You have worked hard to reach the point in your life where luxury travel is an expectation rather than a rare exception. As you begin planning a California getaway in the seaside village of Del Mar, treating yourself to the finer things in life is the priority. Del Mar is globally recognized as a premier coastal destination, offering pristine beaches, world-class dining, and a highly refined local culture.
Because only the best will do on this trip, you need guidance that skips the crowded tourist traps and points you directly toward premium experiences. We have created this comprehensive Del Mar luxury vacation guide to ensure your itinerary is filled with restorative spa days, exclusive dining reservations, and high-end outdoor adventures. Read on to discover the very best of what this beautiful coastal town has to offer.
- A Little Pampering Is in Order: Top Local Spas
- White Sand Beaches and Curated Beach Setups
- Outdoor Luxury: Yachts, Golf, and Surfing
- Luxury Shopping Adventures
- Upscale Events in and Around Del Mar
- Epicurean Delights: Fine Dining in Del Mar
- Securing Premium Coastal Accommodations
- Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury Travel in Del Mar
A Little Pampering Is in Order: Top Local Spas
The best way to treat yourself is with a few quiet hours spent at a dedicated day spa. Del Mar offers an impressive selection of high-end wellness centers designed to melt away the stress of travel. There is no wrong way to spoil yourself on vacation, but these specific locations provide exceptional service.
Spa Na’Mara (710 Camino Del Mar)
There are some spas that are known for their massages or their skin care services, but Spa Na’Mara specializes in comprehensive relaxation. This is where you go when you cannot decide between a deep tissue massage, an uplifting facial, or a Papaya Pineapple Bamboo Body Polish. You can book a full-day package and walk out feeling entirely restored.
Love to Live Spa (3790 Via de la Valle #212)
Love to Live Spa focuses strictly on advanced skin care and anti-aging processes. Offering everything from full body treatments to hydra-facials, this boutique business caters to clients looking for highly specialized, individualized care. They also feature unique treatments specifically designed for men, ensuring everyone in your travel party receives premium attention.
The Spa at Fairmont Grand Del Mar (5300 Grand Del Mar Court)
Located just minutes inland in the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, the Spa at Fairmont Grand Del Mar is one of only a handful of five-star spas in the entire country. Their menu of spa services covers everything you could imagine. If you really want to treat yourself, book their Grand Day Spa Retreat. It lasts all day and features a custom massage, a restorative facial, and a private poolside lunch.
White Sand Beaches and Curated Beach Setups
The luxury of a quiet day at the beach can never be oversold. Del Mar features over two miles of pristine, highly walkable coastline. You can enjoy watching the world awaken during a casual stroll along the water’s edge at sunrise, or watch the sky cycle through brilliant shades of pink and orange during your sunset walks.
For an elevated experience, you can hire local concierge services to arrange a curated beach setup. Instead of carrying heavy chairs and coolers down to the sand, a private company will set up luxury cabanas, plush loungers, and catered charcuterie boards right on the beach before you arrive. You simply show up, enjoy the ocean, and walk away when you are finished.
Outdoor Luxury: Yachts, Golf, and Surfing
Luxury in Southern California often means getting out on the water or the greens. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to surf, the Del Mar Surf School offers private, one-on-one lessons for beginners that include a professional photo package to document the experience.
If you prefer staying dry, charting a private yacht out of nearby San Diego Bay provides an incredible afternoon. You can hire a captain and a private chef to take your family sailing past Point Loma and Coronado. Alternatively, golf enthusiasts can secure a tee time at the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course, located just a few miles south of Del Mar. Playing a round on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean is an unforgettable experience for any avid golfer.
Luxury Shopping Adventures
Shopping is an essential part of high-end travel. The Del Mar Plaza offers open-air shopping with spectacular ocean views, featuring boutique clothing stores and fine jewelry shops. If you want to expand your retail therapy, making the short drive to Fashion Valley in San Diego provides access to major luxury houses. You will find sprawling storefronts for Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Versace.
If you are willing to take a scenic drive up the coast to Costa Mesa, the South Coast Plaza offers an unparalleled concentration of luxury shopping, including the iconic Harry Winston jewelers. It is the perfect destination for acquiring a timeless piece to remember your trip.
