North County San Diego

You’ve been to the San Diego Zoo. You’ve hit Petco Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Coronado Island, but before you put San Diego on the “been there, done that” list, make time to experience North County. Coastal cities like Del Mar, Solana Beach, and Encinitas dazzle with miles and miles of unspoiled beaches, succulent seafood, authentic Mexican food, and posh accommodations. Throw in a spa treatment or two, time to relax and explore the coastline, and you’re in store for a truly remarkable vacation. ➻

Del Mar

One of America’s great beach towns has horse racing and glamour to spare.

In the center of North County is Del Mar— an affluent coastal enclave located between the cliffs of Solana Beach and the highlands of La Jolla. Unlike its hilly neighbors, Del Mar delivers easy access to the Pacific Ocean, interrupted only by an occasional passing train. Two plus miles of sandy beach invite you to run, walk, fish, or picnic. Yearround swells and a rare reef break also make it surf heaven. Head to 15th Street and catch a wave. Canines romp freely on the stretch north; a famed dog beach that dispenses with leashes nine months of the year.

Blocks away on the town’s main drag, Camino Del Mar, hip restaurants like Prep Kitchen and Americana load seasonal ingredients in hearty brunch power bowls, short rib hash, and chilaquiles. Del Mar Rendezvous, named one of the best Chinese restaurants in the US by CNN Travel, is a good place to taste vegetarian, gluten-free konnyaku noodles.

Photography by Zemina Zaferakis

To catch a killer sunset after the a few races at the track, hike to the top tier of Del Mar Plaza and relax at the outdoor wine bar. Better yet, savor some local seafood— swordfish, seabass, and albacore are all caught here—at Pacifica Del Mar against the backdrop of a brilliant horizon. Jake’s is another prime ocean view spot for crispy calamari and burgers on the patio. A trip to Del Mar is not complete without bean burritos and fish tacos at Roberto’s, laid-back and inexpensive, it’s So Cal Mexican food at its best. The outdoor deck looks out at Torrey Pines State Park coastal bluffs, a good spot for hiking. In North County, farm to table food isn’t a trend. It’s a lifestyle. Farmers’ markets happen in Del Mar, Encinitas, Solana Beach almost every day of the week. Fish is the star attraction at Del Mar’s Saturday Market—lines form early for pounds of indescribably fresh shrimp, ahi, obo, and swordfish. You’ll also find artisan breads, French pate, and even East African cuisine. On Sundays head to Del Ray Shopping Center in Rancho Santa Fe for fresh-made crepes, gourmet tamales, and array of stands filled with corn, cucumbers, strawberries and broccoli. Community and sustainability come together here. ➻

Solana Beach

Del Mar’s art-centric, family-friendly neighbor to the north.

North County San Diego delivers for anyone who loves to experience a city from the inside out, town by coastal town. Long lauded for its pristine beaches, and soft tropical air, much of the action in Solana Beach—design stores, artisanal coffee, and a Sunday farmers’ market—centers in the Design District on Cedros Avenue. It’s a good spot to shop for garden art, furniture, housewares, chic apparel, and modern art. Amtrak trains from Los Angeles and Orange County roll into the center of this walkable town making it easy to stop for a craft beer. Public art is a distinctive part of this affluent San Diego suburb.

Encinitas

With more than its fair share of gorgeous beaches, breweries, and top-notch restaurants, this is the spot for low-stress California fun.

There’s nothing like the balmy weather in North County. Not only does it offer the perfect climate to explore tide pools or catch a wave at Swami’s State Beach in Encinitas, but it lends to the town’s bohemian vibe. Named among the 20 best surf towns in the world by National Geographic, Encinitas wears its 60’s-inspired beach culture proudly.

Located along six miles of Pacific Ocean coastline on historic Coastal Highway 101, surfing, paddle boarding, and beach volleyball are popular pastimes. An eclectic mix of boutiques, meditation gardens and yoga studios add to the vibrant scene.

It’s also loaded with noteworthy culinary spots, like Pacific Coast Grill, where the sea’s bounty surfaces in lobster grilled cheese, cured salmon avocado toast, and seared ahi sliders.

Taco shops fill the streets; a food staple on this side of the border. Lines out the door at The Taco Stand offered a clue where to satisfy our cravings—handcrafted tortillas filled with carne asada or spicy shrimp, topped with hot sauce and fresh guac.

Don’t make a trip to Encinitas without a stop at Crack Shack. Top Chef ’s Richard Blais recently launched the fresh-fast-casual concept, with concrete picnic tables, a bocce court, and a full bar. Tasty sandwiches like the Coop DeVille (fried free-range chicken and pickled Fresno chiles on a brioche bun) are accompanied by robust dipping sauces and French fries cooked in schmaltz.

Locals converge every Wednesday for the Encinitas Farmers’ Market where vendors sell everything from farm fresh produce and flowers to artisan products like goat cheese, ceviche, and organic honey. ➻

cruising california Where to Stay

These luxurious North County resorts provide plenty of reasons for a getaway

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

About 15 minutes from Del Mar village in exclusive Rancho Santa Fe is the palatial, five-star Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, blending the authentic spirit of relaxed Southern California living with exclusive surroundings. Spanning 45 plush acres of picturesque palms, olive groves, and gorgeous gardens, this is a luxury escape unlike any other.

Tucked away in a Mediterranean oasis, the stunning allsuite destination boasts 49 exquisitely appointed casitas with large living rooms, spacious patios, and private Jacuzzis. A fitness center, innovative cuisine, a yoga pavilion, tennis courts, and a world-class spa attract wellness-minded travelers, celebrated entertainers, and business leaders from around the world. Pets are given the royal treatment too—places to play, freshly baked treats, comfortable beds and “tin tin tartare” top a special in room Doggie Tapas menu. The resort is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. ranchovalencia.com

L’auberge Del Mar

If you want to sleep steps from the ocean, L’Auberge Del Mar offers a resort experience reminiscent of private seaside estate. The boutique property has a private beach path, a 5,000-square-foot spa for rejuvenating massages and refreshing facials, an ocean view deck for sipping champagne and taking in the sunset, and award-winning Kitchen 1540 for savoring flavorful coastal suppers of tuna crudo and sea scallops. Coastal chic décor furthers the relaxed oceanfront motif—oversized pillows, seashell patterns, plush custom bedding in guestrooms. laubergedelmar.com

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Located in Peñasquitos Canyon, east of the village, sits the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, one of the region’s top luxury destinations. The Tuscan-inspired property boasts lavish architecture and spacious rooms. Stunning to the last detail, its French-inspired restaurant Addison is considered one of the finest in the state. Despite its opulence, this is an intimate place to escape.