Best Views In Del Mar
Want to find a peaceful place for a respite after a day of beach-going and shopping? Here are a few spots to enjoy the Pacific views in Del Mar.
Seagrove Park & Powerhouse Park
Seagrove Park and the adjacent Powerhouse Park comprise Del Mar’s crown jewel, and after you take in the view there, you’ll see why. The sprawling grassy knolls overlook the beach, making it a popular place to sunbathe or dine al fresco at one of the many picnic tables. To see the full scope of this area, begin at the outer rim of Seagrove Park and work your way down to Powerhouse Park, stopping along the routes to gaze at the sea and surfers below. If you walk past the “Tot Lot” play area at Powerhouse Park, you’ll find a small gateway that leads to a dirt path. Follow that trail to a cluster of benches where you can sit and bask in the sun. Seagrove Park is located off Coast Blvd. Powerhouse Park is located at 1658 Coast Blvd. Del Mar, 92014; 858-793-6138.
Scripps Bluff Preserve
Perched above Del Mar’s Dog Beach is Scripps Bluff Preserve. Though it’s a relatively steep climb, the view is worth every step. Savor the sunset at this lesser-known preserve. The high vantage point on this bluff gives you a 360-degree of the coastline and the inland lagoons. So, not only can you watch the sun dip down over the Pacific, but you can turn and watch the sky inland change colors, which can be especially spectacular if there happen to be hot air balloons in flight. To access the bluff, use paid parking at North Beach (aka Dog Beach) along Camino del Mar. Dog beach is located at3006 Sandy Lane, Del Mar, CA 92014. As you walk onto North Beach, look for a wooden staircase to your right. Follow the staircase up to a trail that leads you to the top of the bluff.
Del Mar Plaza
Del Mar Plaza is a European-style marketplace that overlooks the Pacific. Patio areas and benches offer plenty of seats with a view, especially on the upper levels. During the summer, check out the free outdoor concerts every Thursday night, and enjoy that sunset with a live soundtrack and maybe a glass of wine. 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar 92014. Learn more at delmarplaza.com.
L'Auberge Del Mar
Whether you're visiting Del Mar or simply a local looking for a good time, L'Auberge Del Mar will make any day feel like a vacation. Soak in the views at several prime spots in L'Auberge: at Bleu Bar, sip on a craft cocktail, such as "Summer in Del Mar" (elderflower liqueur, grapefruit, lime), and munch on parmesan truffle fries with Meyer lemon aioli as you relax next to the fire pits. If you're hungry for a little something more, Coastline serves delicious, fresh food on an expansive deck. You'll fall in love with L'Auberge--and, if you happen to also fall in love with a special someone, their Pacific Terrace offers an unbeatable wedding venue, with beautiful views of the Del Mar coastline.
Sbicca
As a 2013 Gold Medallion Recipient for Best Neighborhood Restaurant, Sbicca's amazing view is equivalent to the quality of their food. With items ranging from crispy chicken steam buns to butternut squash ravioli, Sbicca's diverse menu is sure to delight even the pickiest of palettes.
Hotel Indigo
Once you stay at Hotel Indigo, you'll never want to (indi)go home. Hotel Indigo prides itself in its connection to Del Mar tradition and culture, exemplified by their iconic staircase, where each step dons the name of a famous thoroughbred that once raced at the local track. Their Ocean View Bar and Grill certainly lives up to its name, where you can enjoy craft beer and bites while gazing at the calm blue Pacific.
Sunset Seat
If you're looking to enjoy the sunset with a special someone, or just take in the views yourself, Sunset Seat is the ultimate tranquil spot. When a local Torrey pine tree began to succumb to Bark Beetles, a local artist decided to transform it into a stunning public art piece. In recognition of the unique wildlife at the local Torrey Pines Reserve, the tree was carved into a bench, with a red-tailed hawk perched above it. Sunset Seat is just north of Torrey Pines State Beach, located on the bluffs.