texskiss

We're a family of 4 (Two girls ages 17 and 12 so shopping and beach is important! LOL) going to Del Mar, California. We are looking for a nice, upscale hotel and advice for restaurants and things to do! We're looking at either the L'Auberge or the Coronado. I like the location and looks of the L'Auberge but will the train horn be a bother at night? Thanks!!

MomDDTravel

The L'Auberge is a LOVELY property - I have no idea if the train horn will bother you - I suggest you call the hotel directly - I feel they will be straight forward with you.

Having said that, if you have the budget I would stay in Coranado with girls your age at the Del. I just spent the weekend in Coranado and it is such a lovely place and there are more things to do than in Del Mar area. I lived in Del Mar and lived in San Diego for most of my life and still go back often. If you stay at the del you can easily go over to down town San Diego and go shopping at Horton Plaza which is a great open shopping area/mall. Plus all the gaslamp area will be fun with them. What time of the year area you going? Del Mar is a ZOO during race season.

Tomsd

I guess it's all a matter of opinion - but I don't think getting from Del Mar downtown doesn't take that much longer than coming over the Bridge from Coronado. However - you could ride the ferry over which is a fun thing to do.

And as for shopping - I think Fashion Valley offers more than Horton Plaze - but hey - I'm just a guy and not "expert" on that.

MomDDTravel

Fashion Valley is better shopping... but it is not the same "experience" as Horton Plaza.... Horton Plaza is very unique and I think someone from Texas would enjoy it.

1JAR

If you have the money I agree with MomDTRavel: Hotel Del in Coronado is best and you can rent BEACH villas directly on the beach with private access and pools etc.,glassed in (prevents the whipping wind)firepit bar concierge area with private breakfast buffett in the am, privae valet parking and a concierge assigned to your room who gives out comp dining tickets, a once in a lifteime stay.
Depending on your comfort level COronado is a nice very safe town easily walkable and many parents do let their kids walk alone downtown.

MomDDTravel

1Jar - we let our daughter's and friend's ride their bikes alone, 18, 16 and 14 no issues. It is a lovely community.

nanabee

Driving from Del Mar to downtown San Diego takes at least 30 + minutes or longer depending on traffic and where in Del Mar you are coming from.

From Coronado to Downtown San Diego takes about 10 minutes. It is bascially right across the bay from downtown and you just take the bridge and you are there. It is much, much closer. Also you can take a foot ferry across from Coronado to Downtown as well.

Coronado is a much better place for a family vacation as there is more to do. The streets are flat and bike riding is safe and easy. Stuff to do is just more easily accessed than in Del Mar.

MomDDTravel

exactly what Nanabee said... I think the girls would enjoy taking the foot ferry as well - we have done that - it makes for a fun day - also while they might not be "hot" on it - the USS Midway is a fun thing to explore in downtown.

Tomsd

Bet to differ on driving from Del Mar to downtown. Can do it in 20 minutes or less - of course, not during rush hour. Used to go up to the in laws - in the Ranch - from Mission Valley - and could even make that in 20 mintues when things fell right.

And agree Coronado is beautiful - and maybe more to do for the girls, but do also love the cute little Village of Del Mar.

Tomsd

BTW: Foot ferry doesn't mean you have to help pedal.

And actually - if you rented bikes for a few days in Coronado - you can also take them on the ferry if you want and ride around downtown SD.