San Diego Neighborhood Guide: Del Mar
Via Flickr
Originally built as a resort town in 1885, Del Mar is located 20 miles north of the Southern California Coastline in San Diego’s North County. Amongst the neighborhood’s striking beach views are many shops, restaurants, and luxury resorts to be explored at the Del Mar Village. Best known for the Horse Races and San Diego County Fair, the Del Mar Fairgrounds present plenty of outdoor activity not to be missed!
History of Del Mar
Via San Diego History Center
Incorporated in 1959, Del Mar carries a rich history stretching as far back as the late 1800’s. In 1882, Theodore Loop, a New York native, arrived in Southern California to build a railroad that would connect San Diego and Los Angeles. Loop became fond of the area and had soon begun collaborating with the town’s co-founder, Jacob Shell Taylor, to develop a new resort town that would be adored by celebrities in the coming years.
The area’s first resort was “Casa Del Mar,” which unfortunately caught fire in 1889. After many unsuccessful attempts to resurrect the hotel, Taylor moved to Texas and never returned to Del Mar. With over a decade of no development finally came the rise of a 10-acre resort hotel in Del Mar called the “Stratford Inn, which put Del Mar back on the map as a booming luxury destination. Subsequently, Del Mar became a popular vacation hub for Hollywood’s film stars in the early 1900’s, and not long after became a permanent home to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in 1937.
Shopping in Del Mar
Del Mar welcomes the best of exquisite shopping amongst several plazas and centers in the area. Explore a variety of unique shops and boutiques within the Village of Del Mar, which offers a charming Tudor-style architecture dating back to the 1800s. Shoppers can also browse over 70 specialty shops at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center located in the heart of Carmel Valley. This shopping center flaunts a luxurious open-air setting sprinkled with comfortable seating and aesthetic fountains. Those looking for an ocean view can visit the Del Mar Plaza, which boasts views of the Pacific Ocean as well as many exclusive galleries, fashion boutiques, and palazzo-style terraces.
Restaurants in Del Mar
Seafood is amongst one of the most popular cuisines in Del Mar. Next to popular chains like the Brigantine, locals and visitors can enjoy some of Del Mar’s favorite local restaurants like Jake’s Del Mar. This elegant beachfront restaurant showcases everything from Prime Top Sirloin to sustainably raised King Salmon. Those looking to dine on the fancier side can discover French-inspired dishes at Addison, one of San Diego’s 5-star rated restaurants located in the Fairmont Grant Del Mar. Del Mar is also home to a Saturday farmers’ market and the annual Taste of Del Mar bringing together some of San Diego’s best local businesses and culinary masterpieces.
Events in Del Mar
Via Flickr
Del Mar attracts some of the most exciting events in San Diego, including the internationally renowned Horse Races taking place annually from late July through early September and in November. Del Mar is also proud to claim the San Diego’s oldest annual event, the San Diego County Fair, held from mid-June to early July at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This exciting summer event is the 6th largest fair in the U.S and attracts more than 1.4 million visitors every year.
Other Things to Do in Del Mar
Via Flickr
San Diego’s Del Mar is never short of activity. At the Del Mar Dog Beach (The River Mouth), beachgoers can bring their furry friends to the sand for a more scenic game of fetch. Other things to do in Del Mar include a par 71 course at the Grand Golf Club at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, hiking in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Reserve, and a Hot Air Balloon Ride offering breathtaking views of the area below.
Del Mar Demographics
Via City-Data
Population in 2017 (via Census.gov): 4,363
Estimated Median House Sales Price in June 2018 (via SDAR): $2,264,000
Estimated Median Condo/Townhouse Sales Price in June 2018 (via SDAR): $1,199,000
Median Gross Rent in 2016 (via City-Data): $2,142
Median Household Income in 2016 (via City-Data): $115,564
Del Mar Real Estate
Via Flickr
With a history rich in luxury property and resort style living, it’s no wonder Del Mar is flushed with some of the most coveted real estate in San Diego. Home styles in Del Mar range anywhere from $13 million beachfront estates to coastal cottages and contemporary townhomes starting at $500,000. As home to some of San Diego’s most beautiful beaches, top-ranking schools, and Cliffside properties, Del Mar attracts many families and other Home Buyers willing to pay for a more upscale lifestyle.
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Written by Ascent Real Estate on July 27, 2018.