Del Mar Beach has a nice, charming, and peaceful feel to it, and the area is highly regarded in San Diego. Whether you're checking out the beach from atop a cliff overlooking the ocean, or if you're in the sand, there's lots to be enjoyed.
In this review, we've assessed various factors, including parking, crowd levels, cleanliness, water quality, safety, amenities, and activities, resulting in an overall score for Del Mar Beach of 6.3/10.
Overall Score: 6.3/10
You can dive deeper into each of these individual scores on this page. Keep reading for a short summary of each score.
Parking - 4/10: There is limited parking in Del Mar, making it a somewhat frustrating experience at peak times, especially if you're looking for free parking. There are paid lots that typically have spots available, and there are also many spots that have limits ranging from 15 minutes to 2-hour parking on the street if you're not planning to stay for long. Since there's not a lot of options available, it receives a slightly less than average rating of 4 out of 10.
Crowds - 4/10: The beach can certainly feel very crowded, especially at peak times or when there are high tides. Since the beach is a bit narrower, there is a noticeable difference in space when there are high tides, making it challenging to find areas to escape the crowds, at least without walking a considerable distance to do so.
Amenities - 8/10: There are multiple amenities close by such as bathrooms, showers, beachfront dining, water sport rentals, benches, shops, a nice grass area overlooking the water, and more. All of these amenities can be accessed either directly off the beach, or within a short 5-10 minute walk.
Safety - 8/10: The beach is heavily patrolled by lifeguards, and it is generally a safe area. However, there are always unforeseen elements to look out for when in public spaces and when dealing with the unpredictable aspects of nature like the ocean.
Beach Cleanliness - 6/10: Since the beach is narrow and can be heavily trafficked, it lacks a clean feel and appearance at times. It also makes it susceptible to other elements, such as litter from people in certain areas.
Water Quality - 7/10: The water quality in Del Mar is generally safe for swimming. However, like all San Diego beaches, it is advisable to avoid entering the water for at least 72 hours after heavy rainfall.
Activities - 7/10: Del Mar Beach offers a good amount of activities, including surfing, beach games, and other water sports. There are a lot of activities that can be enjoyed, but there can be limited space to enjoy them at times.
Considering these individual scores, Del Mar has an overall rating of 6.3/10. This rating takes into account the varying experiences you can have at different parts of the beach, with some areas offering better experiences depending on your preferences. For further information and tips on navigating these factors, please refer to our full beach review linked here.
If you have any questions, or if you'd like clarification on anything, please feel free to leave a comment or send us a message!
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