San Diego family guide
Things to Do in Del Mar with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Del Mar on the map
📍 Where Del Mar is
Del Mar sits in San Diego, Southern California. Nearest major airport: San Diego Intl (~16 mi / 26 km). It's roughly 94 mi (152 km) from Downtown LA and 18 mi (29 km) from San Diego — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.
Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.
Things to do in Del Mar
Del Mar Beach & Powerhouse Park
Calm family beach next to a grassy bluff-top park with a playground and ocean views.
Free; metered parking
Helen Woodward Animal Center
A nonprofit centre where families can meet adoptable animals for free, plus a humane-education program with live animal ambassadors, hands-on feeding and crafts. The paid encounters book out well ahead, especially in summer — reserve rather than turning up hopeful. It's about ten minutes inland from Del Mar.
Free to visit; encounters and camps priced separatelyFamily attractions near Del Mar
The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from Del Mar.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Coastal bluff reserve with rare pines and easy trails leading to ocean overlooks and the beach below.
Free walk-in; parking ~$15-25
San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center
A free nature center with hands-on lagoon exhibits and a second-floor deck looking over the wetland to the ocean, at the head of an easy flat loop trail. The lot holds about nineteen cars — before 10am on weekends or you'll be circling.
Free
Cardiff Kook Statue
A bronze surfer on Coast Highway that locals have been unofficially costuming for years — dinosaurs, holiday outfits, whatever's current. It's a two-minute photo stop, not a destination; pull into the small lot on the east side rather than stopping on the shoulder.
Free
Seaside Market
An independent grocery known countywide for its marinated tri-tip, with a deli counter that makes the easiest beach picnic in North County. Order at the deli, then walk across Coast Highway to the sand rather than eating in the cramped lot.
Sandwiches ~$12–16
Glen Park
A shaded neighborhood park a few blocks uphill from the beach with a playground, grass and restrooms — the reliable fallback when the coast turns windy. The shade here is real, which is rarer along this stretch than you'd think.
Free
Cardiff State Beach
Mellow beach known for beginner surf, tide pools, and the famous "Cardiff Kook" statue nearby.
Free beach; paid lotFarmers markets in Del Mar
Del Mar Farmers Market
A small seaside-town Saturday market with produce, flowers, and live music near the village.
Festivals & annual events in Del Mar
What Del Mar is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Del Mar Fourth of July Parade
A small neighborhood parade of decorated bikes, strollers and wagons along Coast Boulevard at Powerhouse Park, followed by refreshments and a bubblegum-blowing contest.
2026 edition has passed; the city has not yet posted 2027 details
San Diego County Fair
A massive seaside-adjacent fair at Del Mar with carnival rides, animals, free concerts, and family exhibits over 25 days.
Local restaurants in Del Mar
Del Mar Pizza
Family-run village pizzeria since 1989 making thin-crust pies in downtown Del Mar.
Del Mar Liquor & Deli
Family-owned Del Mar counter famous for made-to-order deli sandwiches and standout breakfast burritos.
Beeside Balcony
Relaxed seaside-chic hidden gem serving global Mediterranean fare with ocean views from a covered balcony.
Pacifica Del Mar
Longtime local gem for fresh seafood, steak, and pasta with an award-winning wine list.
Local shops in Del Mar
Urban Girl
Gift shop with a children's section of books, clothing, plush, and Jellycats.
Geppetto's - Del Mar Highlands
The North County branch of the locally owned Geppetto's toy chain, at Del Mar Highlands.
Seasonal & outdoors near Del Mar
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Del Mar.
More San Diego family guides
Del Mar family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Del Mar with kids?
Family favorites in and around Del Mar include Del Mar Beach & Powerhouse Park and Helen Woodward Animal Center. Our guide lists 2 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Are there free things to do in Del Mar?
Yes — free family spots near Del Mar include Del Mar Beach & Powerhouse Park and Helen Woodward Animal Center. Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
Where can families eat in Del Mar?
Local, family-friendly spots in Del Mar include Del Mar Pizza, Del Mar Liquor & Deli, Beeside Balcony and Pacifica Del Mar — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Del Mar guide cover?
Our Del Mar family guide includes 2 things to do, 4 local eats, 2 local shops and 1 farmers market — all hand-curated, locally owned, and sorted by distance from you.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Del Mar
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Del Mar on one map — then book on your favorite site.