, Surf, and Enjoy a Beach Day with Your Pet at the Del Mar Beaches

Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball
Bikes Allowed
Bikes Allowed
Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding
Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding
Running
Running
Skateboarding Allowed
Skateboarding Allowed
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Surfing
Surfing
Swimming
Swimming
Windsurfing
Windsurfing

Unlike many San Diego beaches with smaller waves, the reefs at the Del Mar beaches create some amazing waves that are great for intermediate to experienced surfers. The added challenge makes Del Mar a great place to experience authentic San Diego surfing culture. If surfing’s not your thing, these beaches are also well-known for great swimming spots with plenty of gorgeous backdrops for photo opportunities.

Del Mar is also the perfect place to bring your dog along on your vacation, as it features a beach that doubles as a dog park. Let your pooch off the leash and enjoy the great sun, sand, and waves together.

Dog Park

Dogs Enjoying the Beach at Del Mar Dog Beach
Del Mar Dog Beach is an off-leash pet-friendly beach and dog park. Your dog can run around in the soft sand playing fetch or chasing frisbees and splash in the shallow water to their heart’s content. Beach volleyball is also very popular here. The beach also has lifeguards available.

Surfing

Surfers Going to the Beach at Del Mar South Beach
Del Mar South Beach & 15th Street is a less crowded beach of sand and bluffs that slopes down to the water. It’s well-liked by many local surfers, with challenging waves from an exposed reef break perfect for experienced surfers. There are also convenient restrooms so you can surf all day.

Swimming

Surfer at Del Mar City Beach
The picturesque waves and calm waters of Del Mar City Beach make it well known as an excellent spot for swimming. This beach has a little of everything, and you can beachcomb, surf, or enjoy a nice walk up to the nearby natural preserve.
Torrey Pines State Beach Ocean Sunset
Torrey Pines State Beach is an exceptional place to swim in Del Mar. Its close proximity to Torrey Pines State Reserve on the cliffs above the beach creates an amazing view and atmosphere. Lifeguards designate the southern half of the beach for swimming so you won’t be disturbed by surfers.

Featured Activity

Kids next to gorilla statue at the San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
Spend the day at the iconic San Diego Zoo! Featuring over 3,500 animals and 650 species, this zoo is the heart of Balboa Park. There are multiple exhibits & experiences for all ages to learn about animals and their habitats.
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Del Mar Beaches
are Known For:
Dog Park
Dog Park
Surfing
Surfing
Swimming
Swimming
This Month's Forecast
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53°F / 68°F
Sunny in February

Stay Nearby

Hilton San Diego Del Mar
Family Friendly
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Hilton San Diego Del Mar
from $155 / night
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San Diego Marriott Del Mar
Family Friendly
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
San Diego Marriott Del Mar
from $179 / night
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Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar
Boutique Hotel
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar
from $170 / night
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L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa
Boutique Hotel
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa
from $288 / night
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