Del Mar - Wonderland Of Sunshine On The Pacific Ocean

By Terry Hunefeld

Can you imagine a sun-filled vacation getaway to a quiet, scenic town on the endless Pacific Ocean? This paradise has charming hotels and inns, unbelievable restaurants and absolutely gorgeous beaches. If this sounds good to you, know that those elements are all available in the lovely town of Del Mar, California.

Del Mar is Spanish for "of the sea" or "by the sea", because it is located near the Pacific Ocean and is one of the most beautiful and romantic resort beach towns in the world. It's here you find world-class restaurants, romantic bed and breakfasts, exotic hiking trails, delightful beaches and a world famous horse racing track

Del Mar has been home to celebrities ever since the 1940's when Bing Crosby, Pat O'Brien and Jimmy Durante helped turn the Del Mar Race Track Thoroughbred Club into one of the most beautiful and prestigious organizations in the entire racing world. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez were regulars at the track in those days, and Burt Bacharach and Angie Dickenson also had residences in Del Mar. Brad Pitt purchased a home here recently - an $18 million dollar beachfront home - so now Brad Pitt sightings are the new sport in town.

Del Mar is a small town, only two square miles. It's located on the Northern San Diego County coast between Torrey Pines State Reserve on the south and Solana Beach on the north. The Population of Del Mar is 4000 to 5000 (depending on who does the counting). Residents live among beautiful canyons and hillsides, other perched on bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, all of them enjoying phenomenal sunsets.

Del Mar is the only location in the world where the Torrey Pine tree grows. The Torrey Pine is the rarest pine tree in the United States. It's highly endangered and protected. There are two populations of native Torrey Pines, one at the Torrey Pines State Reserve and the other in the City of Del Mar.

Each summer Del Mar plays host to the San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The fair originally opened in 1936, the site selected because it was the perfect spot just off the main highways - while still being near the ocean's cooling breezes on hot summer days. Selection of a fair queen - Fairest of the Fair - is still a fail highlight each summer.

It was Bing Crosby who took a leading role to ensure that the now-world-famous Del Mar Race Track became reality. Del Mar Race Track opened in 1937 with newspapers dubbing the track "Bing's Baby." The next year Bing recorded a song that would eventually open each day of the racing season since those early days - Where The Turf Meets the Surf. - 30559

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