Top 27 things to do and attractions in Del Mar

A beautiful beach with plenty of space for dogs to run and play. We drove all the way from Palm Springs expecting a true off-leash dog beach, especially after seeing so many happy dogs in the photos online. The beach itself is stunning, with soft sand and gentle waves perfect for splashing. However, the sign at the entrance clearly states that all dogs must be on a leash, which was a huge disappointment. While most people were following the rules, there were a few owners who let their dogs roam freely, which made it difficult to relax with our own leashed pup. It's a great spot if you're looking for a dog-friendly beach where you can walk your dog on a leash, but if you're hoping for a true off-leash experience, you might want to look elsewhere. It's a shame because with a clear, off-leash section, this could easily be a five-star destination. PS: parking is almost $7 for 1 hour and half. THINK TWICE!

My year and a half puppy loves Del Mar dog beach! From 6am-8am parking is free, and there are a ton of sweet dogs to play with. Dogs must be on-leash during the summer but starting Labor Day, they are allowed off leash. My dog is deathly afraid of the water but the sandy area is huge, so he has plenty of room to run around and walk up and down the beach. Del Mar is beautiful and the beach is full of dogs that are having the time of their lives!

Great place to hang out with your dog Really nice beach with Portopotties, doggie bag dispensers, volleyball nets, and lots of area to chill, play ball with your dog, or just walk along the beach. Beautiful dog friendly beach. Parking is pretty expensive ($4/hr) but not all of the parking is pay.

I didn't take a dog but the beach was so nice, not too busy, clean, lots of dogs and owners there, lots of shells. The sand was very nice, the walk to the water is longer than it looks so be prepared for the trip! Over all beautiful!

So rad being able to see the Del Mar Fairgrounds right across the way. Everyone is very friendly. It was my 6 month old maltipoo’s first time at a beach ever and it went swimmingly! A kind couple even gave me a few pointers on our way in. **The pointers were:** -Just BE AWARE of your surroundings. -Especially with bigger dogs, as owners will drop their leash sometimes and the dogs can run up. -Even though it is technically an on-leash beach, they said. -Also, that dogs are allowed on-leash on the next beach over as well and that it can be CALMER as there aren’t as many doggos. ****ALSO ALSO, I DID NOT SEE ANY SHOWERS OR BATHROOMS OR RINSE OFF AREAS HERE!!!***** Hope that helps, it sure did for me! ❤️ safe beaching!

Poop beach, dog owners please pick up after your dogs don’t hide poop bags under the rocks, and some owners watching dog is pooping and just turn their head away. This is disgusting beach

Dogs ON LEASH only during summer. But if you walk far north of the tower, there were dogs off leash, just like us, but we LEASH them as soon as anyone going our way, just to respect other people and their dogs on leash.

Beautiful beautiful cliff. I went all the way around to the golf course and then came down to explore the cliff/beach. Took around 2.5 h. Make sure you bring water. There is really no escape from the sun. And do check the tides before going to access the beautiful walk on the beach.

Hiking trails were closed unfortunately but the visitor center volunteers were incredibly knowledgeable and we learned a ton about local sea life and such. Beautiful beach as well.

This is one of the quieter, more secluded beaches/cliff areas in San Diego — and like most places along the coast here, it’s absolutely beautiful. The beach below is peaceful, not crowded at all, with just a few surfers and scattered visitors. I didn’t go all the way down to the sand; instead, I viewed everything from the gliderport area, which sits high on a cliff and gives you an incredible panoramic view of the ocean. There is a path/stair-like trail that goes down to the beach, but it’s a steep climb and takes time, so I skipped it. Even just staying at the top was worth it — the breeze, the crashing waves, and the open view felt calm and refreshing. The area is also used for paragliding, so you’ll often see people launching from the cliff, which makes the spot even more interesting to watch. Parking is available, but the lot can be full, and the ground is uneven, dusty, and a bit rugged — not ideal if you don’t have a car with good clearance. I parked anyway, but my regular car struggled a bit, so it’s something to be aware of, especially after rain. It was slightly cloudy when I visited, but I can easily imagine this being a stunning sunset spot on a clear day. If you’re exploring San Diego, definitely add this place to your list — quiet, scenic, and perfect for just standing still and taking it all in.

Amazing place to spend time exercising or exploring all day! Loved this place so much❤️ About $20 for parking in their lot. Paved walking/hiking path showcasing beautiful vistas of the city,brackish waterways, forested hills to rocky shores & ocean. Great information center w helpful & knowledgeable park staff.

Beautiful trails, with a great variety of native plants on the bluffs and in the canyons. Be ready for some pretty good elevation gain, this is not a flat, shoreline, hike (nor is it El Cap). Bring water even in the winter. When they're out, dolphins, seals, occasionally whales, are visible from up there. In the summer we cool off from the hike with some time in the surf, looking back at the cliffs we were just on top of.

