Del Mar is a unique upscale neighborhood located seventeen miles north of downtown San Diego. Del Mar real estate is quite expensive. Del Mar beach houses are in short supply. More affordable Carmel Valley homes are popular just one mile east, where executive luxury homes are available in the same price range as beach bungalows. Del Mar has always been considered a trophy property neighborhood in North County San Diego, and that is not likely to change.
Del Mar homeowners enjoy the relaxed but sophisticated style of the community. It is a small-town atmosphere with only around 3,500 residents, but still within easy reach of Downtown San Diego. The quiet lifestyle of a small beach town near the city is what makes Del Mar real estate so special. There is ample dining and shopping along Camino Del Mar, with small boutiques and sidewalk cafe’s lining the street. The Del Mar Plaza at the corner of 13th Street has a wonderful terrace where socializing peaks on the weekends. Enjoy drinks and first-class dining at The Pacifica (a personal favorite) while watching brilliant sunsets over the ocean horizon.
The Del Mar Plaza
Del Mar Homes
Del Mar house in the Craftsman or Arts-and-Crafts Style.
Some of the nicest homes in Southern California are found in the small Village of Del Mar. The houses are often perched on the hill above Del Mar village. Much Del Mar real estate boasts panoramic ocean views. Other Del Mar homes have peek ocean views through the beautiful and rare torrey pine trees that are found only on the California Coast. Most of the original homes for sale in Del Mar were first built as small 1,200 square foot beach cottages. However, most have been replaced with spacious and unique custom homes. All Del Mar Village homes are within walking distance to The Plaza, shopping and restaurants along Camino Del Mar (A.K.A. the Coast Highway 101).
The architectural style which has become increasingly popular is the California Craftsman or Arts-and-Crafts style. Craftsman houses in Del Mar have a nostalgic feel tracing back to Frank Lloyd Wright and, even earlier, Gustav Stickley. The modern Craftsman designs use the same open layouts, rich woodwork, and windows and glass that emphasize the beauty of the natural surroundings. And best of all, these newer homes in Del Mar have all the amenities that you would expect in a 21st Century house. The kitchens are large, with great rooms opening to the main living areas. Most of these Del Mar homes have large master bedroom suites with large bathrooms, and lots of closet space.
Del Mar Beach Properties are found near the Village of Del Mar, a charming beach town with shops and restaurants lining a slow and tranquil stretch of the Pacific Highway. Nearby beaches include 13th Street Beach / Powerhouse Park, Torrey Pines State Beach, and Black’s Beach. Del Mar beach properties are found at the south end of Del Mar (walking distance to Torrey Pines State Beach, but not directly on the sand). A very exclusive few Del Mar beach homes right on the sand are found North of Powerhouse Park, on Ocean Front between 17th Street and Sandy Lane (29th Street).
Torrey Pines State Beach is part of Torrey Pines State Park Reserve which has miles of rugged trails and natural beauty. There are no houses on Torrey Pines State Beach. However, there are Del Mar houses in “The Wooded Area” just Northwest of the beach, with walking paths which lead down to the beach. There are also a number of Del Mar condos and townhomes along Carmel Valley Road, across the street from the Torrey Pines State Beach parking lot.
There are several eateries on Carmel Valley Road within walking distance of Torrey Pines State Beach. These include the famous taco shop, Robertos, as well as Iris, offering California cuisine and Edamame with asian fusion fare. Del Mar Village is just down the road on Coast Highway (a.k.a. Camino Del Mar, or Highway 101) and has many enticing restaurants and shops.
Black’s Beach is South of Torrey Pines State Beach, base of Torrey Pines City Park, just a short walk from University of California San Diego. The Park is home to Torrey Pines Gliderport. Hang gliders and remote controlled gliders soar over the sandy Black’s Beach. The beach can be difficult to access since there are no improved stairways from the high cliffs. It is best to access Black’s Beach from the adjacent north and south beaches but high tide and surf may prohibit it. It is best to stay away from the unstable cliffs above Black’s Beach since slides can occur without warning. Black’s Beach has a famous reputation for being “clothing optional”. This is a great beach for surfing.
The summer months offer great fun at the Del Mar Fair and Race Track, and the influx of visitors makes Del Mar Village particularly exciting this time of year. The renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course (Home of the Buick Invitational) is just at the top of the hill adjacent to Torrey Pines State Park, so world-class golf is right in your back yard. The ideal beach environment, sports activities, and attractions at the Village explain why Del Mar real estate is so highly valued.
Del Mar Realtors
As local Del Mar Realtors we specialize in residential properties near The Village, Del Mar Heights, and in surrounding neighborhoods of Solana Beach, La Jolla, Carmel Valley and Rancho Santa Fe. We know Del Mar real estate, and we use our knowledge to match families with the right house, condominium, town home, or multi-unit property. Del Mar is one the best places to live in the United States, and we are the Realtors to get you here! We are the Del Mar real estate market experts at the New Homes Directory.
A Realtor with a law degree, an M.B.A., and over 12 years experience with residential real estate transactions. Geoffrey Schiering is an active member of the Del Mar community. Member and former vestry member and People’s Warden at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on 13th Street in Del Mar Village.
For more information about houses and condos for sale in Del Mar, call Geoffrey Schiering, your San Diego Real Estate Pro, at 619-200-7612. We’ll send you property listings that you can drive by at your leisure, and if you see a home you like, you can call anytime to arrange a private showing.