Del Mar South Beach & 15th Street

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Del Mar South Beach starts at the Powerhouse Park & runs south through from 15th to 4th St. There is easy access via Powerhouse Park. If you access the beach via the numbered streets will have to cross active train tracks. Crossing railroad tracks is illegal and we do not advise this.
Del Mar South Beach and the 15th Street surf spot are secluded locations for surfing, walking and relaxing in an attractive, coastal community.
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
Take on the Surf at this Less Traveled San Diego Gem
South Beach & 15th St
Overview
Things to Do
Save on Gear
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

Sand Castle and the Surf at Powerhouse ParkSurfer Carving a Wave at Del Mar South Beach

Del Mar is known for having some of the finest beaches in the San Diego area. South Beach and 15th Street form a section of coastline at the south end of Del Mar extending down to Torrey Pines State Reserve.

South Beach of Del Mar is located between the south end of Powerhouse Park and 6th street (the northern end of Torrey Pines State Beach). It is a less popular beach than Del Mar City Beach to the north. Although it is perhaps a less “perfect” beach, the smaller crowds make South Beach a lot of fun.

The area typically called 15th Street in Del Mar is a series of bluffs and sand at the north end of South Beach and next to 15th Street (the road). This is primarily known as a surf spot. It is accessible from a number of trails, some of which are unsanctioned but frequented by surfers.

Since Del Mar comes right down to the water, these beaches are perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy the water for part of the day before heading inland for other activities. Del Mar is known for being “where the surf meets the turf.” As it is home to Del Mar Thoroughbred Club where there is very popular horse racing two times a year, in the summer and fall.

Since these two spots are less frequented, they have fewer facilities than the beaches further north and south. Nonetheless, there are some bathrooms at the top of the bluffs.

For surfers in the Del Mar and Torrey Pines areas, South Beach of Del Mar and 15th Street should be on your list of places to visit. They are also great for people who want to enjoy a walk along the coastline.

Things to Do

Running
Running
Swimming
Swimming

Things to Love About South Beach Del Mar & 15th Street

South Beach Del Mar

South Beach is very popular with locals. This is due in part to it being less frequented by tourists and out-of-town beachgoers.

It is a great place for beach walking, beachcombing and other relaxing activities. Right above the beach along the bluffs is a pleasant trail that is enjoyable for looking out over the ocean.

People sunbathe at South Beach, but the sand can get quite narrow during high tide. So, if you want to relax on the sand, plan accordingly.

The beach is also popular with surfers. There is an exposed reef break that offers reliable surf. Since it is less popular and less accessible than some other beaches in the area, South Beach can be a great spot for surfing as it is just less crowded.

Local Tips
Did you Know?
Although 15th St is known for its surf, there is great surf all the way south to 10th St and beyond in Del Mar.

Surf at 15th Street in Del Mar

Although there is some sandy beach near 15th Street, this is the narrowest section of Del Mar’s sands. It can be a pleasant place to relax in the sun if you time your trip properly. If you don’t, you may find that the sand is completely gone at high tide.

However, most people aren’t heading to 15th Street for the sand. This is a prime surf spot.

Like South Beach, this area benefits from the reef breaks. The surfing is consistent year-round but is best in the winter. You can expect solid waves on all tides.

Since it is harder to access than some other spots, 15th Street tends to have light crowds. However, the people who venture down the bluffs are there to enjoy the fun and fast waves.

Stay Nearby at L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa

L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa is the ultimate resort to stay at while visiting Del Mar. This resort has brought modern updates and amenities to a century-old coastal estate, and is the perfect place to take a break between surf sessions.

Kayak Ride with Go Pass!

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La Jolla 90-Minute Kayak Rental
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Local Tips
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How to Get There & Parking

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

Getting to & Parking at Del Mar South Beach

Getting to South Beach of Del Mar is made a little challenging by the cliffs. The safest route down to the sand is at 11th street in Del Mar. There are other trails down but these are not advisable to use.

Fortunately, parking is plentiful on the street at the western tips of 13th through 6th street. You can easily find a free spot on these streets. There is also parking at Powerhouse Park and Seagrove Park at the north end of the beach and on the bluffs respectively.

Getting to & Parking at 15th Street

Getting to this area is a very similar situation to South Beach. There is another trail down at 15th Street. Either take this or 11th Street to reach the surf spots. If you are heading to the 15th Street Bluffs, parking in Seagrove Park is probably your best option.

Featured Activity

San Diego Harbor Cruise on San Diego Bay at Sunset
San Diego Harbor Cruise
Enjoy this ‘San Diego Top Pick Award’ winner as you set sail on a three level luxury ship providing 360-degree views of San Diego’s scenic beauty. Relax for a 1-2 hour narrated tour, learn about the city from the bay.
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Know Before You Go & Tips

No Alcohol
No Alcohol
No Camping
No Camping
No Glass Containers
No Glass Containers
No Motorized Vehicles
No Motorized Vehicles
No Smoking
No Smoking
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Restrooms
Restrooms
Shade
Shade
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available

Things to Know About Del Mar Beaches

No Lifeguards

There are no lifeguards patrolling this section of the beach. If you are not a confident swimmer, this is probably not the best spot for you. However, it is still an enjoyable place to relax on the sand or walk along the shore.

Strong Surf

The surf can be strong here and it breaks on a reef, which is less predictable for inexperienced beachgoers. Surfers love the spot for these characteristics. However, you should always use caution.

Secluded Trails

The beach and trail along the bluffs are nice, secluded places to walk. This is part of what makes the area so popular with locals. Despite this, there are amenities nearby in Del Mar.

Dogs Allowed

Dogs are allowed on leashes at South Beach. Keep in mind that the sand gets narrow at high tide. Nonetheless, it is a lovely place to walk your canine companion.

Facilities in Seagrove Park

Seagrove Park is right next to 15th Beyond being a relaxing park looking out over the water, it also has various amenities such as bathrooms and parking.

Del Mar South Beach & 15th Street
is Known For:
Surfing
Surfing
Know This:
Restrooms Available
Restrooms Available
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans 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

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
View Hotel
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