Locals know—where the turf meets the surf isn’t just a tagline, it’s the rhythm of the lifestyle you embody living in Del Mar.
Tucked just north of La Jolla along San Diego’s scenic coastline, Del Mar is a seaside village that feels worlds away from the everyday. Known for its small-town charm, walkable downtown, and sweeping blufftop views, Del Mar offers a coastal lifestyle that’s both relaxed and deeply rooted in community. With a population of just over 4,000 and only 2.2 square miles in size, it’s a place where every street feels like a hidden gem.
Marti and her husband T. Pat raised their family in Del Mar, and are proud to still call it home. It’s not uncommon to spot them walking through the village, grabbing brunch at The Cottage, or walking the beach at sunset. Marti’s deep connection to the area brings a personal lens to every corner of this guide. From summer days at the beach to race season at the track, the traditions here are as much a part of the lifestyle as the ocean views. With new local shops like Valley Farm Market coming soon to the Village, the charm of Del Mar continues to grow while still holding onto the character that makes it so special.
92014: The Distinction of the City of Del Mar and the City of San Diego
While many people refer to the entire 92014 zip code as Del Mar, only a portion of it actually falls within the official City of Del Mar. The rest—including parts of Del Mar Heights and neighboring areas—is technically within the City of San Diego, even though the mailing address still says Del Mar.
That distinction matters. If you live outside the City of Del Mar limits, you can’t vote in city elections or take part in decisions made by its local government. But if you live within city limits, you’re part of a small, self-governed beach town with its own city council, mayor, and unique set of rules.
One of the biggest differences? The design review process. The City of Del Mar has its own Design Review Board—a committee that oversees and approves any exterior changes, additions, or new construction. It’s a very specific, very detailed process, and neighbors are allowed to weigh in on proposed plans. While it can be restrictive and at times difficult, it’s also a big reason why the community has preserved its charm and character over the years.
For this neighborhood guide, we’re going to give you a locals insight to the neighborhoods specifically within the City of Del Mar:
Beach Colony
There’s a steady flow in Beach Colony—mornings start on the sand, and the day rolls off with the tide. Tucked along the sand just north of 15th Street, Beach Colony is as close to the ocean as you’ll get in Del Mar. This coveted coastal stretch offers the rare luxury of mainly flat lots with easy, walkable access to the beach. The neighborhood blends original seaside cottages with modern oceanfront homes, creating an eclectic mix that feels both casual and elevated. While many properties are full-time residences, Beach Colony is also known for its vacation rentals, drawing visitors looking to soak up Del Mar’s salty air and sun-soaked charm.
In Town / The Bluffs
Perched above the shoreline, the bluff neighborhood offers something you won’t find at sea level in the Beach Colony—bird’s-eye views of the coast. Just a short walk from the Village, this part of Del Mar feels tucked away without being out of reach. The streets are lined with everything from classic mid-century homes to newer custom builds.
For those who live here, beach access through the bluff is part of the bluff neighborhood lifestyle. Locals often find their own paths down, crossing the train tracks to get to the sand—even though it’s not technically allowed. Every now and then, you’ll see someone getting a ticket for it. The North County Transit District proposed putting up fencing to block access altogether, but longtime residents pushed back to protect the character and openness of the bluffs.
You’re allowed to walk the bluff trails—you’re just not supposed to cross the tracks. Locals have fought to preserve this bluff lifestyle over the years. Taking walks alongside the bluff is a big part of it—especially for dog lovers, runners, and anyone who just wants a quiet moment with a view.
Olde Del Mar “The Hill”
Tucked into the trees above the Village, Olde Del Mar—often called “The Hill”—feels like its own little world. It resembles a Southern California version of Carmel-by-the-Sea, with its tree-lined streets, coastal charm, and village feel. The streets wind through mature foliage, with some ocean-view lots and a mix of original beach cottages and larger new homes all layered in together. What makes Olde Del Mar unique is its blend of old charm and new architecture that gives the neighborhood its authentic feel.
Marti lives in this part of town and embodies the Olde Del Mar lifestyle—tucked up in the trees, but still close enough to take her golf cart down to the Village to meet friends for dinner.
The South End of Del Mar, above Highway 101
Down toward the southern edge of town, the landscape starts to shift. Lots tend to be larger here, with more space between homes and a lush sense of foliage that gives the neighborhood a tucked-away feel. The streets are quiet, and the views—especially along the rim—are something else. Not every home has them, but the ones perched on the edge look straight out over Torrey Pines State Beach. On the right evening, the sunsets out here are hard to beat. Sunsets from up here have a way of slowing everything down, and locals know just how lucky they are to have them.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re drawn to the oceanfront ease of Beach Colony, the elevated views along the bluff, or the tucked-away charm of Olde Del Mar, each of these neighborhoods offers its own slice of coastal living—with that signature Del Mar feeling woven through it all. It’s a small town, but once you get to know the streets, the views, and the lifestyle, it becomes clear just how special each corner really is.
If one of these neighborhoods caught your eye—or if you’re not quite sure where to start—give us a call. We live here, we work here, and we’re always happy to help you find your place in Del Mar.