Del Mar is Spanish for “of the sea” or “by the sea,” which reflects its location on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. The City of Del Mar was incorporated in 1959 and is the smallest incorporated city in San Diego County, with a population of 4,500 tucked into 2.1 square miles.
Del Mar is a quaint seaside village rich in history, striking natural beauty, and European charm. Located just 20 miles north of San Diego on the Southern California coastline, Del Mar Village is unique in its offering of a vibrant small-town atmosphere, sprawling natural playground along the Pacific Ocean, and the casual sophistication of a world-class destination.
First renowned during the golden era of the movie industry, Del Mar was the retreat for Hollywood’s biggest movie stars who came to enjoy its peaceful ambiance, pristine beaches, and exhilarating thoroughbred horse racing. Today, the affluent and historic Del Mar Village attracts visitors from across the globe seeking breathtaking vistas, stunning sandstone canyons, beach activities, and award-winning cuisine with spectacular ocean views.
Del Mar is home to the renowned Del Mar Racetrack, which brings the excitement of thoroughbred horse racing during racing season and the hugely popular San Diego County Fair, which kicks off the start of summer. Nearby attractions include de famed Torrey Pines Golf Course, home to the US Open and Farmers Insurance Open.
In 1882, a New Yorker named Theodore Loop came to Southern California to build a railroad connecting Los Angeles and San Diego. The original train tracks were laid down in the middle of Township 14, known today as Del Mar. Mr. Loop liked the area so much that he told people that he had “found the most attractive place on the entire coast.” In the same year, Loop met a successful rancher from New Mexico, Mr. Jacob Shell Taylor. Taylor and Loop were both captivated by the beauty of the area and recognized a development opportunity. In the summer of 1885, Taylor purchased 338.11 acres and began building the new resort town.
Del Mar was named by Loop’s wife, Ella, who took it from a popular poem of the time titled “The Fight for Paso Del Mar.” Taylor was a savvy businessman and a visionary. He knew that if he could lure visitors to Del Mar, they would likely be loyal customers or new residents. Jacob Taylor initially built as many as 40 small houses, a two-story Victorian schoolhouse, an observation tower, a train depot, and a water system. Additionally, in 1886, Taylor opened “Casa Del Mar,” the area’s first resort. To entertain visitors, Taylor built a dance pavilion on the beach, and a large swimming pool that went out into the ocean called a Natatorium. Del Mar became a popular vacation destination.
13,260 people live in Del Mar, where the median age is 53.1 and the average individual income is $116,811. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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There's plenty to do around Del Mar, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Clothe+Arrow, Studio 540, and Holistic Zen Acupuncture & Therapeutic Yoga.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
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| Shopping | 1.03 miles | 28 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.76 miles | 28 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.84 miles | 13 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.72 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.74 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.95 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Del Mar has 5,753 households, with an average household size of 2.29. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Del Mar do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 13,260 people call Del Mar home. The population density is 2,103.08 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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