Nice place to walk around, cliffs are great to look at...water not best for swimming in my opinion.

One of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in San Diego

Everything here is local and delicious!

A smaller antique mall inside a strip mall, packed with solders, postcards, old jewelry, and vintage toys. Staff will help you search through boxes of ephemera. I found a rare WWII-era map that now hangs in my study. Lighting is warm and gently highlights glass display cases. Without the crowds of bigger spots, browsing felt relaxed and personal

It's small but a lovely farmers market! We went at about 2pm. We parked on the street with no issues. They had good local produce, bakeries and a couple of artists. There was one vendor (a couple of teenagers maybe) selling handmade cutting boards - amazing work. Everyone was friendly. There were no dog permitted signs but a lot of people had their dogs with them.

I enjoyed the live music and the verity of vendors, form food, coffee, fruit, custom made products and so many friendly people. I had a blast and it was so relaxing.

The farmers market is indeed small, but it has wonderful fresh organic produce and the sellers are kind and helpful. The donut vendor is outstanding, and there is a gentleman that sells micro greens and premade salads. If you like veggies, the salads are high on my list to recommend! It’s not a “spend the afternoon” thing, but a great place to get locally grown, fresh organic produce! I learned how to cook squash blossoms, thanks to this market! (SO Good!)

I can not believe we drove 20+ minutes for what was the saddest "Farmers Market" we've been to in the area. There were only a few sellers (at least one was a reseller) and a couple of food stalls. We walked through in less than a minute. Parking is crazy. Glad we found free parking because I would have been ticked if we'd paid for it. Not disability/handicap friendly as you have to go down/up a steep hill and the entrance is very small, I could barely get my stroller through.

Some multicultural great food and fresh produce.

Best kept secret beach in San Diego. Not really🤣 vastly sandy beach with plenty of parking. Dog friendly and human friendly too. Lifeguard tower, clean restroom facility, beautifully maintained grass and clean sand. Park and barefoot walk to the sand. Surf and beach game and swimming. And so close to freeway that you might not expected. Perfect for morning walk.

Love this beach! Bathrooms are close, however parking can be a challenge.

Great beach!! Clean and safe, lots of grassy areas to sit and watch the sunset. Only drawbacks are it's usually busy and the parking is hard to find and usually expensive.

Beautiful beach. Crowded on weekends especially holiday but there is many 2hr parking spots near the beach

What is disappointing about this beach is that 35-25 years ago it was only for humans. There is a dog beach like the next beach over for dogs which is great but now people come here with their dogs and it doesnt make for a very clean beach. It’s not the best watching dogs poop or urinate here. I wish people would respect dog beach for what it is!

Beautiful California beach. Soft sand is great for walking. Nice park area at North end with picnic area.

Good for walking, fishing, swimming and surfing - or just sitting around. I'll be back.

This is a great place to visit. Everyone there is very helpful and friendly. The birds are super cool. You can feed the birds 🐦 🐦‍⬛ if they are hungry if not the birds will let you know. Parking is rough on-site but there is a pay Parking lot across the street and there is also a good brewery across the street. Worth the 10 bucks you help support the birds.

Visiting Free Flight Bird Sanctuary was such a wonderful experience! The sanctuary is a peaceful hidden gem where you can get up close with beautiful, exotic birds in a safe and caring environment. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about the well-being of the birds. I loved how interactive the visit was—you can feed the parrots and watch their playful personalities shine. Each bird has its own unique story, and it’s heartwarming to know they are being cared for so thoughtfully. The sanctuary itself is well-maintained, welcoming, and perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking for a unique and uplifting outing. It’s more than just a visit—it’s a chance to connect with nature, learn, and support an organization making a real difference for rescued and rehomed birds. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something special and memorable to do!

I loved seeing such exotic birds, parrots and macaws. Staff is down to earth and helped when I had questions. All bird types were my favorite, but Ms Kitty stole the show. She had her own personality. I was able to hear them speak and we were invited to feed the coy fish. Can't wait to return for paint nite and revisit.

What a delight! We really enjoyed our visit with the birds. The staff members were very helpful and friendly.

Great opportunity to interact with exotic birds, mostly parrots and cockatoos that are rescued. The entry fee is low, supports the organization, and includes a bowl of food. Educational and great for kids and adults.

Definitely my favorite place to spend an hour or two. They have many different types of birds and you get to meet and feed them all. Make sure to ask. Jr Docent about their favorite bird. You might even get a shoulder visit.

This is such a a great little place. The parrots are so cool and sweet, and they are clearly loved and well cared for. The staff is great. I would absolutely go here again.

Moving near iconic spots like Del Mar Plaza truly makes you appreciate a professional team. Best California Movers clearly recognizes the importance of this vibrant city center, and their attention to detail made our move seamless. Fantastic job!

