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SEA SIDE HAVEN

OUR RESORT

A blissful seaside haven in Del Mar

From the sparkling pool to the sun-drenched rooms, everything at Villa L’Auberge reflects the tranquility of the California coast. Retreat to this seaside haven to enjoy sunbathing and swimming complemented by sweeping ocean views. The racetrack and many of San Diego’s finest restaurants are nearby.

Your vacation rental features all the subdued luxury of Del Mar in a plush, onebedroom suite. All you have to do is step onto your private balcony to enjoy the ocean views. There’s no need for air conditioning here—simply open the large balcony door to welcome the gentle breeze. Each rental comes with a fireplace, perfect for winter nights.

Something While You’re With Us? We’re Just a Text Away! (858) 259-1515

WHERE TO EAT

DEL MAR

RESTAURANT SCENE

Classic Delights

If you are looking for a romantic night for two or a luxurious brunch, try these favorites.

Brigantine (1.5 mi)

$$$

Casual, clubby seafood chain serving up surf ‘n’ turf, oysters on the half shell, fish tacos & more.

Jakes Del Mar (0.3 mi)

Seaside eatery & bar with floor-to-ceiling windows has an upscale menu, Sunday brunch & grand views.

Beeside Balcony (0.2 mi)

Serves award-winning mediterranean food crafted from the soul.

WHERE TO EAT Family-Friendly

For casual family-friendly fun, check out these spots along the coastline.

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery (8.5 mi)

Vibrant, retro chain serving a seasonal menu of creative breakfast & lunch fare, plus cocktails.

Shorehouse Kitchen (8.4 mi)

Beautiful kid friendly dining location serving delicious breakfast and brunch.

Il Fornaio (0.3 mi)

$$$

Upmarket chain for Italian dining, including bread from an in-house bakery.

Sweet Treats

Top off the day with some sweet stuff right by the resort and walk it off on the beach.

An’s Hatmakers (.3 mi)

Locally owned sweet treat shop voted #1 in America by USA’s Today’s 10 Best.

Broad Street Dough Co. (6 mi)

With a menu of over 40 flavors of donuts and a create your own menu there is plenty for all to enjoy.

THINGS to do

AT THE RESORT

With all the resort has to offer, there’s no need to leave. Take a day and have fun at Villa L’Auberge with some on-site or near-site activities.

• Beach Day

• Jacuzzi

• Fitness Center

• Barbecue Grills

• Outdoor Tennis Courts

• Spa Services

For more on-site activities, make sure to check our resort features.

OFF-SITE

If you want to visit the surrounding area and get the most out of the Southern California Coast, Del Mar is the perfect stop.

HEALTHY FUN

Del Mar Farmer’s Market

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Hike

DEL MAR CLASSICS

San Diego County Fair

Del Mar Horse Races

ADVENTUROUS FLAIR

Torrey Pines Gliderport

Hot Air Balloon Rides

SH OP

No San Diego vacation is complete without a little shopping. Whether you’re looking for seashells, sunglasses, or a new bathing suit, you’re sure to find just the thing in one of the stores around Del Mar.

Del Mar Village Stores

Enjoy everything from eclectic gifts to well-known favorites.

Flower Hill Promenade

Beautiful flowers, live music, and very kid friendly. Find amazing local and unique gifts for everyone on your list!

DIVE INTO

DEL MAR

Del Mar is rich with beauty and history. Since the legendary days of Hollywood’s golden years, Del Mar has been a top destination for movie stars as well as those who have a love of the luxurious resort life and stunning seaside bluffs. With pristine beaches, awardwinning cuisine, and English Tudor architecture, Del Mar could easily fit right into a quaint European hillside nestled on the coast.

Origins of Del Mar

Convinced that the area, soon to become Del Mar, was “the most attractive place on the entire coast,” Theodore Loop, a railroad engineer from New York, traveled to Southern California to build a railroad connecting Los Angeles and San Diego. The original train tracks were laid in the middle of Del Mar in 1882. In the same year, Loop met a successful rancher, Jacob Shell Taylor. Taylor and Loop were both captivated by the stunning seaside area and recognized the perfect development opportunity.

Loop was a visionary and had high hopes for the area, wanting to draw visitors far and wide. He built forty small houses, two school houses, an observation tower, a train depot, and a water system.

Ready to elevate Del Mar into a vacation destination he soon founded the village of Del Mar in 1886 and developed the area’s first seaside resort, “Casa Del Mar,” establishing Del Mar as an idyllic getaway on the Southern California Coast.

After five years of bustling success and development, Jacob Taylor woke to the smell of smoke in 1889 in his hotel room. After evacuating guests to their safety the hotel burned down two hours later. Taylor said he’d return to rebuild the hotel but unfortunately he moved to Texas, leaving behind the town he helped found.

But hope was on the horizon for Del Mar …

The Big Boom

In the early 1900’s the South Coast Land Company purchased a majority of the land in Del Mar and had big plans for redevelopment. The first project for the developer was the hotel called the “Stratford Inn”. They hired prominent Los Angeles architect John C. Austin to build the new hotel on the hill overlooking the beach. Today, L’Auberge Del Mar, a luxury hotel sits on this land.

