Luxury Homes For Sale In Del Mar, CA
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Del Mar offers a stunning beachfront location along the highly coveted Southern California coastline. Flanked by the cool blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the rolling landscape inland, this charming beach town is the dream home for sun worshipers and those who can’t get enough of San Diego County’s relaxed culture.
Del Mar is a city along the scenic Southern California coastline, but there’s none of the cramped and fast-paced feeling that’s usually associated with other urban areas. Measuring just 2.2 square miles, Del Mar has a noticeable small-town vibe with residents, numbering just about 4,000, forming a close-knit community.
There’s also a sense of pride in the city’s reputation as a must-visit seaside destination. Awash in pristine beaches, green spaces, and nature preserves, not to mention the many signature events and local events the city is known for, Del Mar draws in upwards of two million tourists from all over the world. With a lovely beach or hilltop home, such attractions can be enjoyed anytime you desire.
If you’re exploring luxury homes for sale in Del Mar, CA, this comprehensive community guide will give you everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
ABOUT DEL MAR, CA
Historical highlights
How it began. The place that we now know today as Del Mar has been settled for centuries. Archeological evidence shows that the semi-nomadic Kumeyaay group of Native Americans have occupied San Diego County for thousands of years.
The arrival of Spanish explorers in 1542 altered the history and culture of the land. The Spaniards used their own language to name settlements, ranches, and surrounding features. The tradition remained unbroken because Del Mar was part of California, which was formally annexed by Mexico in 1848. The area would undergo another significant change after California became a US state in 1850.
What's in a name. In 1882, an enterprising railroad contractor by the name of Theodore M. Loop was involved in building Southern California’s first-ever railroad connecting San Diego to San Bernardino. The rail tracks passed through a place called Township 14, which Loop came to love so much that he decided to live in the area. Loop’s wife, Ella, called their newfound home Del Mar, taking inspiration from the poem "The Fight of Paso Del Mar."
Who built the town. The Loops would eventually meet Jacob S. Taylor, a successful rancher from New Mexico, and worked together to turn Del Mar into a thriving resort town. By 1885, Taylor acquired a little over 338 acres of land.
In the succeeding years, Del Mar was beginning to take shape, with several structures completed – small houses, a Victorian schoolhouse, a train depot, water system, and a hotel resort named Casa Del Mar. However, tragedy struck in 1889 as the hotel burned down. Further development stalled for about 15 years.
Who revived the town. In the early 1900s, the Sun Coast Land Company purchased large swathes of land and began drawing plans for a new hotel.
In 1910, the lavish Hotel Del Mar (now the L’Auberge Del Mar) opened to the public, attracting some of Hollywood’s earliest stars to enjoy top-tier amenities such as a bath house, golf course, and an exclusive pier. Some decided to stay for good, prompting new residences to be built all over town. A civic local association was formed in 1931.
Putting Del Mar on the map. But it was the completion of the fairgrounds and horse racetrack that would put Del Mar on the map. About 50,000 people showed up on opening day on October 8, 1936. Bing Crosby, one of the biggest entertainment personalities at the time, even spearheaded the creation of the Del Mar Turf Club to hone thoroughbred horses.
In 1959, Del Mar was incorporated as a city. From the 1960s to the early 80s, the Del Mar community became acutely aware of the negative environmental effects of urban lifestyles. They embarked on projects that would preserve the city’s reputation as a vibrant seaside attraction and a cherished oceanfront community.
Del Mar, CA today
Getting there. Del Mar lies around 20 miles north of San Diego via Interstate 5. The route passes by other charming seaside communities like La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Torrey Pines, to name a few.
Del Mar is mild and temperate. Del Mar is ideal for those who prefer sunny days with moderate temperatures. It gets nearly 300 sunny days a year and 12 inches of rain on average. Like other nearby towns and cities in this part of San Diego County, August is the hottest and most humid month, with average highs reaching the mid 70s. The most comfortable months are May, June, September, and October.
