Del Mar

Welcome to Del Mar

A small, seaside hideaway approximately 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego

Defined by calm salt water lagoons on each end, this charming, laid back town is best known for it's exceptional weather, world famous thoroughbred racetrack, the county fair, fabulous beaches, haute cuisine and unique shopping.

With a population of approximately 4,500 in the 2.1 square mile coastal area, Del Mar offers an oasis of unhurried, yet civilized, living. Visitors can enjoy many of the pleasures of the Village without ever needing a car.

The historic downtown village dates back to 1880s. Today it is lined with over 60 shops offering everything from high-end apparel to one-of-a-kind specialty shops. The village hosts 25 restaurants, many providing outside patios overlooking the ocean. There are cafés with sidewalk seating and award- winning dining perfect for any occasion. Visitors will find a variety of hotel accommodations.

With 2 miles of coastline and gently rolling waves, Del Mar's famous beaches are an ideal destination for beachgoers, surf combers and surfers seeking the legendary California surf. There's even a sliver of beach for dogs. Del Mar's primary beach also offers wheel chair access, the only such beach in the county with special wheelchairs designed for the sand. Whales, porpoises, sea lions and a myriad of birdlife populate the shimmering coastal waters and lagoons.

Residents and visitors alike enjoy several parks. Seagrove Park and adjoining Powerhouse Park are ideal grassy locations for a picnic or a wedding, walking a dog, for lovers catching a romantic sunset, or for simply gazing at the many magical moods of a majestic Pacific. And throughout the summer there are free concerts in the park. (Please see this Web site calendar). Not to overlook the little ones, there is a delightful children's playground adjacent to Powerhouse Park, affectionately referred to as the Tot Lot.

The Del Mar Library is a landmark worth a visit. In 2002 two local artists, Betsy Shultz and Pat Welsh, created the mixed-media mosaic on the wall that frames the historic building which has served as a famous church for both movie stars and residents, a restaurant and other uses over the decades. The wall incorporates memorabilia and treasures from Del Mar's history, as well as featuring terracotta birds and wildlife from the area.

At any age, at any season, Del Mar is truly a wonderful place to visit or to live.

RESTAURANTS

Restaurants near Del Mar

HISTORY

In 1882 a New Yorker named Theodore Loop came to southern California to build a railroad connecting Los Angeles and San Diego. The original train tracks were laid down in the middle of Township 14, today known as Del Mar. Mr. Loop liked the area so much he told people that he had "found the most attractive place on the entire coast". In the same year Loop met a very successful rancher from New Mexico, Mr. Jacob Shell Taylor.

Things to Love

Beaches and Parks

The beach in Del Mar is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable in San Diego. The two plus miles of sandy beach offers a great place to relax, walk, or run. Two coastal parks, Powerhouse and Seagrove Parks, are located just above the Fifteenth Street surf break; providing a great spot to picnic with friends and family.

North Beach, affectionately called "Dog Beach" by dog owners, is located north of 29th Street and stretches nearly one half mile to our border with Solana Beach. Please visit the "Dog Beach" page for more information.

North County offers some of the best local running, paddling, fishing, and diving in the area. Local runs and walks include the beach, coastal bluffs, Torrey Pines State Park, and the trails through the backside of Del Mar in Crest Canyon. All areas provide a unique vantage point to enjoy wildlife and the natural surroundings. On flat surf days, many surfers have found alternate avenues of enjoying the ocean via paddling and free-diving in our local waters. With an abundant local fish population and thriving Giant Sea Kelp forest, both activities are prime Southern California spots for these activities.

Two other unique opportunities to explore are Scripps Bluff Preserve and the newly restored San Dieguito River Lagoon. Both spots are located at the northern end of Del Mar and offer extraordinary views of the San Diego coastline, native plants, shorebirds, and other wildlife. Additionally, great training opportunities in the area include running the stairs up to the reserve and the trail out to the Lagoon.

Remember to inquire with local Lifeguards for detailed information on safety, rules, and conditions. Enjoy the beach!

FAQ

What types of events require a facility-use permit?

