Luxe accommodations, unique recreation and exclusive dining highlight Del Mar in all its grandeur. Here’s where to head in San Diego’s charming city by the sea.
Sidle up to the bar at Craft House at Sky Deck SKY DECK PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY MOTOS
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Straddling Carmel Valley and Del Mar proper, Fairmont Grand Del Mar is sprawled across 400 blooming acres and is home to The Fairmont Spa & Wellness, a Forbes Five-Star oasis. Tee off at the 18-hole Grand Golf Club, explore the grounds by horseback, dink around the pickle ball or relax by one of four heated pools. For a gourmet dinner, visit the outdoor Grand Social, terrace-seated Amaya or the nearby Addison, San Diego’s first three Michelin-starred restaurant. granddelmar.com
L’Auberge Del Mar
Pull up to L’Auberge Del Mar, and you’ll feel like you’ve arrived at a friend’s chic beach house, where complimentary Zybra beach cruisers allow you to explore the San Diego shoreline. Grab a drink at the swanky lobby bar, lounge poolside in a private cabana or challenge your plus one to an evening tennis match. The ocean-view Adelaide restaurant is a must-try, and the property’s annual tree lighting returns Dec. 3 to make your holiday season merry and bright. laubergedelmar.com
The ocean serves as the backdrop at L’Auberge Del Mar’s beautiful Living Room lobby lounge COURTESY OF L’AUBERGE DEL MAR
Del Mar Dog Beach
Let your pups run free at this seaside playground located on 29th St. Whether you choose to engage in a lively game of fetch or lie out and listen to the sound of the waves, this is the perfect way to spend quality time with your four-legged friend. californiabeaches.com
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
And they’re off! It wouldn’t be a trip to Del Mar without a visit to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. With a history dating back to 1937, this beloved tradition’s fall season kicks off Nov. 10, inviting horse-racing fans to place their bets, don their best Bing Crosby-inspired attire and enjoy fare at nine unique dining venues. dmtc.com
The Great recently opened at Del Mar’s One Paseo THE GREAT PHOTO BY DIANA SCIACCA
One Paseo
One Paseo is your one-stop shop for luxury dining and retail in the heart of Del Mar. Pick up this season’s fashion staples at The Great or sweat it out at Bodyrok’s Pilates-inspired strength classes. Hungry for more? Enjoy a sit-down lunch at the new South of Nick’s or a scoop of something sweet from Salt & Straw. onepaseo.com
The chic Alchemē medspa at One Paseo offers aesthetic and naturopathic services to its discerning clientele PHOTO: BY DIANA SCIACCA
Addison
Nestled in beautiful Carmel Valley, Addison is the only three-star Michelin restaurant south of San Francisco. Expect a 10-course tasting menu created by chef William Bradley, who will take you on a journey filled with edible masterpieces that highlight the season’s best ingredients. addisondelmar.com
Discover this Thai-inspired dish at Addison, Southern California’s first and only three-Michelin-starred restaurant. BY ERIC WOLFINGER
Adelaide
Situated inside the seaside L’Auberge Del Mar, Adelaide pairs its ocean views with seafood and steakhouse favorites. Order a fresh catch sourced straight from Baja to the North Salish Sea. laubergedelmar.com/dining
Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar
For a seafood experience by the sea, bring your party to Brigantine for brunch, lunch or dinner. Dive into golden-ale battered cod fish and chips or crab-stuffed jumbo prawns. brigantine.com
Jake’s Del Mar
Known for its beachfront locale on Coast Blvd., Jake’s Del Mar draws diners with its brunch, lunch, dinner and decadent dessert options. Indulge in dishes that celebrate both the land and sea before ordering a slice of the famous Hula Pie—with plenty of spoons to go around! jakesdelmar.com
Pacifica Del Mar
Catch cotton-candy sunsets and fresh fish options at Pacifica Del Mar, a San Diego staple since 1989. Shareable plates include lemongrass poached shrimp and a divine quarter loaf of sourdough bread with rich sea-salted butter. For entrees, the sea’s the limit—from herb-roasted branzino to sugar-spiced Verlasso salmon. pacificadelmar.com
Salt + Lime
This Del Mar newcomer captures the flavors of Mexico thanks to founder Alan Efter, who started the concept in a North Park food truck. Order a trio of tacos, fresh ceviche and a delicious craft margarita to get the fiesta started. saltandlimesd.com
Unique cocktails await at Understory Bar at Sky Deck. SKY DECK PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY MOTOS
Sky Deck
One stop; nine drinking and dining destinations. Please everyone in your party at Del Mar’s premier restaurant collective. Toast the night with a craft cocktail at Understory Bar, discover exquisite sushi options at Glassbox or indulge in heavenly pizza and pasta dishes at Ambrogio15. Your taste buds will thank you! delmarhighlandstowncenter.com
Photography by:
