Del Mar travel guide

Del Mar Tourism | Del Mar Guide

You're Going to Love Del Mar

With a population of 4,161, Del Mar is a must-see destination in California, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Del Mar deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Del Mar

If you’re looking for affordable options, Market Restaurant and Bar (3702 Via de la Valle) and KITCHEN 1540 (1540 Camino Del Mar) are great picks.

When to visit Del Mar

Del Mar in January
Estimated package price
$662
2 travelers
Flight to Del Mar
3 nights at hotel
Del Mar in January
Estimated package price
$662
2 travelers
Flight to Del Mar
3 nights at hotel

How to Get to Del Mar

Plane

When flying to Del Mar, you’ll arrive at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar (CLD), which is located 12 miles from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Del Mar departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 10m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Del Mar. The train journey from Del Mar to Fullerton takes 0h 39m and costs around $14 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Anaheim, expect to pay about $16 for a 0h 47m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Del Mar is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 97 miles from Del Mar. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Ace, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Del Mar, including LuxXpress, FlixBus and Greyhound. From Santa Barbara, the bus ride to Del Mar takes 120 miles and will cost you around $66. From San Diego, the ticket costs about $24 for a journey of 190 miles. The most popular bus station is Del Mar Denny's, located 1.5 miles from downtown Del Mar. Del Mar Mango Drive is also a commonly used station, and is 1.3 miles from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Del Mar, you’ll arrive at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar (CLD), which is located 12 miles from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Del Mar departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 10m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Del Mar. The train journey from Del Mar to Fullerton takes 0h 39m and costs around $14 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Anaheim, expect to pay about $16 for a 0h 47m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Del Mar is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 97 miles from Del Mar. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Ace, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Del Mar, including LuxXpress, FlixBus and Greyhound. From Santa Barbara, the bus ride to Del Mar takes 120 miles and will cost you around $66. From San Diego, the ticket costs about $24 for a journey of 190 miles. The most popular bus station is Del Mar Denny's, located 1.5 miles from downtown Del Mar. Del Mar Mango Drive is also a commonly used station, and is 1.3 miles from the city center.

Airlines serving Del Mar

Lufthansa
Good (4,690 reviews)
KLM
Good (838 reviews)
SWISS
Good (956 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,653 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,239 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,573 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (488 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,601 reviews)
Air France
Good (985 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,108 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,420 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,994 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (6,020 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (860 reviews)
LOT
Good (678 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (802 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (933 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,173 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (840 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Del Mar

Average rates range from around $388 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $525 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Del Mar

Most booked hotels in Del Mar

Del Mar Beach Hotel
2 stars
Excellent (9.2, 480 reviews)
$334+
Les Artistes Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8.6, 237 reviews)
$201+
Best Western Premier Hotel Del Mar
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 719 reviews)
$233+
LEGOLAND California Resort And Castle Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (9.2, 15 reviews)
$420+
Holiday Inn Carlsbad - San Diego
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 665 reviews)
$164+
Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 304 reviews)
$254+

Renting a car in Del Mar

Renting a car in Del Mar costs $100 per day, on average, or $200 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 55% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.82 per gallon in Del Mar (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $45.88 and $61.17. Mini (Kia Sedona or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Del Mar, while also 36% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Del Mar costs $100 per day, on average, or $200 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 55% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.82 per gallon in Del Mar (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $45.88 and $61.17. Mini (Kia Sedona or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Del Mar, while also 36% cheaper than other types, on average.