Del Mar is walkable. With pedestrian and bike-friendly streets, Del Mar makes running errands and popping in and out of cafes a breeze. While driving is still the fastest way to get around, the city's walk score of 87 means it’s very easy to get from one place to another on foot, a rarity in California where only 34 out of 372 of the state's largest cities have been deemed walkable. It helps that Del Mar is all of 2.2 square miles. Which is a boon for newcomers because exploring on foot is the best way to get to know the neighborhood and absorb the local culture.
Get your bearings. Much of the commercial activity happens along the main thoroughfare of Camino Del Mar, which acts as a de-facto divider between the properties closer to the beachfront and those that are further inland. The eastern section of the Del Mar is where you’ll find elegant luxury homes that sit on slightly elevated terrain. .
DEL MAR, CA REAL ESTATE MARKET OVERVIEW
Prospective buyers will find an exciting selection of luxury homes for sale in Del Mar. Prices range from $2.5 million to over $12 million. Expect the asking price to reflect the kind of features you're after – breathtaking views of the Pacific, shaded patios, ENERGY STAR-rated fixtures and appliances, a laundry room, a bright and airy open floor plan, and so on.
The luxury homes for sale in Del Mar are mostly single-family homes with the occasional condo and twin homes. The most highly prized homes sit on one-fourth and one-half-acre lots. Some of the oldest properties date back to the 1920s and have been meticulously maintained and updated throughout many years. Additionally, the predominant architectural styles in Del Mar are Craftsman and Mission Revival, but there’s an increasing number of Contemporary homes all over town.
Check out some of Del Mar's most gorgeous homes for a detailed glimpse of what’s on offer.
LIVING IN DEL MAR, CA
Nearby schools
Del Mar is served by the Del Mar Union School District and San Dieguito Union High School District. Below are some of the best public and private schools in the area:
Elementary:
- Del Mar Heights School
- Del Mar Hills Academy
- Saint James Academy
- Carmel Del Mar School
- Montessori Del Mar (independent)
High school:
- Torrey Hills School
- Torrey Pines High School
- Canyon Crest Academy
- The Winston School of San Diego (top-rated special education school)
Shopping
- Flower Hill Promenade
- Del Mar Shopping Center
- Beachside Del Mar
- Del Mar Plaza
- Sundancer Boutique
- Vons Supermarket
- Rusty Del Mar Surf Shop
Outdoor recreation
Del Mar is a haven for the outdoor-loving crowd, from thrill-seeking surfers to the casual enthusiasts who love basking in the natural scenery. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Del Mar Shores Park is located just a few blocks from the beach. It covers 5.3 acres and features a baseball field and a basketball court. Dogs can be walked without their leashes.
- Powerhouse and Seagrove Parks are adjacent to each other and offer perfect picnic spots with scenic ocean views. Kids can spend time in the nearby playground or enjoy the sandy beach below.
- Dog Beach Park (North Beach) is situated in the northern section of the city. It Prepare for the sight of dozens of neighborhood dogs enjoying the sunset with their owners.
- North/Scripps Bluff Preserve is perched above the Dog Beach Park. This relatively smaller area boasts 360-degree views of the coast and inland lagoons.
- Crest Canyon Park is favorite among trail runners and bikers who frequent its 2.2-mile trail loop. The surroundings are made more breathtaking by the vegetation, which includes chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and Torrey pine trees.
- The Seacliff Coastal Trail's picturesque shoreline is ideal for an enjoyable walk or an easy jog.
- The Del Mar Surf School shows you how to take your surfing skills to the next level. It's the best way to make the most of Del Mar's fun and diverse waves year-round.
- The San Dieguito Lagoon is both a natural and cultural heritage that features a variety of flora and fauna, along with a number of engaging outdoor activities. The lagoon is the habitat of birds like the black phoebe and California gnatcatcher, and a place to spot brush rabbits and bobcats. Exploring the lagoon is a treasured pastime for bird watchers and fishing enthusiasts. Meanwhile, backcountry explorers can test their mettle on the 71 mile-long Coast to Crest Trail, which begins in Del Mar and ends in the Vulcan Mountain (elevation:5,719 feet).
