Del Mar                                                             Like  Like so many of San Diego's beach communities, Del Mar started as a tent city for summer beach goers.  The name was coined by Ella Loop and her husband Theodore in 1880 and means "by the sea."  Development was enhanced when the South Coast Land Company bought land and built the Stratford Inn as a resort hotel.  When the area acquired electricity from the San Diego Gas and Electric Company in the 1920s, its residential areas began to boom.

The city was incorporated in 1958, and is now home to approximately 6,000 residents.  The beaches are still a big attraction, but the city is also home to the Del Mar Fair, an old-fashioned celebration of agriculture, crafts, gardening, rides and cotton candy. 

In July, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club takes over the fairgrounds for racing season.  The club and the race track were started by Bing Crosby and his friends in the 30s.  The racing season runs until just past Labor Day and attracts top horses and fans. Opening day is a sea of colorful ladies hats attended by everyone in San Diego who can get the afternoon off.

The city is bounded on the south by the Torrey Pines State Reserve.  Here visitors find 2,000 acres of San Diego County preserved to look like it did before San Diego was developed.  Rare Torrey Pine trees, miles of pristine beaches and a lagoon for migrating birds are the major attractions.

There are many boutiques in the downtown shopping area with unique gifts and antiques.  Balloons fly over the area at sunset on most evenings offering a glowing romantic picture for residents and tourists