Five Activities All Visitors To Del Mar Should Do

Del Mar California is the quintessential dream beach town – a quaint, yet chic Southern California community overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Like La Jolla and San Diego, Del Mar’s aura of paradise comes in a large result from its world-class beaches and persistently clear blue skies. Add to all that a unique fairgrounds, horse track and a quaint, upscale “downtown” village, and you have activities for everyone.

1. The Place To Be Is Epazote

Del Mar’s downtown village was developed back in the 1800s. Here you will find upscale clothiers, chic jewelers, eclectic Asian and European importers plus more than 65 other shops, resorts, inns, bed and breakfasts and hotels. Hungry? In the downtown area alone you will find more than 20 unique restaurants of every stripe, many with drop-dead gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean as you dine.

The plaza is the home of Epazote, a local restaurant favorite. It’s a wonderful place for lunch or end of the day cocktails because it has an outdoor patio that swells with sunshine, sea breezes and enchanting panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s also one of Del Mar’s favorite nightlife destinations with a contemporary, upscale vibe. Sleek and sophisticated, with a 180-degree views of the Pacific, hip bar and a cutting edge ocean view lounge, Epazote is a great day or night experience. Oh, and did I mention the food? All of it is creative, unique and wonderful.

2. Hike Through Abstract Red Rock Canyons

At the southern edge of Del Mar, along the Pacific Coast, Torrey Pines State Park is a 1700 acre natural habitat to the rare Torrey Pine. The park offers seven hiking trails with stunning views of wind bent trees, abstract sandstone formations, wildflower fields and the sea below, all of which is constantly changing as the sun and cloud formations move to change the lighting. Locals park just outside the park in the free parking lot along the ocean and Highway 101 and walk up the hill to the Nature Center. In spring and early summer the hillsides are covered with native plants and spectacular blooms of wildflowers. You can easily spend a whole day hiking up the cliffs and down to the ocean through red sandstone canyons carved thousands of years ago.

3. Come Sail Away In Your Beautiful Balloon

Thought by many to be one of the best balloon rides in the world, a sunset flight from Del Mar is an extraordinary way to see Southern California. A coastal Del Mar Sunset flight is an unforgettable experience – up there the air is clear, the sun seem to shine brighter and a sense of relaxation overcomes you. You can soar through the sky and glide effortlessly above the hills and valleys – a calm, peaceful and relaxing way to panoramically take in the enormity of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego countryside.

Many describe flying in a hot air balloon as one of the most serene, enjoyable activities they’ve every experienced. Sunny skies and a heavenly sunset allow you to experience what it’s like to float among the clouds. If you’re staying at a hotel in Del Mar, you can experience the views and flights of a lifetime with Panorama Balloon Tours, Skysurfrer Balloon Tours or Magical Adventures. Simply Google them for information.

4. Get The Tan Of A Lifetime

Del Mar beaches are very popular because the waves are usually gentle and it’s a great place to learn to surf. With more than two miles of sandy beaches and excellent conditions for swimming, body surfing, board surfing, boogie boarding, or just lounging in the sun, Del Mar beaches are a vacationer’s delight. A nearby bed and breakfast in Encinitas is located only a block from Moonlight Beach, and is appropriately named the Inn at Moonlight Beach. On some beaches, residents are allowed to bring their dogs and spectators enjoy great games of dog/human Frisbee. No matter what beach you’re on, you’ll see hundreds of people spending the whole day under the sun with friends and family. The best and most popular beach is at the end of 15th Street – crowded year around with families, couples, friends and surfers. A good selection of Del Mar hotels and inns can be found near the beaches.

5. Pedal Around Town

Go for a bike ride, a great way to stay fit, beat the traffic and see all the sights Del Mar has to offer. If you’re staying at one of the many Del Mar Hotels or Bed and Breakfasts, there is no better way to get around town. You can ride down quiet residential streets along the ocean and see sights you’ll never see from a car. Del Mar Cycle Works (619) 793-9097 has a great selection of road and mountain bikes, helmets, lights, bike bags, bicycle parts, and bike repair services. With Del Mar’s almost-too-good-to-be-true year-around weather, bicycling is a way of life with dozens of paths and bike trails so you can relax, exercise and explore.

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