JILL WEINLEIN

After graduating from UCLA, JIll traveled the world looking for unique destinations. She’s been writing about her travels for almost 30 years in various publications.

She writes a weekly restaurant review for the Beverly Press and Park LaBrea News. It’s inserted into the Los Angeles Times every Thursday and delivered to subscribers from Hancock Park to Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills to the Wilshire Corridor.

Del Mar Is Where The Surf Meets the Turf

BY JILL WEINLEIN

Located along California’s Historic US 101, the longest U.S. route in the state, is the Del Mar Beach Hotel. This 46-room boutique hotel is right on the beach and a short walk to Del Mar Village in San Diego County.

Del Mar is situated along the Pacific Coast and is fondly referred to as “the place where the surf meets turf.” According to historical records, Del Mar attracted horse racing fans when the track opened next to the beach in 1937. Bing Crosby greeted the fans entering the gate at the 340-acre Del Mar Fairgrounds, a “good chip shot from the Pacific Ocean.”

In the 1940’s before World War II, the track became a playground for the stars. W. C. Fields, Edgar Bergen, Red Skelton, Ann Miller, Don Ameche, Ava Gardner, Bing Crosby and Pat O’Brien frequented during the summer.

During World War II, the Del Mar track became the training grounds for the Marines and a manufacturing site for parts to B-17 bomber planes. When the war ended in 1945, Del Mar became a horse racing track again and when President Truman declared August 15 a national holiday, over 20,000 fans turned out to the track and bet almost $1 million dollars, a Del Mar record.

Del Mar Beach Hotel is two miles from the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Situated next to a Life guard headquarters and million dollar beachfront homes, nearby are scenic parks, easy walking and biking trails, quaint shops and restaurants. It’s an idyllic weekend or weekday staycation.

The Beach Boys sang about Del Mar in their hit song ‘Surfin USA’ – “You’d catch ‘em surfin at Del Mar”, singing about a stretch of sand and ocean that is in the backyard of the Del Mar Beach Hotel.  This most coveted surf spots in San Diego offers conditions ideal for all skill levels.

Upon checking into the coastal design lobby, part of the multi-million dollar refresh and redesign, we were informed there are surfboards, boogie boards, beach chairs and umbrellas available to use during our stay.

The lobby displays a Cruvinet Wine Dispenser with a rotating selection of curated wines. We received a glass of wine along with our keycard to take to our room. We dropped off our bags and sat in lounge chairs on the back Oceanview terrace to soak up the sun and watch the waves gently crash onshore.

Room #209 is a coastal chic designed room with images of waves on the back wall. The sandy beige and blue accent colors mirror the beach outside our door. The king size bed was fitted with luxury linens and plenty of pillows. Inside the stylish bathroom was a large step-in shower, Lather Organics bath products, and Frette robes.

Beach walks are one of the best activities at this hotel. Guests have a variety of walking options that include a walk to Torrey Pines State Beach, or towards Solana Beach.

We walked up to Del Mar Village for a sunset dinner at Pacifica. Those looking to dine closer to the hotel can enjoy lunch or dinner at Poseidon Restaurant Del Mar next door or Jake’s Del Mar on the Beach.

For those who wish to explore more of San Diego, it’s just a short drive away to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offering a variety of scenic hiking trails. Venturing further south is the 1,200 acre Balboa Park, known for its beautiful gardens, 17 museums, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Less than two miles away is the famous Del Mar Racetrack.  Enjoy your stay at Del Mar Beach Hotel and stroll along the sand, sip delicious wine, and attend opening day of the Del Mar Race Track’s Bing Crosby Season on November 11, 2022.

1702 Coast Blvd., Del Mar. (858)400-8800. https://delmarhotel.com.