I recently planned and organized a Celebration of Life on one of the outdoor patios of the Del Mar Plaza. I cannot speak more highly of the excellent support I got from the Plaza Property Manager and her staff in the planning and execution of this event. Even the staff who were not directly assigned to this event were helpful - without even asking! Kudos to the Del Mar Plaza Management!!!

Nice place to grab quick curated bites Ocean views. Tried fancy baked goods. Get early before ocean mist softens the croissant goods. Items a little bland. Mango bite was spongy and a little to wet. Blueberry was also wet , Chocolate Roche was rich just ok.. not worth the hype this time.

Super cute place for families during the day and definitely has popular bars and nightlife. The plaza is a great place to sit and watch the sunset.

Place has gotten better in the last couple months as far as congestion and safety. I found out why is that they fired their previous property manager due to all the issues the past couple years. Apparently, she wasn't doing her job, was very unprofessional and even lied about having actual property management experience :/ All of us that live nearby are EXCITED to see where this place goes with new management and new retailers opening soon!

Patio cocktail before lunch at Monarch Ocean Pub. Great atmosphere. Food was very good, although they ran out of pastrami at 1PM on Saturday? Will definitely go back!

Great experience working with the property management company at Del Mar Plaza. They went above and beyond to make sure our event was a success.

Even though Horse racing can tempt ya to gamble..go ahead try..ya may win. Time your visit to a Wine tasting an that's a big bonus! You can get up close an personal to everything. Wear your Derby style clothing to feel race worthy !!

We had been attended the fair for 4yrs and it always nice. The displays were real nice as were the animal exihibits. The food was over priced, but always delicious. I recommend to buy everything in advance like parking, entrance admission and ride tickets, you’ll save some money. I got my package at Costco for 4 people, general parking, coupon pamphlet and 40 ride tickets at $99. And get early in the morning so you have more time and less crowds on the rides. ;)

I went to the fair to see Live and Collective Soul and had a blast. The floor seats were great. There was tons of space to dance. The bathrooms were clean. The food court was wild and the rides were off the hook! I highly recommend going to the fair!

This is my first time at the famous San Diego County fair. It was so much fun exploring it with a group of friends. This is one of the places that you should visit with friends. I am all for solo activities ( I go to movies by myself, etc ), but this is so much more fun with a group. Especially if you have friends that are "in the know". Lucky me. I could never figure out where to find these hidden gems as a first timer. We visited two unique Speakeasies. Each one is charming and with awesome views. Especially the "Destination Unknown" bar. The price for drinks are hefty but it is worth it. The waitress was super sweet and attentive. Top notched! I didn't find any interesting/enticing food to eat but it is all for the best, saving calories. I had onion rings, it was not that great. Corn, it was sweet and a good buy. My friend ordered a sandwich from the Greek restaurant and she gave them a thumb up. The highlight of the day was the photography exhibition. I can easily spent a couple of hours appreciate all the talents. I am actually debating if I should go back again this year just for that. I visited on a weekend so it is not crowded. Easy parking. I was told that weekend is super crowded and "stressful". I am glad that I visited on a week end for my first time. I will make it my yearly event. Love love love!

*San Diego Del Mar Fair Review: A Must-Visit Destination! 🌴🎠* I recently had the pleasure of visiting the San Diego Del Mar Fair, and I must say, it was an absolute blast! 🎉 This annual event is a staple in San Diego's summer calendar, and for good reason. From the thrilling rides to the mouth-watering food options, there's something for everyone to enjoy. *Fun Rides 🎠* The Del Mar Fair boasts an impressive lineup of rides that cater to all ages and thrill levels. Some of the standout attractions include: 1. *Giant Dipper Roller Coaster*: A classic wooden roller coaster that's sure to get your adrenaline pumping! 2. *Sky Diver*: For those who dare to defy gravity, this ride offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience. 3. *Tilt-A-Whirl*: A classic carnival favorite that's perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike. *Food Selection 🍴* The Del Mar Fair is a foodie's paradise, with a diverse range of options to satisfy any craving. Be sure to try: 1. *Deep-Fried Oreos*: A sweet treat that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. 2. *Classic Corn Dogs*: A fair staple that's both delicious and nostalgic. 3. *Fresh Lemonade*: Refreshing and tangy, perfect for hot summer days. *Attractions 🎨* The Del Mar Fair offers a variety of attractions that showcase local talent, art, and culture. Some highlights include: 1. *Live Music Stages*: Featuring local bands and musicians, these stages offer something for everyone. 2. *Animal Encounters*: Get up close and personal with friendly farm animals, perfect for kids and animal lovers. 3. *Artisan Market*: Discover unique handmade crafts and souvenirs to take home. *Must-Do San Diego Attraction 🌟* The San Diego Del Mar Fair is an absolute must-visit attraction in America's Finest City. With its unique blend of thrills, entertainment, and delicious food, it's an event that's sure to leave you smiling. Whether you're a local or just visiting, the Del Mar Fair is an experience you won't want to miss. *Tips and Insights 🤔* 1. *Arrive Early*: Beat the crowds and take advantage of shorter lines for rides and attractions. 2. *Wear Comfortable Shoes*: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to wear shoes that can handle the terrain. 3. *Bring Sunscreen and Water*: Stay hydrated and protected from the sun's strong rays. *Conclusion 🌟* The San Diego Del Mar Fair is a world-class event that offers something for everyone. With its incredible rides, food options, and attractions, it's a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun and memorable experience. Don't miss out on the excitement – mark your calendars for next year's fair! 🎉 Rating: 5/5 stars ⭐️ Will I return? Absolutely!

