Wow! Everyone seems to obsess about the cost of parking and parking tickets rather than reviewing the beach itself. Park well away and walk. That's what we did every day. Get some steps in and it won't cost you a cent! Anyway, considering the waves and the surf and the amount of usage this beach is clean. The folks who frequent it are respectful and friendly and the lifeguards are plentiful. We've been coming here for ten years and love it.

Head away from Del Mar and towards the Solana/Del Mar beach boundaries, and end at the San Dieguito River channel (across the water is Dog Beach). This is the official designated stretch of what is called "city beach" (part of Main Beach). Check out the map. Get a lay-of-the-land and a feeling for the beach terrain. Del Mar is a paradise of expansive sandy beach spots.

We enjoyed Del Mar City Beach during a staycation at L'Auberge Del Mar. We were there mid-week. The majority of people were wearing masks if they were walking around. The surf was great and the people very friendly. We'll be back.

Del Mar has nice beaches….. BUT parking is terrible. And when parking is also terrible…. The city clearly preys on people, whether local or from out of town. They will hand out $43 parking tickets like candy. ZERO leniency. They’ll get you on ANY technicality they can. The parking sergeant, Mr. Williams, and his officer Mr. LoMedico are looking for any way to nail you. I paid for parking and according to them the ticket “wasn’t properly displayed on the dash.” They’ll double the fine even after contesting and won’t send proper notification, then they will hit you with what was originally a $43 ticket (which is still very high) has now turned into $90 after fees. No way is this reasonable or fair. Get your act together, Del Mar. If you want people to visit, at least treat your people with respect versus trying to rip them off any way you can. Why would I return when there are clearly better places in San Diego to visit that aren’t so money hungry and don’t care about you. Plus I’m not circling for 30+ minutes just trying to find a parking spot. I am a San Diego resident of many years and will go elsewhere. You’ve been warned. I feel like this place looks down on you, makes parking nearly impossible, and they enjoy the power trip after they realize their parking situation is purposefully set up this way to begin with.

I visited the beach and returned to my car to find a $58 parking ticket. I was parked neatly in a legal space along the curb, on a quiet neighborhood road near the beach. However, my car was not pointed in the right direction, so I was given a $58 parking ticket. My car was parked in a legal spot and the fact that it was pointed in the opposite direction inconvenienced no one--yet the city of Del Mar has decided it was worth making money off, even after I tried contesting the ticket, apologizing and promising not to do it again. I have seen others complaining about high parking citations in Del Mar, so it may very well be common there. It's very disappointing that a beautiful place such as this chooses to penalize visitors that make harmless mistakes.

This of course is the local place to get in the water yet people from up N and S head here too so it can get busy with parking a bit of a chore. There is a paid lot across the street. Be sure to feed your meter if you are doing street parking; as well don't park over 2 hours without moving the car if the sign warns you as our local patrols are always there. Good food withing walking distance though great for a picnic either on the beach or the grassy area just above it. There are a couple of low pressure outdoor showers to rinse as well!

We loved this beach. I went with my daughter and 3 year old grandson for a day in the sun and I have to say after going here, I never want to go back to the San Diego beaches again. The Del Mar beaches are clean and not crowded at all. There was no sea weed on the beach or stringy things grabbing your ankles when you walk in the water, either.

Fantastic beach with both sand and a grass rise to give you an even better view. Easy access with walkways and benches for those that don't get around easily. Kids of all ages will go nuts over the trains that run just behind the beach-very close up!. Cali surfing scene on prime display here. Just so scenic!

wonderful, chill beach city where everyone is friendly and respectful, love it here, except the Noble hotel. Terrible, unsafe, smelly, dirty hotel.. do not stay there. the manager, Paris is abusive, and his boss, Nick, hung up on me after i was evicted for a higher paying customer.

Perfect to walk this beach near sunset. Fun to watch the surfers and see the beautiful coast. Lots of dogs on leashes enoying their beach life. Bathrooms near parks at community center. Fun for all ages! Food and little shops nearby.