A Facility Use Permit is required to use the parks, beaches, or the Powerhouse Community Center involving more than 25 individuals or a catered event with less than 25 people. The permit is necessary in order to balance the needs of the general public with those individuals seeking to reserve an area for private use. Please contact the Community Services Department at (858) 755-1524.

Can I sell sodas and hot dogs on the beach?

No. Current ordinances do not allow the beach and parks to be used for commercial purposes.

Are open fires allowed on the beach?

No. For safety reasons, Del Mar prohibits open fires and fire rings at the beach. Visitors are welcome to barbeque using charcoal and their own small barbecues. Visitors must remove coals after they cool and take them off-site. Disposing of coals in the bushes or on the grass is subject to a $1,000 fine.

Is alcohol allowed on the beach?

Alcohol is not allowed on the beach, beach accesses, park lands, and public parking lots from 12:01 A.M. on March 1st through the day after labor day at

Do you offer a Junior Lifeguard Program?

Yes, the Community Services Department offers several 2 week and 4 week programs during the summer months. Kids ranging in age from 9 to 17 can participate. For additional information, please contact the Community Services Department at (858) 755-1556, For more information, please view the Turtleguard, Inc. website, www.delmarjg.com, or e-mail [email protected].

TRASH AND RECYCLING COLLECTION

Who provides trash and recycling services in Del Mar?

Waste Management is the only franchised waste hauler authorized to provide trash and recycling services to Del Mar residents and businesses.

Are there any exceptions to utilize this hauler?

There are only limited circumstances by which other operators are allowed to provide service in Del Mar. If a construction company is working at your residence or business, they may haul away debris from the construction site. However, the construction company is not allowed to retain a separate waste transport subcontractor to haul away the material. Additionally, residents and businesses may haul away material using their own pickup truck or trailer in Del Mar.

What is the schedule for trash pick-up in Del Mar?

Please contact the Finance Department for schedule information, or you may call Waste Management directly at (858) 452-9810 or 1-888-929-9411.

Is there a place in Del Mar where I can cash in my aluminum cans and other commodities?

Waste Management has a buy back center located at 2265 Jimmy Durante Boulevard in Del Mar where recyclables may be cashed in or dropped off at Liberty Recycling. For questions please call them directly at (858) 481-2223.

What types of recyclables are collected at the curb?

Coast Waste provides a weekly collection of the following materials from all single-family residences and businesses: Aluminum cans, Metal Cans, Glass, bottles, Clear/Cloudy Plastic Containers with either #1 or #2 Recycling Symbol, Newspaper, Mixed Paper, Cardboard.

What yard waste materials can be collected in Del Mar?

The following waste materials can be collected and recycled by Coast Waste: Grass & leaves, Yard trimmings, Untreated, unpainted lumber, Tree & shrubbery clippings less than 4 feet in length and 6 inches in diameter, Unflocked, unsprayed Christmas trees devoid of metal ornamentation or stands. If the tree is taller than 6, please cut in half. Flocked trees cannot be recycled, but will be collected if cut in half. Please call for holiday schedule (858) 452-9810.

Waste materials for recycling must be placed in separate trash containers placed at least three feet away from your trash cans.

Who is in charge of regional solid waste material?

The operations of the former County of San Diego Solid Waste Division have been transferred to a regional Solid Waste Authority comprised of several cities (including Del Mar) and the County of San Diego. This agency has made great strides in making the solid waste disposal system operate more efficiently by reducing the costs of disposal for residents and businesses.

How do I get rid of bulky items?

One free bulky item pick-up is provided annually each year for Del Mar residents. Notice of this date is included in your bi-monthly bills. You may also contact the City Managers Department at (858) 755-9313 to find out your next scheduled service.

HAZARDOUS WASTE & BULKY ITEM DISPOSAL

What is the proper procedure for disposing/recycling computer monitors and televisions?

Computer monitors, televisions, and even ATM machines and video cameras have a cathode ray tube (CRT) or picture tube that converts electronic signals into visual images. California banned the landfill disposal of CRTS because each one contains an average of 4 to 8 pounds of lead. Although there are no health hazards associated with handling intact, unbroken computer monitors or televisions, it is important to keep them out of our landfills where they can contaminate soil and groundwater. Heres the good news; there are an increasing number of safe and legal options for both disposal and recycling of E-waste.

