Del Mar City Beach

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Del Mar City Beach runs all the way from mouth of the San Dieguito River to Powerhouse Beach on the south end. There are access points from the end of each numbered street starting at 29th Street down to 17th Street.
For a perfect beach day trip for everyone, from surfers to families and even dogs, head over to Del Mar City Beach, over two miles of heaven on the coast.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Why you'll love this beach
Why you'll love this beach
A Beach That Offers a Little Something for Everyone in the Family
Del Mar City Beach
Overview
Things to Do
Explore & Save
Popular Activities
Get There & Parking
Featured Activity
Know Before You Go
Stay Nearby
Similar Beaches

Highlights

Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking
Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking

Overview

Looking North at Del Mar City BeachBeautiful Day at Del Mar City Beach

Not all San Diego beaches offer the same activities, and the more you visit, the more you realize that surfing, swimming, and playing in the sand may not work at each location. That’s what makes Del Mar City Beach such a treasure and why it’s considered one of San Diego’s most versatile beaches.

The roughly two miles of coastline that makeup Del Mar City Beach run from the northern end known as The River Mouth, the lagoon entrance of the San Dieguito River, to the southern edge, where you’ll find Powerhouse Park and Seagrove Park. The main lifeguard station is close to 17th Street, which is also where you’ll find public restrooms and local restaurants.

When you spend the day at this beach, you can enjoy virtually any activity, including surfing, swimming, sunbathing, shelling, or walking along the shore. In fact, if you head south during your walk, you’ll make your way to Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve, but be sure to watch for the tide coming in or you may get stranded. People also like to play games on the beach, such as volleyball or cornhole, and you’ll see others riding bikes and jogging as well.

Things to Do

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

Something for Everyone on the Shore

With a popular beach locale like Del Mar City Beach, you better believe that people spend all day, waiting for the opportunity to see that gorgeous sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Of course, how long you plan to visit depends a lot on what you want to do and whom you take with you.

The River Mouth

The River Mouth, at the northern end, is also known as Del Mar Dog Beach, and almost any time of year, you can see pups and their people frolicking on the sand. Leashes are required in the summer, but the other times of year, dogs can run freely and have one heck of a time.

This is not the spot for swimming, however, as shallow sandbars and current changes can make it risky. Best to stay on the sand and play with the dogs or perhaps spot a dolphin or two out in the water.

Local Tips
Have a Picnic at Seagrove Park
Bring a picnic to Seagrove Park located at the end of 15th Street in Del Mar. You can sit at a picnic table or bring a blanket to sit on the lawn that is on a cliff overlooking the beach and surf of famous 15th Street Beach.

17th Street Lifeguard Tower

17th Street Lifeguard Tower is a safer place for sunbathing, swimming, and playing in the water, but keep in mind that lifeguards are not year-round, even in Southern California. This station has been looking out for visitors for over 50 years!

Powerhouse Park

Powerhouse Park, close to 15th street beach, offers you a great view of the ocean from the grassy park. Snag a table for your picnic lunch, and then use the beach access to stroll along the water’s edge. There’s even restrooms, showers, and a kids’ playground, so it’s definitely family friendly.

Seagrove Park

Seagrove Park is right beside Powerhouse Park and also has a grass lawn and beach access. It’s a favorite spot with locals for whale watching from the shore in the winter and early spring.

Can’t Get Enough of Del Mar?

Stay nearby at the famous L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa, a 4-star hotel that has sweeping views of the ocean and is less than a 10-minute walk to Powerhouse Park & Beach. L’Auberge Del Mar Resort has brought modern updates and amenities to a century-old coastal estate in Del Mar.

Explore SeaWorld and SAVE

SeaWorld San Diego
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
Check out SeaWorld San Diego for exciting rides, marine animal interactions and shows! Admission is included as part of the All-Inclusive Go City pass. Save even more when you bundle with other top attractions like the Birch Aquarium at Scripps!
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Local Tips
What activities does the Go City San Diego pass include?

There’s a variety of activities included with the Go City San Diego pass such as: The San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, Hiking Tours, Whale Watching, Museum Tours, Speed Boat Adventures & more!

For the most popular attractions and water-sport rentals as well as the biggest discounts, consider the All-Inclusive Pass.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Popular Activities

Flyboarding Lesson
Flyboarding Lesson
$100 per person
Buy Now
Guided La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour
Guided La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour
$144 per 2 people
Buy Now
Half Day Whale Watching Tour
Half Day Whale Watching Tour
$80 per person
Buy Now
Solana Beach: 2 Hr Surf Lesson
Solana Beach: 2 Hr Surf Lesson
$120 per person
Buy Now

How to Get There & Parking

Free Parking
Free Parking
Lot Parking
Lot Parking
Neighborhood Parking
Neighborhood Parking
Street Parking
Street Parking

Getting to Del Mar City Beach

Like most of the attractions in the San Diego area, Del Mar City Beach is not far from I-5. You can find most of the parking options off the Pacific Coast Highway between Via De La Valle near The River Mouth down to 15th Street.

Parking at Del Mar City Beach

Parking can get a little dicey in the summertime. You may want to plan an early arrival to find a space in the limited lots, metered spaces, or along the residential streets a few blocks from the beach. Some of the parking spaces near the restaurants may be designated for patrons, so keep an eye out for a space that works best for you.

Featured Activity

La Jolla Surfing Lesson
Surf Lessons in La Jolla
Ride the waves in La Jolla, a premiere surfing destination! This 90-minute lesson is fit for both beginners & intermediate surfers, with a choice of private or public lessons. All necessary equipment is included. Surfs up!
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Know Before You Go & Tips

Boardwalk
Boardwalk
Lifeguards
Lifeguards
No Alcohol
No Alcohol
No Camping
No Camping
No Glass Containers
No Glass Containers
No Motorized Vehicles
No Motorized Vehicles
No Smoking
No Smoking
Outdoor Showers
Outdoor Showers
Picnic Tables
Picnic Tables
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Restrooms
Restrooms
Shade
Shade
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available

Insider Tips

Sunbathing & Strolling on the Beach

Del Mar City Beach may be ideal for sunbathing and strolling, but when the tide rolls in, the sand can disappear. Don’t get caught along the bluffs, which are unstable and not safe for walking back up to the parks or to your car.

Surfing at Del Mar City Beach

Surfing is good at both the north and south end of Del Mar City Beach. There are also surf shops and surfing schools, so don’t be afraid to try something new.

Swim at 17th Street

Stick near the lifeguard station on 17th Street for swimming and sunbathing. Beach volleyball is best at Dog Beach, while jogging and biking is best enjoyed just south of 15th Street for great views and more room.

Remember Sunscreen

Don’t forget your sunscreen, something to drink, and appropriate footwear, such as flip flops or sandals to protect your feet from searing sands and hot pavement.

The Cliffs are Unstable

You may see trails through the cliffs, but don’t trust them. It’s best to stick to the main paths and walkways to avoid injury.

Del Mar City Beach
is Known For:
Swimming
Swimming
Know This:
Boardwalk
Boardwalk
Lifeguards
Lifeguards
Outdoor Showers
Outdoor Showers
Restrooms Available
Restrooms Available
This Month's Forecast
56°F / 73°F
Sunny in November
Dec
51°F / 68°F
Sunny in December
Jan
51°F / 67°F
Sunny in January
Feb
53°F / 68°F
Sunny in February

Stay Nearby

San Diego Marriott Del Mar
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San Diego Marriott Del Mar
from $179 / night
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Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar
Boutique Hotel
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Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar
from $170 / night
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Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Luxury Hotel
5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
from $349 / 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
View Hotel
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