Located off the I-5 about 18 miles north of downtown San Diego, Del Mar is known nationally for its premier thoroughbred racetrack, founded by Bing Crosby and Pat O'Brien in 1937, during the summer months of July through September. Del Mar is fast becoming a popular resort destination because of its two most appealing factors: 1.8 square mile size and proximity to the ocean. It is also a delightful residential community with a long history, which began with the railroad, linking San Diego to San Bernardino. The railroad's contractor/engineer, Theodore M. Loop, soon built the first house, at the mouth of the creek off Carmel Valley Road. Loop created a tent city on beachfront land he owned and sponsored weekend excursions that attracted many people.

The climate is ideal all year long, with the average temperature hovering between 65 and 78 degrees. The sunniest months are November through March; however, the warmest months are July through October. The beaches in Del Mar offer excellent recreational opportunities. Torrey Pines State Reserve, which is found on Del Mar's southern border, offers a variety of beaches as well as hiking trails, hot-air balloon rides and a golf course. From mid-June to the beginning of July you may enjoy many outdoor activities at the San Diego County Fair, which presents horse shows, livestock judging, art exhibits, flower shows, live concerts, carnival rids and more. A few miles east of the Del Mar Race Track you will find the Polo Fields, which are sorting their matches starting in June through October and also the Del Mar Horse Park, which was the site of the jumping trials to the 2000 Olympics.

Within the Del Mar city limits, a quaint historical village dating back to the 1800's serves as a backdrop to a small seaside resort first made famous in the 1930?s by racehorse aficionados form Hollywood. In 1933 the 22nd District Agricultural Association conducted a search for a permanent location for the county fair, finally agreeing to the present 184-acre site in the San Dieguito Valley. It was decided that a racetrack would also be constructed on the site. In 1937 the track opened, with many Hollywood stars among the 15,000 attendees.

Del Mar residents voted in favor if incorporation, and in 1959 the city of Del Mar became an official government entity. Soon it had its own fire department and lifeguard department. The 4,890 residents of Del Mar are proud to be part of the Del Mar Union Elementary and San Dieguito Union High School Districts. The satellite campus of Mira Costa Community College is also located in Del Mar.

For more information on Del Mar and all it has to offer please visit www.delmarchamber.org