- The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve encompasses 1,500 acres of unspoiled beaches and wildlands. The area boasts awe-inspiring overlooks, peaceful and scenic trails, and rare animal sightings (including bobcats and dolphins). A group visit to the protected area will require a permit. Additionally, dogs and pets are not allowed in the preserve.
- The Del Mar Fairgrounds holds a wide variety of family-friendly events every year, from the well-attended San Diego County Fair to trade shows to sporting events. Events are held in three main areas: the fairgrounds (212 acres), the Surf and Turf Recreational Facilities and RV Park (48 acres), and the Del Mar Horsepark (a 64-acre equestrian center). Check out the events calendar and plan your visit ahead of time.
- Visit Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Del Mar and you’ll never want to watch movies the same way again. With reclining leather seats, waiters to serve you, a full bar, and state-of-the-art sound and picture quality, this movie theater turns movie nights into an evening of full-on pampering.
- Amber Waves of Grain Gallery features the surf art and abstract resin paintings of Mac Hillenbrand, an avid hiker living in San Diego. His signature style incorporates marquetry wood veneering techniques to bring out the wood grain characteristics and organic textures in his art pieces.
- The County Library in Del Mar is the place to find out about the roots and the cultures that shaped Del Mar. The library is also an events venue, hosting concerts, chess meet-ups, and yoga classes. The nonprofit, Friends of the Del Mar Library, sees to the improvements of the facility.
- L’Auberge Del Mar sits on the original location of Hotel Del Mar.Recognized in the Sunset Magazine Travel Awards, the in-house Adelaide restaurant serves coastal California dishes like crab Benedict and fresh seasonal salads with dramatic ocean views. The Pool Bar is a stylish spot to lounge in before or after meals.
- En Fuego Cantina & Grill is everyone's go-to for authentic and creative Mexican cuisine. Pair your choice order with their signature En Fuego Margarita. Or choose from a variety of wine cocktails, beer, and signature tequilas.
- Il Fornaio promises "the most authentic Italian experience outside of Italy." From a baking school and bakery in Lombardi, Italy during the 1970s, Il Fornaio moved to the US in the 1980s and soon became a favorite in the communities they were in. Each branch has their own menu. Here's what's on the Del Mar menus.
- Jake’s offers waterfront dining just steps from the sandy shores. This charming restaurant is suitable for date nights, lunches, or an easygoing Sunday brunch with the family. The fresh fish caesar salad, crispy calamari, heavenly filet mignon, and every remaining dish on the menu is cooked with heart.
- Pacifica Del Mar is a longstanding institution known for serving refined seafood favorites in a stunning setting. While the restaurant gets a lot of love and attention for its terrific food, the in-house bar isn't far behind.
- Board and Brew is a casual surf-themed chain, a quick fix for those in a hurry to hit the waves or those wanting to soak in more of that chill energy. If you’re hanging out for a while, their craft beers are a must-try.
- The Del Mar Farmers Market provides the community with everything fresh and seasonal. Whether you're meal prepping or not, you can pick up hummus, potted herbs, bread, cheese, flowers, African food, and other packaged food..
Culture and entertainment
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the Del Mar community than to dive headlong into the local culture and check out the lively entertainment spots.
Local food scene
Del Mar has some of the best eats this side of San Diego County. Everything from haute cuisine to casual dining is on the menu. Many of the following recommendations are located along Camino Del Mar:
GET TO KNOW DEL MAR, CA BETTER WITH THE JACKSON TEAM
To ensure a pleasant home buying experience, consider working with top local Realtors. Explore luxury homes for sale in Del Mar, CA with The Jackson Team. Whether it’s Del Mar, La Jolla, Carmel Valley, or elsewhere in San Diego, this proven team of experts will carefully guide you as you navigate the market to secure the best deal possible.
Led by Delorine Jackson, a seasoned Realtor with over 25 years of experience in assisting buyers and sellers, the brokerage prides itself on crafting tailor-made solutions that align with your property investment goals. Discerning buyers will be pleased to know that The Jackson Team has a knack for finding the right home for your specific lifestyle.
Get in touch with the The Jackson Team today to book a private consultation. Call 858.822.9694 or contact us here .