On March 9, 1909 the Stratford Inn opened for business with glamorous fan-fare. By 1910, Del Mar began drawing the attention of Hollywood stars of the silent film days that were attracted to Del Mar’s elegant appeal and its beautiful bluffs along the ocean.

During the 20’s and 30’s Del Mar continued to experience tremendous growth and development. It was during this time that buildings were starting to be designed to match the English Tudor architecture that the area is known for today.

D el Mar Racetrack & Fairgrounds

Picture it, July 3, 1937 and famous crooner, Bing Crosby, is there to greet fans at the grand opening of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racetrack!

Crosby was convinced by William A. Quigley, a former football player and successful stockbroker, to invest in the racetrack which was not far from Crosby’s home and stable in Rancho Santa Fe. Crosby agreed to commit his time, money and energy to the project, and sure enough his undeniable charm and A-List friends helped turn the Del Mar racetrack into the must-see event of Southern California. He soon brought friends and actors, Pat O'Brien, who was elected vice president, and comedian Oliver Hardy, onto the board.

World War II

From 1942 through 1944 Del Mar experienced its “dark” period as the U.S. entered into World War II. During this time the races stopped and the grounds were used by the military to train Marines, and then as a manufacturing site for B-17 bombers.

Across the Board: Originated around 1903 as a betting term. Wagering across the board means to bet on one horse finish in either first, second, or third place.

Home Stretch: A term also known as the home straight appearing around 1841 refers to the final length, or stretch, of the racetrack.

Scratch: To withdraw a horse from a race.

LEFT: Coming along the home stretch at the Del Mar Racetrack & Fairgrounds in 1940 // Photo Provided by Del Mar Historical Society

Playground of the Stars

A new crop of Hollywood arrived in 1948 after World War II, turning The Village of Del Mar into a “playground of the stars”. With the close proximity to Los Angeles, traveling to Del Mar was an easy trip and became a summer tradition for many who were drawn to the beautiful seaside town and its luxurious offerings.

Bing Crosby often invited his friends to Del Mar when he saw them on set or on the Hollywood back lot.

If you attended the races during the summer you might find yourself bumping into Buster Keaton, Rita Hayworth, Dorothy Lamour, W. C. Fields, Paulette Goddard, Edgar Bergen, June Haver, Ann Miller, Don Ameche, Ava Gardner, Red Skelton and, of course, Bing Crosby and Pat O'Brien.

Del Mar Racetrack Still Has Hollywood Roots

Today, Joe Harper is the president and CEO of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and has held the reins there for four decades. Harper fits right into the vintage glamor of Del Mar since he’s the grandson of legendary film director Cecil B. DeMille and grew up in the Hollywood limelight. He would accompany his grandfather on movie sets and even had walk-on parts in a couple of Oscar winning movies during his childhood, and also grew up around horses. Now he oversees racetrack operations. In his current position he works with jockeys and horses, schmoozes with celebrities, and has helped transform Del Mar racing into a must-do summer event.

ABOVE: A day at the races // Photo Provided by Del Mar Historical Society

Bing

Famous Residents

Dorothy

Lucille Ball (left) and her husband

For decades Del Mar’s racing season has drawn Hollywood celebrities including Jimmy Durante, Lucy and Desi Arnaz, Burt Bacharach, and Angie Dickenson who all built homes in Del Mar during its hayday.

With its vintage coastal charm, natural elegance, and deep connection to the history of San Diego, Del Mar still remains home to many professional athletes and celebrities including professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, NFL quarterbacks Aaron Rogers and Drew Brees, and the lead singer of the band Journey, Steve Perry, just to name a few!

Del Mar Story Time

In the 1950’s Lucille Ball, American actress and comedienne, and husband, Desi Arnaz, Cuban-born American actor and producer, most notably known for their on-screen marriage in the American sitcom I Love Lucy, lived in Del Mar right along the beach. Desi was an avid patron at the Del Mar race track and often brought Lucy with him, although Lucy was never a huge fan of his betting habits at the track. To counter his betting and to cause a laugh, Lucy would bet $2 on every horse in a race so when Desi lost and turned to her to ask, “Did you win?” she could reply “Yes, I sure did!” to the chagrin of her loving husband at the time.

ABOVE:

Desi Arnaz (right) enjoying a day at the Del Mar Fairgrounds // Photo Provided by Del Mar Historical Society

ABOVE:

Crosby and

Lamour enjoying a day at the Del Mar Racetrack // Photo Provided by Del Mar Historical Society

EV ENTS

Check out some of Del Mar’s favorite events throughout the year!

January – Farmer’s Insurance Open

March – Spring Home Garden Show

April– Del Mar National Horse Show

June – San Diego County Fair

July – Opening Day at the Races

August – The Scream Zone

November – Del Mar Horse Racing Season

For more local events make sure to visit the events calendar!

#MyGrandMemories

TOP PHOTO SPOTS

DEL MAR

There are so many places on and off site to take photos and make great memories that your family can share and cherish for a lifetime. Here are just a few of our favorite picturesque destinations:

Powerhouse Park & Beach

Del Mar Racetrack

Torrey Pines State Reserve

Seagrove Park

San Dieguito County Park

Annie’s Canyon Trail

San Elijo Ecological Reserve