Del Mar City Beach

Del Mar City Beach can be divided into three distinct areas: the North Beach from 29th Street to Solana Beach border, the Main Beach from the northern end of Powerhouse Park to 29th Street, and the South Beach area from Powerhouse Park down to the Torrey Pines border at 6th Street. Each has its own attractions.

North Beach is often called "Dog Beach." San Diego has been dog friendly since 1959, and pets can roam under the voice control of their owners from the day after Labor Day through June 14th; leashes are required only during the summer months. North Beach is arguably the finest looking of the three segments, too. Architectural dream houses flying colorful flags flank the wide sands here, where swimming and intermediate surfing are the preferred activities.

The Main Beach has more parking available and draws the most beachgoers. At its heart is the 17th street lifeguard station. Swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking are popular here, and two major parks are nearby: Powerhouse and Seagrove. Facilities include a grass area with a playground, bathrooms, showers, and recycling bins.

South Beach is mainly for joggers and surfers. Beyond 15th Street, the beach is lined by bluffs with primitive trails leading down from the heights. A dirt path parallels the train tracks atop the bluffs, where it is possible to walk or jog for miles unimpeded. Patchy reefs offshore create surf breaks at 15th, 11th, 7th and 4th streets. The latter is known as the G-Spot for the womblike storm drain that surfers use to reach the beach from the cliffs.