Upscale Events in and Around Del Mar
Del Mar is home to several highly prestigious events that draw a sophisticated crowd. Attending these gatherings is a cornerstone of the local luxury lifestyle.
Del Mar Racing
The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has been an exciting part of the coastal landscape since the 1930s. It offers a chance to dress up and enjoy world-class horse racing right where the turf meets the surf. If you are looking for the top August events in San Diego, the Pacific Classic is the crown jewel of the summer racing season. Attending the races is a brilliant way to spend a Friday or Saturday afternoon.
Del Mar Food & Wine Festival
Taking place in September, the Del Mar Food & Wine Festival is rapidly becoming one of the most prestigious culinary events in the country. Visitors can explore cuisine from the best chefs in the state and taste highly rated wines from local vineyards. The multi-day event includes private workshops, chef demonstrations, and exclusive after-parties.
Epicurean Delights: Fine Dining in Del Mar
The ultimate luxury is an excellent meal. While the city offers plenty of casual dining experiences, these specific establishments provide the highest level of culinary excellence in the area.
Jake’s Del Mar
Offering incredible water views right on the sand, Jake’s Del Mar is a local institution. Their fresh seafood menu is exceptional, but they also offer fantastic steaks and vegetarian options. You must save room for their famous Hula Pie, made with a chocolate cookie crust, macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, and whipped cream.
Poseidon Restaurant
Serving sustainable seafood in a beautiful oceanfront setting, Poseidon makes you feel like visiting royalty. They are famous for their craft cocktails and expansive wine list. If you get a chance to try their weekend brunch, their coastal take on traditional Eggs Benedict is highly recommended.
Addison Del Mar
Located inside the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Addison is the only 3-star Michelin-rated restaurant in Southern California. Chef William Bradley crafts a stunning multi-course tasting menu that changes with the seasons. Dining at Addison is a multi-hour culinary journey that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Securing Premium Coastal Accommodations
A luxury trip requires a luxury home base. Reserving premium Del Mar vacation rentals offers the most wonderful way to start and end every day of your trip. True comfort begins with expansive ocean views, elevated architecture, and private outdoor living spaces. You can sleep in premium beds topped with high-thread-count linens and wake up every day ready to discover new ways of treating yourself.
High-end properties require meticulous upkeep. Owners who utilize professional Del Mar vacation rental management ensure that their homes are flawlessly cleaned and maintained for discerning guests. This level of San Diego property management guarantees that your vacation is completely free of stress or maintenance delays. If you are ready to secure the perfect coastal estate, please contact our local team today to discuss your travel dates and specific accommodation requests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury Travel in Del Mar
What is the best way to get around Del Mar?
While the central village of Del Mar is highly walkable, renting a premium vehicle or utilizing private black car services is recommended for visiting Torrey Pines, upscale shopping centers, and traveling to the Michelin-starred inland restaurants.
Can you hire a private chef for a vacation rental in Del Mar?
Yes. Many luxury estates feature massive gourmet kitchens that are perfect for private catering. Local concierge services can arrange for highly rated private chefs to prepare and serve multi-course dinners directly in your rental home.
How far in advance do I need to book a luxury coastal estate?
High-end oceanfront properties are in peak demand during the summer racing season (July through September). To secure the best estates, it is highly recommended to book 6 to 9 months prior to your arrival.
Is Torrey Pines Golf Course open to the public?
Yes, Torrey Pines is a municipal golf course. However, because it hosts professional PGA events, securing a prime tee time requires booking up to 90 days in advance through the city’s reservation system.
What is the dress code for dining in Del Mar?
Restaurants along the sand, like Jake’s and Poseidon, embrace “upscale coastal casual” attire. However, if you are dining at Addison or attending the Turf Club at the racetrack, formal wear and tailored jackets are strictly required.
Written by Kimberly Jackson
Founder & Owner
A native San Diegan with over 16 years of real estate and management experience, Kim is dedicated to making the vacation rental process stress-free and financially beneficial for her clients. When she isn’t securing bookings, you can find this powerhouse single mom surfing with her three sons, boxing, hiking, playing beach volleyball or supporting local businesses.