The Liberty Recycling Yard (located at 2265 Jimmy Durante Boulevard in Del Mar) is available to handle electronic waste with a charge of 50 cents per pound. The center is open Tuesday through Saturday between the hours of 8-4 and is closed for lunch each day. Their phone number is (858) 481-2223.

Where do I take hazardous waste?

Del Mar residents have a few options for disposal of hazardous waste: 1.) you may take household hazardous waste to facilities in Poway and Vista. The Poway facility is located at 12325 Crosthwaite Circle and is opened between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays ONLY. For further information, please contact the Poway facility at (800) 444-4244. The Vista facility is located at 1145 E. Taylor Street and is open between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays ONLY. For further information, please contact the Vista facility at (800) 444-4244. 2.) Del Mar residents now have the option of home collection of materials for $10 co- payment. To arrange a collection at your home, please call Clean Harbors at (800) 444-4244.

WATER & SEWAGE BILLING

What is included on my bill?

The items included on your utility bill are water, sewer, cleanwater and trash/recycling services.

Why is my bill so high?

Water is a precious commodity in Southern California. Our water comes from the Colorado River at Lake Havasu in Arizona through the Colorado Aqueduct and from the California Aqueduct from the northern part of California delta region. Then the water is treated and transported by San Diego to our facilities here in the City of Del Mar.

Schools

Del Mar Union School District

A premier district in the nation! DMUSD is a district of thinking, inspiration, and impact. Our students experience a high quality instructional core defined by strong academics and superb instructional practice. We chart the course through high standards, top-performing staff, and meaningful learning experiences. Engaging, flexible learning environments are alive with critical thinking, real-world applications to solving problems, and curiosity that is encouraged via creativity and innovation.

District Design 2022 is a bold plan that pushes us in an unrelenting pursuit of the extraordinary school experience. The future demands we think flexibly; learning requires we vary routes; and the world demands we empower each student. Our world is defined by exponential change. As we lean into the future and seize opportunities to revolutionize the traditional school system, how might our children multiply their influence and impact? How will we drive design and innovation, inspire one another and expand our thinking? How will we deepen children's understanding of the skills that matter most - skills including ethics, character, leadership, communication, civic and international knowledge, and economics? This is our call to action!

Our DMUSD community is unique for all that we make possible. Families make an unwavering impact every day and are a foundation of our schools. Partnering with families, DMUSD students embody a spirit of teamwork, leadership, and strength in character.

Elementary Schools

Ashley Falls School
13030 Ashley Falls Drive / San Diego, CA 92130
voice 858.259.7812 / fax 858.259.1828

Carmel Del Mar School
12345 Carmel Park Drive / San Diego, CA 92130
voice 858.481.6789 / fax 858.481.7418

Del Mar Heights School
3555 Boquita Drive / Del Mar, CA 92014
voice:858.755.9367 / fax:858.509.1412

Del Mar Hills Academy of Arts & Sciences
14085 Mango Drive / Del Mar, CA 92014
voice: 858.755.9763 / fax: 858.755.6107

Ocean Air School
11444 Canter Heights Drive / San Diego, CA 92130
voice: 858.481.4040

Sage Canyon School
5290 Harvest Run Drive / San Diego, CA 92130
voice:858.481.7844 / fax: 858.481.7949

Sycamore Ridge
5333 Old Carmel Valley Road / San Diego, CA 92130 858-755-1060

Torrey Hills School
10830 Calle Mar de Mariposa / San Diego, CA 92130
voice 858.481.4266 / fax 858.481.0344

Middle Schools

Earl Warren
155 Stevens Ave. / Solana Beach, CA 92075
Phone: (858) 755-1558 / Fax: (858) 755-0891

High Schools

Torrey Pines
3710 Del Mar Heights Road / San Diego, CA 92130
Phone: (858) 755-0125 / Fax: (858) 481-0098