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 19 km from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Del Mar departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 15m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Del Mar. The train journey from Del Mar to Fullerton takes 0h 36m 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 156 km from Del Mar. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Sixt, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Del Mar, including LuxXpress, FlixBus and Amtrak. From Santa Barbara, the bus ride to Del Mar takes 193 km and will cost you around $66. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about $36 for a journey of 201 km. The most popular bus station is Del Mar Denny's, located 2.4 km from downtown Del Mar. Del Mar Mango Drive is also a commonly used station, and is 2.0 km from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Del Mar, you’ll arrive at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar (CLD), which is located 19 km from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Del Mar departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 15m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Del Mar. The train journey from Del Mar to Fullerton takes 0h 36m 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 156 km from Del Mar. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Sixt, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Del Mar, including LuxXpress, FlixBus and Amtrak. From Santa Barbara, the bus ride to Del Mar takes 193 km and will cost you around $66. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about $36 for a journey of 201 km. The most popular bus station is Del Mar Denny's, located 2.4 km from downtown Del Mar. Del Mar Mango Drive is also a commonly used station, and is 2.0 km from the city center.

Airlines serving Del Mar

Lufthansa
Good (4,677 reviews)
KLM
Good (845 reviews)
SWISS
Good (950 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,623 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,259 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,583 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (488 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,602 reviews)
Air France
Good (979 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,111 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,432 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,978 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,994 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (227 reviews)
Finnair
Good (856 reviews)
LOT
Good (677 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (810 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (935 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,169 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (837 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Del Mar

Average rates range from around $387 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $520 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, 479 reviews)
$328+
Les Artistes Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8.6, 238 reviews)
$180+
Best Western Premier Hotel Del Mar
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 723 reviews)
$226+
LEGOLAND California Resort And Castle Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (9.2, 15 reviews)
$421+
Holiday Inn Carlsbad - San Diego
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 667 reviews)
$167+
Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 312 reviews)
$256+

Renting a car in Del Mar

Renting a car in Del Mar costs $69 per day, on average, or $137 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, 34% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. Compact (Hyundai Accent or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Del Mar, while also 79% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Del Mar costs $69 per day, on average, or $137 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, 34% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. Compact (Hyundai Accent or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Del Mar, while also 79% cheaper than other types, on average.