HIDDEN SPOTS IN DEL MAR
Like every coastal town in San Diego, Del Mar comes with its own unique charm. Beautiful beaches blended in with luxury neighborhoods yet still with a small-town charm. Del Mar, meaning "of the sea" in Spanish, has a rich history that dates back to the Kumeyaay people who originally inhabited the coastal region.
In the 1880s, development began with the arrival of the railroad, transforming Del Mar into a seaside destination. Its popularity soared in the 1930s with the opening of the Del Mar Racetrack, backed by celebrities like Bing Crosby, establishing it as a glamorous escape.
Just like every town, it has its fair share of hidden gems if you know where to look! From suspension bridges to pet memorials along the beach. Check out the list below to learn more!
1. San Dieguito County Park
San Dieguito County Park is a beautiful park located in Del Mar, just a stone’s throw from the ocean. The park offers a ton of recreational activities which include over 5 miles of unique hiking trails, 5 playgrounds, a wedding gazebo, butterfly park, 2 duck ponds picnic area, suspension bridges a basketball court and more!
Discover picturesque views from Activity Hill – complete with 10 fitness stations, three hillside ladders and lookout platforms, two suspension bridges, and two track trails for kids with nature-themed scavenger hunts to win prizes online.
2. Coya Peruvian Secret
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3. River Path Del Mar Phase 2
The River Path Del Mar Phase 2 is actually part of a much larger project. Eventually, this will be part of a 70 mile trail system that connects Del Mar all the way to Volcan Mountain in Julian known as the Coast to Crest trail. There are already many trails you can take throughout it to get an idea of what it’s like.
4. Solana Sumptuous Cookies
Located just minutes away from the beautiful scenic shores of Fletcher cove in Solana Beach, California, Solana Sumptuous Cookies is a boutique alfresco dessert shop offering a truly decadent experience.
Solana Sumptuous Cookies serves gourmet, hand-crafted artisan cookies, brownies, and old fashioned ice cream with all organic ingredients. Inspired by generations of American, Spanish and Latin American baking traditions, their recipes were crafted as a result of an obsession with creating the ultimate cookie experience.
5. Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary
6. Salt + Lime
Salt + Lime is a fabulous Mexican restaurant in Del Mar which will make you feel as though you were transported to Tulum! Everything is made fresh daily including the tortillas. They are also vegan/vegetarian and gluten free friendly.
Salt + Lime originally started as a food truck in PB and have moved their way up to this gorgeous restaurant one block from the beach! With a fun, laid-back atmosphere, they welcome all walks of life. So if you just came from the beach or if you want to dress up for date night, come as you wish!
7. Del Mar Dog Beach Memorial
UPDATE: I just got word that this memorial was unfortunately removed and is no longer here.
The day I visited the Solana Beach Coastal Rail Trail for the first time, I was also tipped off to a memorial garden for dogs who have passed away across the street. Talk about hidden beauty packed into one block! After my thrilled dog and I conquered the rail trail I went looking for the memorial garden.
