City, San Diego County
© McCormack's Guides
Zip Code: 92014
Small city
on the Pacific, famous for its race track, which used to attract old Hollywood.
“Where the surf meets the turf,” crooned Bing Crosby, one of the original
owners. Opening day tradition: hats, the grander, the better. www.mccormacks.com
The 1990
census tallied 4,860 residents, the 2008 state estimate put the count at 4,580.
Many empty nesters. Median age of residents is 45. Those under 18 years make up
only 15 percent of town (but enrollments are going up because of new housing
east of Interstate 5).
School rankings
among tops in state. Adolescents, teens attend Earl Warren Junior High and
Torrey Pines High. Del Mar Hills Elementary was converted into an arts and
sciences academy with an upgraded music program. See Schools.
Click for regional or detailed map
Zero homicides in 2005 and preceding 18
years. Protected by sheriff. See Crime.
Narrow
town with one thoroughfare, Camino Del Mar. Cottages, condos, homes on both
sides of this street.
Town rises
into hills that provide many homes with ocean views. Some of the hill streets
are cul-de-sacs. www.mccormacks.com
About a
third of the housing was built between 1940 and 1960, half between 1960 and
1980. Del Mar is bordered on the south and east by parks. Lagoons at both ends
of town.
Del Mar is
built out but just beyond city limits to the east are new subdivisions. Drive
Del Mar Heights or Carmel roads.
State in
2008 counted 2,611 housing units: 1,369 single-family detached, 366 single
attached, 876 multiples, zero mobiles.
Many residents are professionals
affiliated with La Jolla firms or University of California. Or high-tech firms
in Sorrento Valley. This means a short commute for many. For those working in
downtown San Diego, on bad days it's a crawl of 15 to 20 miles.
Many
tourists. Parking short, congestion a problem on Camino Del Mar. Train station
(commute rail) just south of Del Mar — to downtown San Diego and points
north. www.mccormacks.com
Picky
about development and aesthetics. No drive-through restaurants. New homes or
remodelings can't block views. Some residents were upset about Marine
helicopters at Miramar. See profile of Mira Mesa.
Restaurants,
shops, beach activities. San Diego County kicks off summer with an annual fair,
several weeks long, at Del Mar. It draws about 1.5 million visitors.
Usual
sports and activities. Restaurants, shops, beach, swimming, surfing, fishing.
Some locals
start new year with Penguin Plunge, a splash in the ocean. Brrrrr!
Smoking
prohibited at beach. www.mccormacks.com
Chamber of
commerce (858) 755-4844.
• Good Bye
Dirt. The race track is replacing its dirt with a mix of sand, artificial
fibers and recycled rubber. Safer for the horses.
• Unwanted
detour. When traffic backs up on the freeway or Camino Del Mar, some motorists
take to Crest Road, which for about a mile parallels Interstate 5. Residents
irate.
In 2006,
city council voted to install on Crest Road speed humps, chokes and other
“calming” devices and raise fines. In summer, the town is often congested with
traffic. Residents celebrate the arrival of fall with a town picnic.
• After
the summer crowds depart, the city allows dogs to run free on a small part of
the beach. www.mccormacks.com
• San
Dieguito Lagoon, near the racetrack, is being restored at a cost of $86
million. Dirt to be removed, mouth of river to be opened permanently, tidal
marsh expanded, nests built.
• In off
season, race track is used for a variety of events, including a home and garden
show and a dog show.
• What do
you call a Del Mar resident? A Del Martian.
City
web site: www.delmar.ca.us
