Del Mar, CA
 

Going there for a weekend. Any tips on fun things to do there or nearby? Encinitas or Solona Beach maybe.

When we were there I remember loving hanging out and watching the hang gliders. I don't remember the specifics, if we went to Torrey Pines or where exactly. Maybe locals can share some specifics.

Yep, Torrey Pines. I remembered that as we were leaving my friend pointed out that there was a nude beach at the base of the cliff. I probably would have never know otherwise. ;)

I googled and found this resource -
http://www.gorp.com/parks-guide/trav...ev_055285.html

Del Mar has a beautiful beach, lots of good restaurants and some nice shopping. Try Jake's Del Mar, right on the beach and the next-door place, Poseidon.

http://www.jakesdelmar.com/

http://www.poseidonrestaurant.com/

It's close to La Jolla with all its shopping and restaurants.

Going north, you hit Solana Beach with the Cedros Avenue design area and the famous Belly-Up Tavern.

http://www.cedrosdesigndistrict.net/home.html

http://www.bellyup.com/

To the east you'll find the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, a lovely place to hike or go for horseback rides.

http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-rec...s/penasq.shtml

Why is the Belly Up famous?

We want to go north or stay in Del Mar itself. We often go to La Jolla, so want a change of scenery.

Encinitas maybe?

The Del Mar Plaza has several restaurants with great ocean views

The Belly up is a tavern/night club which often has good acts.

I had a retreat in Del Mar 2 years ago, and thought the area was terrific! It was held at the Casa Del Mar. A small group went on a hike close by, so I know there's some good hiking trails, if that's your thing.

A number of years ago I took my husband down to Del Mar to celebrate something -- either our anniversary or his birthday, can't remember which. I surprised him with a hot air balloon ride, and Del Mar seems to be the hot air balloon capital of California! It is something fun and really special to do -- I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I am scared of heights! I think we used California Dreamin' that included wine or champagne, but you can google "Del Mar" and "hot air balloons" and come up with a number of companies that do this.