Del Mar is a city in San Diego County, California. It was incorporated as a town in 1888 and became a city in 1989. The city’s population at the 2000 census was 34,922. Del Mar is located approximately 20 miles north of the downtown area of San Diego.
Del Mar is situated along the Pacific Ocean. The beach is popular with surfers, swimmers, sunbathers, joggers and bicyclists. It is also known for its golf courses and horseback riding. The city has a number of attractions including the Del Mar Racetrack, the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the Del Mar Playhouse, the Del Mar Fair, the Del Mar High School and the Del Mar Casino.
Del Mar has been home to many celebrities over the years. Some of these include Robert Mitchum, Clint Eastwood, Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Douglas, Steve Martin, Joan Collins, Peter Fonda, Sylvester Stallone, Barbra Streisand, Paul Newman, Jack Nicholson, Bruce Willis, and Goldie Hawn. Learn more
Del Mar was originally called “El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro”, which means “the Royal Road to the Interior Land”. The first settlers arrived in the area in 1841. The first land grants were issued in 1852. The name Del Mar was given to the area by a group of Spanish sailors who had spent time there in the early 19th century. They named it after the Del Mar Ranch, which was owned by an American who had purchased the property from the Mexican government. The ranch was later sold to Charles Morgan. In the 1860s, Morgan established the Del Mar Race Track and began to attract visitors to the area. The Del Mar Racetrack is still in operation today.
In the 1870s, the Del Mar Fairgrounds was built. This was one of the first large fairgrounds in California. The fairgrounds hosted the first major rodeo in California. The fairground is now a popular venue for concerts and other events. More great attractions.
In 1883, the Del Mar Beach was officially opened. Today, this is one of the most popular beaches in the state. It is known for its white sand and warm water.
Del Mar is a very popular tourist destination in Southern California. The city has a number of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and condominiums.