Same thing evey year. Lots of sights, exhibits and great displays. Hard to appreciate the cool themes and sights when your raging from the HORRIBLE traffic. Also things get lost with the chaos of food vendors. Games and rides will easily cost you a car payment (or two), so load up the card because most dont want cash.

Prices were much higher than usual this year. Almost $20 for gyro sandwich. $20 for turkey leg. $23 for double patty burger. And none of these include drinks. You can get 2 sikh koobideh at Sufi much cheaper! Also not as many people this year - attendees AND vendors. It was so easy to find parking AND leave. These photos were taken throughout the day on a Saturday between open and 6pm. Didn’t feel the same.

First of I will state outright that I haven't personally been, but as a huge fan of horse racing, I watch a ton of racing around the world from the comfort of my own home. Del Mar was once one of those tracks I would regularly tune into; loved Trevor's calls and the views off the ocean. Sadly that is no longer can access due to the need for RTN (I'm often on the go so mobile is needed); it was just easier to access when it was free to watch. What a treat it was to tune into the Breeder's Cup; the first time I have been able to catch the action from Del Mar in years! If I was to make a suggestion, it would be to make watching the track more accessible; doing so would also gain more eyes on the sport, and potentially, bettors.

I am not a big fan of horse races but joined family members that hadn't had a chance to see it 1st hand. The place is well managed, lots of parking space, food is good and Inexpensive.... the only thing is that ea race lasts less than 2min and takes them 20 to start the next one. For those of us that don't know much about horses, the wait can be challenging. The place needs screens, music and other type of entertainment to keep your attention between races.

Had a great time here for my best friends bachelor party. Great atmosphere and shared exciting energy at the races. The venue itself is beautiful. We’ll definitely be back here the next chance we get!

This was the first time I was visiting and I should say I did not expect to have that much fun before visiting. I went there with my colleagues and the whole visit turns out to be a fun and exciting experience. Definitely recommend visiting at least once.

This was a fun event where we had brunch at Del Mar Thoroughbred club. The food was good and the racing was fun to watch and make a few bets.

We went there for a JJWL competition. Brazilian Ju jitsu. Venue is nice. Plenty of restrooms. There isn't enough vendors. Space is limited for them. There is plenty of parking. This place is much linient on bringing in food items. Panting is $20 and $25 for a re-entry. There is 2 lanes to go in. If you go on the far left one, they will make you go around.

1st time going. A great experience. Nice horses. Left the track with money in my pocket from the races. Need to have larger sizes clothes for women from your outdoor stores.😒 Food was good there too.

**Outstanding Dining Experience at Jake's Del Mar** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What an incredible evening at Jake's Del Mar! This beachfront gem offers everything you could want in a dining experience - stunning ocean views, exceptional service, and absolutely outstanding food. We started with the calamari and crab cake appetizers, both of which were perfectly prepared and delicious. My husband ordered the halibut special, which was so exceptional that I couldn't resist trying it even though I wasn't planning on having a main course. The freshness of the ingredients really shines through - you can taste that everything is made with the highest quality, just-prepared produce. Our server was both friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, making excellent recommendations and ensuring we had everything we needed throughout the meal. The conversation flowed as beautifully as the ocean waves just outside. This was honestly the best meal I've had in months. The restaurant's location right on the beach creates an unbeatable atmosphere, and while the restrooms are quite small, they're impeccably clean. Jake's Del Mar has earned a permanent spot on our list of favorite restaurants. Highly recommend for anyone looking for fresh, expertly prepared food with unparalleled ocean views and top-notch service. They offer valet for $10 and it’s cheaper that the public parking across the road which was $30

My review is based on my lunch experience. I came here for lunch today. On a Thursday. Got seated right away in the back by the windows. Beautiful beach views. I ordered calamari to start and Burger with fries. The calamari was amazing. My server Tia said it was delicious and it sure is. The server is very hospitable. The calamari was nice and crispy and not chewy. The Birger was ordered medium. It was cooked perfect with avocado. I saw it in a picture and it didn't disappoint. The fries were crispy and seasoned just right. I definitely want to come back for dinner

Great food, great service and a definite recommendation. The restaurant has an amazing view of the sea. Great for brunch and lunch while having a relaxed time staring at the sea.

