Del Mar, CA

Del Mar, CA is an upscale beach resort city in northern San Diego County.  The population is 4161 with a median income of $120,000 and a median age of 48.  In 1885 Colonel Jacob Taylor purchased 338 acres on the Pacific coast with the vision of building a beachside resort town that catered to the rich and famous. Del Mar, in Spanish, means "of the sea" or "by the sea".  It is one of the best surf meets turf areas of San Diego county.  In Del Mar is the Del Mar Fairgrounds that also hosts the Del Mar Racetrack.  The Racetrack was bulit in 1937 by the Thoroughbred Club and it founding members  Bing Crosby and Pat O'Brien.  Paramount Studio was the corporate sponsor.  The Racetrack is a huge attraction during Racing season and brings in several hundred thousands to watch the races.  It is one of the prettiest racetracks with views of the Ocean and the mountains.  The Del Mar Fairgrounds is the place where the San Diego County Fair is held annually from mid June to early July.  It is another big event and one of the best County Fairs I have ever attended.  Del Mar has some of the best restaurants and shops in the area.  Jake's Del Mar restaurant is well known and serves wonderful gourmet food.  The plaza located on Del Mar Blvd and 15th Street has a beautiful veranda that over looks the Pacific Ocean.  It is a great place, day or night, to relax, have a drink and unwind.  Del Mar is also one of a few locations in which the Torrey Pine grows.  The Torrey pine is one of the rarest pines in the U.S. and Del Mar is one of two populations for this endangered species.  Del Mar has or had some well known residents.  In the 1960s Desi Arnez and Song Writer Burt Bacharach both had a homes there.  Singer Steve Perry, formally of Journey, lives in Del Mar along with Aaron Rogers(quarterback), Zandra Rhodes(clothing designer) and  Lee Shippley(columnist).  Willie Shoemaker and Tony Hawk use to live there too.  The TV show, Cougar had its opening scene shot in Del Mar.  It really is a quaint little town with great beaches to enjoy California Surfing.  The Beach Boys' hit "Surfin USA" was inspired by the beaches of Del Mar.  It is a great place to visit with lots of attractions to keep you busy.