Del Mar

Del Mar is a quaint beach town in San Diego County, California, situated along the Pacific Ocean coast. Dating back to 1885, it was originally established as a seaside resort and officially became an incorporated city in 1959. Every summer, the iconic Del Mar Horse Races take place on the Del Mar racetrack.

The town borders the coastline with its unique setting of Surf Line railroad tracks running adjacent to coastal bluffs that tower some 40 feet (12 m) above the beach for approximately 1.7 miles (2.7 km). However, due to coastal erosion, these bluffs are gradually diminishing each year.

Del Mar is known for being one of only two places where the rare Torrey pine tree naturally grows in the United States. The endangered species can be found at two locations: Del Mar and Santa Rosa Island.

In addition to its natural beauty and distinctive flora, Del Mar features natural wonders such as Los Peñasquitos Lagoon at its southern edge and San Dieguito Lagoon and River up north — both of which empty into the Pacific Ocean within Del Mar’s boundaries.