Del Mar: Where to Stay, Play, and Eat (With the Whole Crew)

There's a reason Del Mar has been the West Coast's favorite summer racing getaway since 1937 — and it's not just the "where the surf meets the turf" tagline (though, credit where it's due, that's a great one). It's a track you can genuinely build a family vacation around. Mornings on the beach, afternoons at the rail, and evenings that end with a sunset and a good meal. Del Mar is definitely in my top 2 favorite tracks and holds a special place in my heart as we have loads of fun family memories there and have racing to thank for bringing us to town!

Where to Stay

Solana Beach is our go-to if you want to be near the water without being in the Del Mar scrum. There are more beachfront condo options here than you'll find in Del Mar proper, and here's the insider secret: it's actually an easier walk to the track from Solana Beach than people assume. Bonus — Cedros Avenue runs right through here, and it's one of the best little shopping streets in the area (more on that below).

If you want to be in the thick of it, Del Mar Beach Motel is the move. Don't let the word "motel" throw you — this place has been recently renovated and it's a genuinely prime location, an easy walk to both the beach and downtown Del Mar. They also have two larger houses available for bigger groups, but fair warning: these book up fast, so plan and reserve well in advance.

And if you're in the mood to make the whole trip feel like a proper escape, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar delivers full resort energy — sprawling grounds, beautiful facilities, and a spa that's genuinely worth carving out an afternoon for.

Track Style at Del Mar

Del Mar has a style all its own — and it shifts depending on the day. Opening Day is when the crowd goes all in: bright, fun California style with a racing flair, and yes, hats and fascinators are very much part of the look. It's the one day worth dressing up for.

The rest of the season, though? Consider it your permission slip to relax. Board shorts and sandy flip flops are entirely welcome. Del Mar's whole ethos is more casual and easygoing than some of its East Coast counterparts — you're just as likely to see someone walk up from the beach as you are someone in head-to-toe seersucker.

Things to Do (Besides the Obvious)

The beach. We're not going to overthink this one. It's Del Mar. Go.
Legoland is only about 20-25 minutes away, and it's become an annual tradition for our family — kids and adults alike genuinely love it every single time. It's a rare amusement park that doesn't leave you overstimulated and exhausted by 2pm. Everything really is awesome.
Kids' camps. Del Mar has no shortage of them — lifeguard camp, surf camp, tennis camp, and more. It's a fantastic way to keep the kids active and having fun while the grown-ups sneak in some uninterrupted track time.
Fletcher Cove Park — a great low-key spot for families to spread out and let the kids run.

Shopping

Tucci Boutique has two locations — Del Mar Highlands and Cedros Avenue — and it's the kind of thoughtfully chic women's boutique that makes you linger. High-end brands, and an absolutely gorgeous jewelry selection.

Solo on Cedros is a gift and homewares shop that requires, without exaggeration, multiple laps to take it all in. Give yourself time here.

Cedar Kids is a fun kids' boutique with that easy California style — great for picking up something for the little ones.

Muttropolis rounds it out for the four-legged family members. A genuinely fun pet store, because yes, the dog deserves a souvenir too.

Where to Eat

Breakfast

Claire's on Cedros — built around locally sourced ingredients, with a grab-and-go bakery on site for when you need something quick.
Naked Cafe — leans into whole foods, offering fresh, healthy options just a few steps off the sand.
Sunny Side Solana — the staff here is exceptionally friendly, and it's a solid choice for classic breakfast options.

Lunch

Brigantine — the kids will love watching the trains pass by, and the views of the track are hard to beat. Order the fish tacos if you can — just know they're only available when racing is on. Don't ask us why, it's just one of those Del Mar things.
Jake's — consistently good, beach views, and a menu strong enough to work for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Board and Brew — casual sandwich spot, easy, reliable. Easy to bring to the beach.

Dinner

Ken's Sushi — fantastic sushi, and the owner's love of golf means the walls are covered in fun golf memorabilia — an unexpectedly fun mix.
Wildland — technically a short drive up to Carlsbad, but worth it for the fresh pizza and excellent drinks. Carlsbad itself is worth knowing about too — a bigger town with more of a nighttime vibe if you're looking to extend the evening beyond dinner.
Del Mar Pizza — the staff is as friendly as it gets, and our favorite move is grabbing a pie here and heading straight down to the beach for a sunset picnic.
Pamplemousse Grille — this award-winning spot strikes that perfect casual-yet-elegant balance, helmed by a chef with a resume as impressive as the menu. Do not leave without trying the lobster and truffle grilled cheese.

Enjoying our annual pizza picnic at the beach with our boys.

Best Ice Cream in Del Mar

Short and sweet, just one pick here: An's Hatmaker's. (Yes, we noticed the name too — feels like a fitting stop for a blog that just spent an entire post on hats versus fascinators.) Unique flavors that are sure to delight.