We went to have dinner here with friends while visiting San Diego. When we arrived, we waited to be seated at the very busy bar. It took 10 minutes for them to even acknowledge us. The room and the bar were very lively, but also very noisy. The best part of the room is the exquisite view of the ocean. We finally were seated and ordered several things from the menu. I did not taste anyone else’s food. However the calamari was really good… Different but a nice flavor. I would’ve preferred it a little crispier, though. I had a Caesar salad salad that was good. However my steak was very very salty. I wasn’t even able to eat it. Everyone else seemed relatively satisfied with their food. But overall, it was just OK.

Great food with a beautiful sunset view. Portions are on the smaller side, but everything was tasty. Very friendly service!! I’d definitely bring visitors here next time.

We had a reservation and enjoyed the view of the ocean. We ordered lobster tail, surf and turf, tuna and braised spare rib. We also had the aloha pie, it was plenty for the 3 of us. The dishes I tried were delicious!

Riley is the best bartender I have ever had. He made space for me when there was none. Gave me my drinks right away, had great recommendations for food. Was so pleasant and accommodating. The view and sunset and vibe of this place is suberb and beach access is right there. Can’t recommend Jake’s enough.

There's a large grassy area overlooking the ocean, great for picnics. There's plenty of benches for watching the surfers. Music events are common over the summer. Paid parking is available across the street, but there's also street parking if you get lucky. There are several restaurants walkable for lunch.

Google Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Del Mar Beach and Powerhouse Park are absolute gems! The beach is stunning, with soft sand, gentle waves, and breathtaking views—especially at sunset. It’s perfect for a relaxing walk, letting kids play, or just enjoying the peaceful sound of the ocean. Powerhouse Park, right next to the beach, is an amazing spot for families. The grassy area is great for picnics, and there’s a playground for kids to enjoy. It’s also a fantastic place to sit and take in the ocean views. The combination of the beach and the park creates a welcoming, community-focused space where everyone can unwind and appreciate the beauty of Del Mar. Whether you’re a local or visiting, this is a must-see spot in Southern California!

Powerhouse Park in Del Mar, San Diego, is nothing short of spectacular. It combines the serene beauty of a coastal escape with the charm and accessibility of a well-maintained public park, making it, in my opinion, one of the best beach destinations in the world. From the moment you arrive, the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean greets you with open arms. The park sits on a bluff directly overlooking the beach, offering panoramic views of the coastline, vibrant sunsets, and the calming sound of crashing waves. It’s an ideal spot for picnics, leisurely strolls, or simply relaxing with a book while enjoying the sea breeze. The beach itself is wide and clean, with soft sand and gentle slopes into the ocean. It’s perfect for all kinds of beachgoers—whether you’re looking to swim, surf, or just lay out in the sun. The waves are moderate, making it a great spot for both seasoned surfers and beginners. Families with kids will love the tide pools at low tide, where little ones can explore and discover marine life in a safe and fun way. The grassy park area is beautifully maintained and includes plenty of benches and picnic tables, ideal for gathering with friends or hosting casual events. The iconic Powerhouse Community Center building adds a unique architectural charm to the location, and it’s often used for weddings and celebrations thanks to its unbeatable oceanfront setting. What really sets Powerhouse Park apart is its atmosphere. It’s peaceful and relaxing, yet full of life. You’ll often see joggers, yogis practicing at sunrise, families enjoying picnics, and surfers running toward the waves. And just a short walk away, you’ll find a variety of excellent restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques along Camino Del Mar—making it easy to spend the whole day in the area. Free and metered parking is available nearby, though it can get crowded during weekends and holidays, so arriving early is a good idea. Restrooms and showers are also conveniently located, making it practical for a full day at the beach. All in all, Powerhouse Park offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, recreational fun, and coastal charm. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this beach delivers a memorable experience every time. It’s more than just a beach—it’s a little slice of paradise.

This is a beautiful place to hang out, whether going to the beach or at the park or community center. There is a lot offered. The beach and ocean is beautiful and everything is in walking distance. We very much enjoyed visiting.

Heaven on Earth , A most tranquil , naturally breathtaking Eden that promotes wellbeing and mindfulness. Murray Hidary performed his Mind travel personal piano concert as the sunset and the waves lapped the shore. Beautiful

Love this park They allow dogs (on leash) Parking is hard if u get there late. We always go around 830-900am and find street parking. We paid $20.00 for the whole day At the parking lot, its $20.00 for just 2 hours. When u get to powerhouse park, u can go either left or right on the beach. Seems more people go right, but theres alot of room around.

First time to San Diego, had some recommendations from co-workers to visit this park, really glad I did. Awesome sunset and fabulous beach. Do yourself a favor and visit this place!

