Like Black's Beach, Del Mar is a mix of reef and beach breaks stretched along a long bluff line. Again, you can usually find surf somewhere here due to the mix of conditions. The more southern areas between 4th to 12th Streets are less crowded. 15th street is probably the single best place in Del Mar, but is consequently always crowded. North of 15th Street it becomes a beach break with shifting sand bars until Solana Beach. Like Torrey Pines, it is easy to find forgiving waves for beginners. Del Mar, 5 miles from UCSD.
With horse racing, luxury cars and plenty of cougars on the prowl, an outsider might mistake Del Mar for a giant country club. Yet there’s no need for those without a Mercedes hood ornament on their car to feel intimidated. The area retains an old-school Southern California beach vibe thanks to the number of families and surfers.
Past some of the small, funky homes that parallel the southern end of the beach, surfers flock to Seagrove Park, where a well-manicured lawn above the beach is a popular hangout for families toting barbecues and footballs. From the grass, view 15th Street, an easygoing reef break that’s surfable year-round. There are a greater number of heads bobbing in the ocean when south swells kick up waves and warm water in the summer. Although 15th Street, mainly a left with a short right, is arguably better in the winter.
Surfers who feel claustrophobic should venture north, where there’s plenty of unclaimed beachbreak territory. Besides, it’s a great place to bring four-legged friends. The designated off-leash area at Dog Beach gives Fido the chance to run rampant without worries. With dog droppings on the beach and pollution from the nearby river mouth, it’s best to avoid surfing here after it rains.
Level: Beginner to intermediate Best Swell: West Best Season: Winter Parking: Metered parking in front of Seagrove Park, but neighborhood parking to the north and south for free.