Olde Del Mar: A Classic Coastal Village With Timeless Charm
Debbie Carpenter November 22, 2025
Debbie Carpenter November 22, 2025
"Del Mar" encompasses many neighborhoods, each with their own personalities, zoning specifics, and strengths. Do you know the details of Olde Del Mar, Del Mar Terrace, Del Mar Heights, the Beach Colony and Rural Del Mar? I have lived and worked in this area for decades, and happy to answer any questions you may have. Today, I am going to talk about the Olde Del Mar neighborhood.
“Del Mar” is made up of several unique neighborhoods, each offering its own lifestyle, zoning nuances, and coastal character — from Olde Del Mar and Del Mar Terrace to Del Mar Heights, the Beach Colony, and Rural Del Mar. After decades of living and working in the area, I’m always happy to help explain the differences.
Today, we’re focusing on Olde Del Mar, the neighborhood that makes one feel like they are on vacation when enjoying shops, restaurants, parks and beaches. It also offers comfortable convenience for everyday living.
Often referred to as Del Mar Village, Olde Del Mar is the historic and cultural core of the City of Del Mar. The neighborhood is known for its charming hillside homes with sweeping ocean views, tree-lined streets, and an intimate coastal village atmosphere.
Along Camino Del Mar, you’ll find a vibrant mix of restaurants, boutique shops, cafés, and small luxury hotels. The area also includes duplexes and townhomes near Stratford Court, bluff-top homes overlooking the Pacific, and quick access to beloved community landmarks like Sea Grove Park and Powerhouse Park and Beach.
It’s a walkable, laid-back coastal environment where dining, sunsets, community events, and daily beach life come together beautifully.
Development in Del Mar began in 1885, shortly after the arrival of the railroad. With perfect weather and pristine coastline, Del Mar quickly drew the interest of early developers — and later, wealthy Southern Californians seeking a stylish seaside retreat. Cottages along 11th–15th Streets and the original Stratford Inn became some of the area’s first iconic landmarks.
Local legend claims the curving hillside streets were mapped out by following the path of flour trails left by horse-drawn wagons — creating the organic, winding road layout that still defines Olde Del Mar today.
In 1936, the Del Mar Racetrack was built, attracting Hollywood stars such as Bing Crosby, who invested in the town’s growth, frequented its beaches, and helped put Del Mar on the national map. The rebuilt Stratford Inn and charming beach cottages hosted countless celebrities during its golden era.
The City of Del Mar was officially incorporated in 1959. By the 1960s, strong community resistance to overdevelopment cemented Del Mar’s long-standing commitment to preserving its village character, low-density housing, abundant trees, and pedestrian-friendly downtown — values that still shape Olde Del Mar today.
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