01
Best overall pick
Del Mar City Beach
Del Mar Village Waterfront • Classic Socal Family Beach • Best All-Around Beach Day
If you picture Del Mar in a postcard, this wide sandy stretch below the village is it.
Centered around 15th Street and Powerhouse Park, Del Mar City Beach is where locals send visitors who want the quintessential beach day without much planning. Gentle waves, lifeguards in season, grassy park space, and easy village access make it just as good for sunbathing as for grabbing a coffee or lunch between swims. Arrive earlier on summer weekends if you want a parking spot within a short walk.
02
Top spot for pups
Del Mar North Beach (Dog Beach)
North Del Mar At San Dieguito River Mouth • Off-Leash Dog-Friendly Stretch • Top Pick For Dog Lovers
This sandy curve where the river meets the ocean is Del Mar’s go-to off-leash playground.
At the north end of town, Del Mar North Beach is where dogs and their humans come to run, chase balls, and splash in the shallows. The vibe is casual and social, with a mix of locals walking the river mouth and surfers paddling out just offshore. Check current leash rules and tide times, as higher tides can push the dry sand into a narrower strip.
03
Most dramatic scenery
Torrey Pines State Beach
South Of Del Mar Below Torrey Pines Reserve • Wild Bluff-Backed Shoreline • Best For Coastal Hikes And Views
Sheer sandstone cliffs frame this long beach, giving every walk here a bit of state-park drama.
Just a short drive south, Torrey Pines State Beach feels noticeably wilder than the village beaches, with towering bluffs and a broad stretch of sand at lower tides. Many visitors pair a hike in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve with a barefoot cooldown along the waterline below. Parking can fill quickly on clear weekends, so consider arriving early or being patient as spots turn over.
04
Laid-back surf hangout
Cardiff State Beach
Cardiff-By-The-Sea Coastline • Relaxed Surf And Sand Strip • Great For Casual Surfers And Sunset Hangs
Cardiff State Beach blends easy surf breaks, a mellow crowd, and classic Pacific sunsets right off Coast Highway.
A few minutes north of Del Mar, Cardiff State Beach stretches along Highway 101 with a low-key, lived-in surf town feel. Sandbars here can serve up forgiving waves that draw longboarders and confident beginners, while non-surfers settle in beside their cars or on the sand to watch the lineup. Food options are close at hand, making it an easy choice for a sunset surf-and-dinner combo.
05
Best for gentle waves
La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores Neighborhood • Wide, Gentle Cove Beach • Ideal For Families, Lessons, And Kayaking
La Jolla Shores offers a broad, mellow bayfront that’s unusually forgiving by Southern California standards.
A short drive south from Del Mar, La Jolla Shores is a favorite for first-time ocean swimmers, surf-school students, and families who like plenty of space to spread out. The protected cove, nearby playground, and cluster of rental shops and casual eateries make it easy to turn a quick dip into a full day. Summer mornings are especially pleasant, before the afternoon crowds and winds pick up.