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Sometimes travelers misinterpret San Diego solely as a beach town, but it’s actually one of the biggest cities in the U.S. and the second largest in California.
While traffic isn’t nearly as bad as L.A.’s daily standstills, San Diego is a bustling city that just so happens to have some of the prettiest beaches on the West Coast.
What vacationers may not realize, however, is many of these said beaches aren’t in the city but just north, intermixed in a cluster of separate laid-back beach towns before a barren stretch of nothingness encroaching Orange County.
One of these idyllic getaways boasts a small village-like charm to peruse local shops, galleries, and eateries while also having some of the best beachside resorts in all of San Diego County.
The historic town of Del Mar, home to thrilling horse races, vivid blue-water beaches, and celebrities hiding out from the bright lights of Hollywood, is the perfect slice of paradise to escape the city grind this winter.
Avoid San Diego’s Sewage Spewage
Controversy is brewing, and sewage is spewing. Those in need of sun and sand won’t be disappointed.
You can still lounge around and relax on any of San Diego’s beaches, but those who enjoy taking a dip in this side of Cali's crystal clear waters may not realize there’s an invisible bacterial hazard all swimmers and surfers should be aware of.
We all know Mexico gets a bad rap in more ways than one; some are fair, others not.
As such, bordering Mexico comes with a set of frustrating issues. One of which is a consistent flow of untreated sewage flowing from the Tijuana River throughout the year into Imperial Beach, San Diego’s southernmost beach.
While this is certainly a downer for Imperial Beach residents, “IB,” as locals say, isn’t a very popular tourist spot, but Coronado certainly is, leaving many beach vacationers frustrated, including those staying at world-renowned Hotel del Coronado.
Here’s the kicker – San Diego is just as much of a contributor to beach closures as there have been multiple instances of water treatment mishaps pouring insurmountable amounts of raw sewage into San Diego’s, what should be swimmable waters, including La Jolla, arguably San Diego’s most beautiful beach town, as recent as last week.
Del Mar seems to be one of the few destinations unaffected by such problems, albeit there are no promises little Rufus won’t leave any presents on the Dog Beach…
Otherwise, expect year-round open beaches in Del Mar just as pretty as the seemingly made-up paradises flashing across your screensaver.
Stretching from the tail-end of famous La Jolla to Solana Beach, Del Mar’s pristine shores won’t disappoint.
Del Mar’s Array Of Ritzy Resorts
Being a celebrity hideout, expect to fork over a chunk of your paycheck to treat yourself at one of Del Mar’s many ritzy resorts and luxurious hotels.
Between the beachside villas and hillside mansions are an array of upscale stays to choose from.
The most conveniently located is L’Aurberge, smack dab in the town center and easily walkable to numerous restaurants, bars, gorgeous beaches, and bluffside benches to take in the stunning views.
On the opposite end of Del Mar and dipping into global golf haven Torrey Pines are rows of high-end stays, such as:
- Wave Crest Resort
- Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar
- Best Western Premiere Hotel Del Mar
- The Lodge at Torrey Pines
- Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
But, my favorite Del Mar stay is actually located inland, just a 10-minute drive from Del Mar’s coastline.
Exuding Mediterranean vibes and offering Michelin-awarded eats, Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a lavish 5-star retreat removed from the city grind with adults-only pools, elegant rooms, and a world-class spa.
What To Do In Del Mar
Aside from honeymoon letdowns, they say big things come in small packages, and that's the case for Del Mar.
This quaint, village-like town along the Pacific is a great place to make your base, especially with San Diego's new alternative airport opening in nearby Carlsbad in February.
The most popular attraction in Del Mar is the Del Mar Fairgrounds, home to the always jam-packed San Diego County Fair and Thoroughbred Club to place your bets on intense horse races and treat yourself to one of my favorite brunch spots, the Turf Club (dress code enforced).
Del Mar's weather is splendid year-round, so I highly recommend taking a hike through Torrey Pines Beach Trail.
The views are epic, but make sure to take wildlife warnings seriously. All 3 times I've been, I've encountered snakes slithering across the trail.
Other than that, Del Mar is always a perfect excuse for a beach day no matter where you stay around San Diego, especially by hopping aboard the COASTER train.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.