Del Mar City Beach
• Beach Directory | Tide Report
1550 Coast Blvd
Del Mar, California (map)
BEACH HIGHLIGHTS
Del Mar City Beach stretches from 15th Street near Seagrove Park and Powerhouse Park northward to the cliffs at Dog Beach. Del Mar Beach is a great place for swimming, surfing, walking, and jogging. The beach is generally sandy with some cobble stones here and there, and is lined with nice, expensive homes.
South End of Del Mar Beach
A popular swimming spot is near the main lifeguard station at 17th Street. Other popular surfing spots are in front of 15th Street and between 18th and 25th streets. Del Mar tide pools are between 9th and 10th streets.
A popular hangout of Del Mar City Beach is just north of 15th street in front of Powerhouse Park, Jakes Del Mar restaurant and the Del Mar Motel. The beach is sandy with a dune separating the beach from the short bluffs next to the park. The beach is a few blocks from Del Mar Village.
Del Mar Beach is easy to access, but finding a parking spot can be difficult on weekends and Summer.
There's a public parking lot across Coast Blvd near Del Mar City Beach, where you have to pay a fee. There are alsom metered spaces along the street near the park.
Bluffs begin at the beach south of Powerhouse Park, making Del Mar Beach secluded and harder to access. The bluffs end south of Carmel Valley Road where Torrey Pines State Beach begins.
9th street is a good surfing spot. Because of the reefs, diving can be good as well, although hard to access with water entry somewhat treacherous.
Moving North
As you make your way north along Del Mar Beach, you'll see private beach houses, each very unique. There are public access ways among the houses where local streets deadend at the beach. Parking is available along Camino Del Mar (Hwy 101) and the side streets.
Del Mar Dog Beach
North of the beach houses is the mouth of the San Dieguito Lagoon and Del Mar Dog Beach. The water streaming through the mouth usually acts as a barrier separating Dog Beach from the rest of Del Mar Beach.
Dog Beach is a popular hangout for locals, who allow there dogs to go unleashed. This is where you can find dogs chasing frisbees into the water, while dog owners chitchat. There's parking along the street, but you'll have to pay a small fee. Free parking is located south where the houses begin along the highway.
Once upon a time, during racing season, you could watch the race horses gallop along what is now Del Mar Dog Beach.
During the San Diego Fair, you can see the large ferris wheel and rides from Del Mar Dog Beach. It's a great and popular spot to watch the fireworks.
BEACH EVENTS
(July - September)
4 concerts, one each month, from June - September, at Powerhouse Park, next to the beach.
BEACH AMENITIES
South End of Beach
Powerhouse Park
, next to beach. Children's playground is located at Powerhouse Park
Seagrove Park, a block from beach.
North End of Beach
Dog Beach, also known as North Beach. (See regulations below for details. )
A few volleyball courts (the posts) are located at several point of along the beach. Bring your own ball and net.
Restrooms
Public restrooms are located under the stage area at the Del Mar Community Powerhouse building and at the 17th Street Lifeguard Station. During the summer months, additional restrooms are available at the 25th street lifeguard tower.
Del Mar prohibits open fires and fire rings at the beach. Visitors are welcome to barbeque using charcoal and their own small barbecues.
OTHER BEACH DETAILS
Regulations
No fires, no glass, no camping and no launching of surf- or jet-skis. No alcohol anytime. No dogs between 17th and 29th streets from June 1 though Sept. 30; leashed dogs allowed otherwise. South of 17th Street, leashed dogs permitted all year long.
Parking
Parking is available in a pay lot across the street from Powerhouse Park. Also, some metered spaces are available on Coast Blvd just north of 15th Street. Coast Blvd, north of Powerhouse Park has free parking along both sides of the street, as well as on the many cross streets. About 5 blocks from the beach, Del Mar Plaza has underground parking with the first two hours free with a receipt from one of its stores. Two hour free parking is available along Camino Del Mar.
If you want to park near Dog Beach, you can park along Camino Del Mar for free, except along the stretch of road between Via De La Valle and the bridge on the beach side.
Lifeguards
Del Mar has lifeguard stations all along the beach. Some are seasonal while others are permanent. Permanent towers are at 20th St., 25th St., and 29th St. Del Mar lifeguards oversee 2.5 miles of beach.
The Del Mar Lifeguard Department offers several programs, including a junior life guard program for school age children during the summer. The Department staffs permanent and seasonal lifeguards. Lifeguards patrol and oversee 2.5 miles of beach.
Del Mar Lifeguards
1700 Coast Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014
Emergency (858) 755-1555
Business (858) 755-1556
Junior Lifeguards (760) 944-1657
Fax (858) 259-3264
Weather (858) 259-8208
Disability Access
Two special beach wheelchairs are kept at the main lifeguard station, and many beach entrances are wheelchair accessible. To reserve a beach wheelchair call (858) 755-1556.
• Del Mar Beach Photos | Tide Report