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Extension is a hidden gem for hikers and nature lovers. Although this property is part of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, it is a detached, stand-alone property. It does not have beach access. It does not have a visitor center. It does not have restrooms or drinking water. It does, however, have a bunch of great trails. The Reserve Extension has four major trails: The Mar Scenic Trail is a north/south trail that has trailheads at the end of Mar Scenic Drive in the north and the end of Del Mar Scenic Parkway in the south. The Margaret Fleming Nature Trail and Red Ridge Loop Trail are to the east of the Mar Scenic Trail while to the west you’ll find the Daughters of the American Revolution Memorial Trail (“DAR” on park signs). I’d say that, overall, the trails are easy/moderate to hike. There are a few rough spots on the trails where erosion has kicked in but nothing that can’t be walked over or around while staying on the trail. Signage along the trails was pretty good. The trails are very clean: no trash at all and, because pets (dogs, horses, elephants, etc.) aren’t allowed, doo-doo dodging is not necessary. Unlike Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, the Reserve Extension does not charge a fee to enter. Free street parking is available at the Mar Scenic Trail trailheads.

Lesser visited annex to Torrey Pines. Park in the neighborhood. A couple of miles of trails with overlooks. The trail was a bit overgrown in spots, some erosion damage too. It was all navigable. Go in late spring for the wildflowers.

A great not so little hidden gem! It is quite a fun adventure going on the few trails here, the bushes are tall and the trail narrow so it is a great escape that makes you feel like you are actually out in nature!

There was a nice view from up top. It is also walkable from the north parking lot of Torrey Pines, but there were parking spaces available at the entrance. Not many people were on the trail on a Wednesday.

Super fun Hidden Gem, pathways are a bit overgrown right now, and now I'm starting to get worried about some predators like a mountain lion creeping up on us! It's great to be able to park for free in various neighborhoods. Love the views from the various outlooks. And overall love the fact that we only saw four people on a hour hike on Mother's Day.

Great spot for a good view of the ocean and small town behind you. A fantastic place to see the sunset. Theres a sand trail that leads to a few rocky formations but nonetheless a quick easy walk. Some of the smaller trails are closed off due to rattlesnakes.

Absolutely unbelievable area tucked away up the hill. Just discovered it. Wow. Are we in Arizona? Del Mar and Torrey Pines and the area offer life altering nature and beauty. Great energy. Dont go off on trails that aren't clearly trails. It can get crazy. So nice there.

Overall a great location, great views of the pacific, great food. Nice outdoor seating looking out into the ocean. Great area to walk around after your meal. Tuna was amazing.

We came here for dinner and it was sooooo good! I loved the view and the food. My dad came here when I was a baby and now I actually get to see the view and remember it and the food! Yum! The tables were organized except the food on the floor, but that didn't matter cause it was about the food so I would give it a 4.999999999 to the infinite power and rounded it to 5. I also loved the view of the ocean, that's when we had seen the great sun set. Great dessert look too!

The seafood had a strong seafood smell and flavor that wasn't bad but it was odd. Everything else was very good, brussel sprouts were tasty and plentiful. The mulligatawny soup was my favorite. It was flavorful and delightful.

Came in (~2pm) specifically because my kids wanted street tacos—sign advertised $3 street tacos ($1.50 at happy hour). Ordered drinks then later ordered tacos only to be told “those are only at dinner”. I mildly protested but waitress assured me that the sign specified tacos at dinner only. We ordered off the menu and had a good lunch (amazing gorgeous views!) but felt we were deceived and duped. I don’t like that—feels dishonest.

Always a favorite of mine for decades. Love the fresh grapefruit martini. This time, the mussels were the tiniest ever (1cm long inside full size shells) and waitress said they were not in season is why they were so small. They should remove it from the menu if not in season. I was used to them serving large to XL mussels. Everything else was delicious. Came for parents’ 50th anniversary.

We visited Pacifica Del Mar recently for Sunday Brunch. Reservations were easy via Open Table however there is no distinguishing between inside or outside. Unfortunately their entire outdoor view dining area was closed off for some wedding party happening later. We drove literally an hour for this experience and were sat at a table inside, in a corner surrounded by walls. The restaurant and all the linens were stunning I will say. We did wind up electing to sit at one of their small exterior tables immediately adjacent to their main entrance. While we had some sort of view, that experience was rather undignified as hordes of passers by traipse along through the plaza breezeway, inches from our table. Despite these disappointments, the food was excellent! I ordered the Corned Beef Hash which was rather unorthodox but delicious. The menu did call out poached eggs and I received over-easy sadly. The waiter did comp my drinks which was nice but was hoping for poached. My wife’s poached eggs perched atop her Benedict were perfectly cooked with creamy yolks and properly set whites. I look forward to visiting again soon for dinner. I might call ahead first to make sure I can get a decent table.

Had a work roadshow and the food,ambiance & service was top notch! Would probably go back for a date night hihi!

Peaceful tranquility ocean views walkers paradise. Plenty of benches to sit and take it all in. Water available for people and pets.

Very pretty park with breathtaking views and a peaceful stop on any itinerary.

