If you’re looking for the best things to do in Del Mar with kids, you’ve come to the right place.
As San Diego area locals, we have spent time in literally every coastal city in Southern California, and Del Mar remains one of my favorites. It has a relaxed but sophisticated vibe, and the beaches are among the best.
Del Mar is located just north of La Jolla and Solana Beach, about a 30-minute drive from downtown San Diego.
Known as the place “where the turf meets the surf” (courtesy of the lyrics of a Bing Crosby song), Del Mar is a charming coastal town offering plenty of activities the entire family can enjoy.
Top 5 Picks: Family-Friendly Things to Do in Del Mar
If you are just looking for a quick list of the can’t miss, very best family-friendly things to do in Del Mar, I am here to help! Here are our Top 5 recommendations.
► Go to the beach!
► Shop, eat, and stroll through Del Mar Village.
► Visit the Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary.
► Take a hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
► If you are visiting in early summer, don’t miss the San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Keep reading for more details on these top five fun things to do in Del Mar with kids, plus lots more family-friendly ideas to help you plan a great trip!
10 Things to Do in Del Mar
Del Mar. Just the name conjures up images of a glamorous beach town and movie stars from long ago. Indeed, Del Mar was a popular escape for the rich and famous, with Hollywood stars like Bing Crosby and Lucille Ball spending time here in the summer.
Today, this beach town has not lost its appeal. It is a popular spot for families to visit with lots of activities even beyond its beautiful beaches. I am excited to share these top things to do in Del Mar with kids.
1. Spend a Day at Del Mar Beach
Del Mar is home to some of the best beaches in San Diego. The pristine sands and gentle waves of Del Mar’s sandy beaches make it an ideal spot for families.
Kids can play in the water, build sandcastles, and explore tide pools filled with marine life. The beach has lifeguards on duty, ensuring a safe environment for young swimmers. There is even a stretch of sands on the north end of the beach in Del Mar that welcomes dogs – unsurprisingly called Del Mar Dog Beach.
► Travel Insight
The beaches in Del Mar are located against dramatic coastal bluffs, which make for a beautiful and secluded beach experience but you will have to climb down steps or hills to get there.
On the south end of Del Mar’s coastline is Torrey Pines State Beach. This beach is nice because it has a huge parking lot which eliminates the need to hunt for street parking which you will need to do in other parts of Del Mar, though of course there is a fee to park. The beach itself though is wide and scenic, and has restrooms and other amenities available. If you are planning to hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, this is a convenient spot to hit up afterwards.
2. Explore Del Mar Village
Take a stroll through Del Mar Village. This picturesque area is walking distance from the shore and offers a variety of boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and hotels.
Though not as big as the downtown areas of beach cities like Coronado and Laguna Beach, the Village of Del Mar is the perfect spot to wander around, explore the shops, or find the perfect spot to order a cold brew or enjoy a meal.
Kids will enjoy the toy stores and ice cream shops, while parents can browse through unique local crafts and enjoy a meal with stunning ocean views. The village often hosts family-friendly events and live music, adding to its charm.
Located on the north end of Del Mar Village is our favorite hotel in the area, L’Auberge Del Mar Beach Hotel. If you are a history buff, take a moment to visit the hotel’s outdoor display in the courtyard on 15th Street across from Stratford Square that chronicles the history of the area through a series of photos. I found this so interesting! And if you wander into the hotel, there are more cool photos and memorabilia off the lobby.
3. Visit the Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary
A hidden gem in Del Mar, the Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary is a unique and educational experience for children. This interactive sanctuary allows you to get up close with a variety of rescued exotic birds. Kids will love feeding the birds and learning about their care and conservation. We found the staff to be exceptionally friendly and eager to answer questions.
The sanctuary is a perfect stop for animal lovers and offers a memorable hands-on experience. It is not huge, which makes for a fairly quick (and also inexpensive) visit.
- 2132 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar
- freeflightbirds.org
4. Dine at the Beach
If fine dining with an ocean view sounds like your kind of meal, Del Mar has lots of great options. Beachfront restaurants include Poseidon and Jake’s Del Mar, both located steps from the sand.
Up the hill in Del Mar Village, there are plenty more options. Some of our favorites include Del Mar Seaside Grill, The Brigantine Del Mar, Board & Brew (great for sandwiches), and Adelaide, located inside L’Auberge Del Mar with sweeping views of the coast.
Though not located near the beach, I would be remiss to talk about fine dining in Del Mar and not mention Addison (a Michelin-starred restaurant) or Amaya, two amazing restaurants located at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Their food is absolutely amazing and the service everything you’d expect at an award-winning luxury resort.
