Laid back offshoot from San Diego: Del Mar, CA

Even the Civic Center is gorgeously designed and landscaped in Del Mar, CA

Our family has experienced the San Diego area for multiple visits, including college tours to UC San Diego, conferences downtown, and driving tours between San Diego and LA. There are cute small towns on this stretch of coast and Del Mar is one of them! During a conference at the Del Mar School District, I got to try some great - and reasonably priced - hotels and restaurants and am excited to share them with you!

Places to stay

Cute boutique on a budget: You can’t beat the Hotel Indigo for a quaint place with a great location, beach views from the restaurant and balconies, and a very reasonable price. The Best Western next door didn’t look bad at all and has a cute pool to take in the sun.

The pool at the Best Western at night

Mid-range and right on the beach: Del Mar Beach Hotel is the place to stay if you want direct access to to the beach with Jake’s Del Mar restaurant right next door.

Splurge on this: L’Auberge Del Mar and its fabulous restaurant Adelaide are worth the investment if you’re interested in a more luxurious Del Mar experience.

Where to eat

Adelaide at L’Auberge Del Mar is magnificent. Stunning views, exceptional service, and delicious food. You can’t go wrong here at the bar, in the dining room, or on the patio overlooking the pool and sunset over the beach.

For casual seafood on the beach, try Jake’s Del Mar next door to the Del Mar Beach Hotel, which offers a wide variety of tasty options from the sea.

Things to do

The weather is gorgeous, so take advantage of lots to do outdoors. Go to the Del Mar City Beach, hike along the beach at the Powerhouse or Seagrove park areas, visit Free Flight bird sanctuary or shop in the Del Mar Plaza.

If you rented a car, drive a half hour up the cost to visit the ‘Top Gun house’ in Oceanside, CA, which is now a dessert shop called High Pie where you can get a flight of pies and delicious hot chocolate.