Along with neighboring Powerhouse Park beautiful open space. Both could have become restaurant rows, they were not allowed to be developed. Love it! UPDATE - always great! Still lovely

Accessibility: a beautiful park with paved sidewalks that travel all throughout the park, and have a close up overlook of the ocean. There are also tons of wooden benches available to sit on, and shady as well as sunny spots. Experience: this park is absolutely beautiful! I have never been here before but wow it was so well taken care of and pretty. This park has such bright green grass, tons of flowers, dogs around, trees, and a beautiful view of the ocean. Will definitely come back!

Excellent, well maintained park along the ocean in DelMar

FLAWLESS park!!!!! Too many good things to list. Plenty of seating. One thing I like is just the sheer proximity to the actual shore!!! Too many grass areas at other beaches like Mission Beach, Solana beach ect aren’t actually near the shore. At Sea Grove you could set up right in the grass and go into the water with only a 30 sec stroll. Restaurants aren’t to far either. The only thing I will say is that parking can be a tad difficult. I think that’s normal at any beach though. You can pay for parking, but it’s overpriced in my opinion. $25 for 1-2 hrs….$45 for 3-4 hrs!!!! Overall awesome spot…perfect to take family or anyone who’s never seen the Pacific. Great way to experience it for the first time!

This park is amazing! They do an excellent job with maintenance, from trimming trees, bushes, and grass to adding fresh wood chips and watering the lawns. They also make sure to remove full trash bags and replace them with new ones. I see the staff doing this every Friday morning, keeping everything in top shape.

Crest Canyon Open Space Park, incorrectly called Crest Canyon Park on some maps, is a relatively small canyon tucked between neighborhoods just south of the San Dieguito Lagoon Ecological Reserve. The park’s unnamed loop trail has several trailheads – I say the trail is unnamed because neither the city’s map nor signs in the park name it. If you’d rather start your hike by going uphill, use the street parking on Racetrack View Drive and enter the trail from there. The trail heads south to Durango Drive which also has street parking. The loop is about 2 miles. The trails are sand/dirt and easy to navigate with the last section going to Durango Drive requiring you to walk up several sets of wooden stairs. The park is clean but involved in a major habitat restoration project. Some parts of the park provide a great vantage point for viewing the San Dieguito Lagoon. A short trail that is separate from the canyon but part of the park – and connects one part of Racetrack View Drive to another – provides a closer look at the lagoon.

Walked all the way to the beach. Road section is ok, wish it was dirt all the way. Road did not seem to have a lot of traffic. Walk was just over 5 miles and 371 feet of elevation gain in the way back. Saw what I think was a young osprey.

This is an absolutely amazing area and highly recommended to check out. This is a beautiful, relaxing canyon that's accessible from multiple points along the side and at the end. It's a really unusual topological area where you see some beautiful nature and a rare treat to enjoy. This area, Torrey Pines Del mar, is filled with magic and there are more spaces of beauty and great energy in the nature there than most. It's a very special area.

A great little canyon hike that has recently undergone major erosion control and restoration planting. If you are interested in that sort of thing it’s a great time to visit. Generally provides an exercise opportunity in a unique area.

Short, sweet hike with Torrey Pines, quiet with a little fork up a steep part if you wish.

I couldn’t tell you much about this park as I was just passing through and happened to see it and stopped off to take a quick peek. To be short and sweet…what a view my picture will show that. Swing by and take a look, there seems like there’s much to explore.

Great dog friendly hike. Not hard at all. Nice climb through a canyon where they have replanted natives due to a fat wash out years back. Lots of flora to see. I did not take any pics, but should have.

Very nice place. I love it, I really enjoy it with my friends and family. Is not too expensive the tickets but when you go there when you buy the card to play that part is expensive because you will keep recharging the card and they don't give you a lot of points.

It was a fun weekend with family!!! Crazy rides and so much variety of tasty food were here

Growing up in a rural area, this is a novelty I never imagined!

Variety of things to look, eat and buy

This hike was amazing! 🌊 The entry fee was $20, and we drove all the way up to the top parking lot to start the West Overlook Trail (about 3 miles). The beginning was mostly downhill with incredible ocean views and cool lookout spots. The way back is uphill, so it’s definitely a workout—but worth it. I highly recommend wearing good shoes and bringing plenty of water, especially if you’re hiking midday.

Breathtakingly beautiful and serene! The mountains on one side and the ocean on the other side makes it even more scenic. So many beautiful trails leading to the peaks where you can watch the sunset or sunrise in the most spectacular views. I loved going here and will come back again and again! Hands down 5 star!

Beautiful beach, lot of trails - easy to moderate. Great views. I ended up doing many easy ones just for the views. Some trails can get very crowded and you may not enjoy the experience. Best solution is to go at your own pace and let the stream of people pass!! My best decision was to walk back along the beach after completing the trails. That was more adventurous and thrilling!!