But here’s the biggest secret of all when it comes to dining, from a mom who values saving a few bucks as much as savoring those panoramic views. Go to Del Mar Pizza. The food is good and relatively inexpensive, and you can sit on their big outdoor patio and enjoy a meal (pizza, pasta, salads) with a nice ocean view. We did this on a recent visit and it was fantastic!
5. Hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
If the idea of a hiking trail with endless ocean views from the cliffs above is appealing, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is for you!
Just a short drive from Del Mar, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers spectacular coastal hiking trails suitable for all ages. The 1,750-acre Reserve was established decades ago to protect the Torrey Pine trees.
A number of easy trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints and secluded beaches. Along the way, kids can learn about native plants and spot wildlife like rabbits and lizards. Remember to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes.
6. Have Fun at Powerhouse Park
Located right by the beach, Powerhouse Park is the perfect place for families with younger kids. One of several coastal parks in Del Mar, Powerhouse features a large grassy area perfect for picnics, a playground with swings and slides, and a scenic walking path. The nearby Seagrove Park also offers more space for play and relaxation. Both parks are located right at the beach and are great places to catch sunset views in the evening.
7. Shop at the Del Mar Farmers Market
A visit to the Del Mar Farmers Market is a delightful experience for families. Held every Saturday on the south end of downtown Del Mar (near the brand new Civic Center), the market offers fresh produce, flowers, cheese and more.
You can sample local fruits, chat with the vendors, and enjoy live music. It’s a great way to support local farmers and introduce children to healthy food options.
8. Visit the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
If visiting during the summer season when racing takes place, a visit to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club – aka Del Mar Racetrack – can be an exciting experience. Known as the place where the turf meets the surf, the world-famous Del Mar Racetrack opened in 1934 and is where Seabiscuit famously won his race in 1938. (Another fun fact, there is a cute boutique named Sea Biscuit in Del Mar Plaza!)
The racetrack hosts family-friendly days with special events and activities for kids, such as pony rides, face painting, and games on the infield. And you don’t have a place a wager to cheer on your favorite horses.
- 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar
- dmtc.com
9. Have Fun at the Fair
Another seasonal event is the San Diego County Fair, which takes place every June at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Though it’s hard to see the appeal of a County Fair when there are so many amazing amusement parks in Southern California, if you love traditional fair food, carnival rides and games, live concerts, farm animals and more, spending a day at the fair can be a very fun experience. The theme changes every year!
- 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar
- delmarfairgrounds.com
10. Take a Scenic Drive to La Jolla
While there are plenty of things to do in Del Mar with kids, I can’t resist recommending a drive down the coast to La Jolla.
This nearby coastal community offers stunning views, beautiful beaches, and the famous La Jolla Cove where kids can see sea lions up close. You can even check out the famous La Jolla sea caves on a guided kayak tour.
La Jolla also has family-friendly attractions like the Birch Aquarium, making it a perfect day trip from Del Mar.
Where To Stay in Del Mar
There are many hotels in Del Mar, ranging from beach resorts to small hotels. Here are our top picks!
📍 Best Budget Hotel – Hampton Inn San Diego/Del Mar
Among the many chain hotels in Del Mar is the Hampton Inn, a clean and comfortable hotel located just two miles inland from Torrey Pines State Beach. The hotel features a nice outdoor pool and free breakfast.
📍 Best Beach Hotel – L’Auberge Del Mar
L’Auberge Del Mar is a sophisticated boutique hotel located in Del Mar Village. The hotel offers beautiful, beach-inspired rooms with views of the Pacific Ocean, a pool, restaurant, and private walkway to the beach.
📍 Best Luxury Hotel – Fairmont Grand Del Mar
The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a luxury 5-star resort located just five miles from the coast and set beside the breathtaking Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. The hotel is absolutely gorgeous, and features four outdoor pools, a world-class spa, pickleball and tennis courts, horseback riding, a championship golf course, and numerous restaurants and lounges.
► Check out our Fairmont Grand Del Mar review for all the details on this beautiful property!
Final Thoughts: Things To Do In Del Mar with Kids
Famous for its beautiful beaches, storied racetrack, swaying palm trees, perfect weather, and lovely seaside village, Del Mar is a destination where you can spend a day on the beach doing nothing, or fill your time with fun activities.
Whether you love playing in the sand or hiking in the hills, Del Mar is a great place to visit if you are seeking a Southern California beach town experience.
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