Came here on a Friday afternoon late September. $20 day use fee. Did my hikes from the parking lot across the road from the visitor center. Good amount of parking. I could see it being an issue on really busy days. Porta potties there with hand washing stations. Pretty clean porta potties that didnt smell too bad. Decently warm day but there was a breeze most of the time making it pleasant most of the time. Hiked to Red Butte, Razor Point, Yuma Overlook, and the beach. Took a bit more than an hour including meditation and picture time. Downhill mostly to beach then back uphill to parking lot. Mostly gentle. Nothing too crazy. I am a middle aged guy that sits at a computer working everyday for most of the day and have some mild asthma and still did just fine. Amazing stuff. Although there were plenty of people there, there were still quiet times to enjoy the ambiance and sounds and meditate. Scenery is unreal, and the trails are well marked. Pictures I attach do speak a thousand words and display the incredible scenery. Got my beloved souvenir patch and postcards at the VC, which has no bathrooms or water for water bottle. Highly recommended. I posted lots of pics because this place deserves it.

A stunning place to hike in San Diego! You’ll see animals, geology, gorgeous ocean views, and our famous Torrey Pines. With parking lots both at beach level and on the cliffs, there are many options to start your hikes. There are numerous trails which intersect, so you can meander and never get lost. Whether you want an easy walk or a challenging hillside hike, you’ll find one here. This is a state park and admission at the time of this review was $20 per car. You can park on Torrey Pines Road for free if you can find a spot and walk in. We visited on a Sunday and arrived around 12 o’clock, so it was busy there was still still parking available. When we left at 1:30 it was much emptier, so mornings are definitely the busier time to go. I HIGHLY recommend Torrey pines for sightseeing and hiking. It’s the epitome of natural San Diego!

Fantastic place to walk, hike, jog or run. There is something for everyone. The trails can be narrow in some places and there are some steep areas, but those may have steps. It's so vast that I may have only passed fewer than 25 people in the hour I was there.

This is a must-do in San Diego. As a local, it has the most beautiful views and great hikes. For cyclists, going up Torrey Pines is a right of passage. Not for the faint of heart. Parking can be a bit challenging during the summer but it’s totally worth it. The best sunsets in San San Diego. Bring a picnic or a burrito from Roberto’s which is right around the corner and enjoy the nature!

Absolute best tasting food we had on our California trip. The food is a work of art on plating and taste. We had the crusted Sea bass special that came with scallops and everything MELTED in our mouths while we watched surfing as we were seated outside. Our waiter, Oscar, was not only attentive in service but a very positive, jovial personality. All staff members, including water refillers & bussing staff were courteous and well trained. The beet salad was delicious and so was the key lime Cheesecake. Can’t recommend this place enough !

We enjoyed our dinner at Poseidon. Guadalupe, our waitress, was hands down the best waitress ever! She was attentive, kind, and made us feel welcome. Food was full of flavours and the ingredients were fresh. Highly recommend the clam chowder, the truffle fries, and the hazelnut gelato. And what about the view ! Watching the sunset while eating dinner was the cherry on top🍒

Recommend to start your dinner early to enjoy the amazing sunset in the terrace. Every food that we ordered was delicious but the best one was their signature grilled sea bass, which had crispy skin with juicy and tender fish meat inside. Might be a bit small portions for entree, so don’t forget to enjoy good appetizers.

You’d be hard pressed to find a lovelier view or meal. But that’s not the best part of Poseidon. The people really do make the place here. As a single woman traveling around the world, I’m used to being seated under potted plants by the restrooms. Not here. First, gracious Ava seats me in my own booth facing the ocean! Then my waitress Valerie treats me like a VIP. She brings me extra salad, a plate of lemons for my Sea bass and often asks if there’s anything else I need. It’s not just me. She’s warm, thoughtful and endearing with everyone. Throughout Herman fills water and has a smile as beautiful as the sunset. I can still see it as I write this review.

Little pricey but food quality, service and amazing beach view makes it worth it. Reservation @ 1030AM but we arrive right before opening. We had outside seating. Paid $8 for valet since it’s hard to find parking. Fish and Chips: The fish and chips were great. I wasn’t a fan of panko buttered fishes but Poseidon’s Panko-herb was different; well seasoned and crunchy crust. 5/5 Maine Lobster Tacos - tender and delicious lobster meat perfectly seasoned with cabbage slaw and dressing. 5/5 Crab cake Bennie - flavorful and crispy crab cake with generous crab meat. I was not asking for too much extender/binder but cake wasn’t holding together. It came with perfectly poached egg with a runny yolk, and a rich, creamy hollandaise sauce. Potatoes and asparagus were seasoned well and not overcooked. 4/5 Clam chowder - well seasoned, thick with chewy clams and potato chunks the way we like it. The cheesy biscuit was good too! 5/5 If you’re looking for amazing beach view dining with great food; this is the spot. We’re be coming back to try their other dishes.

I always love coming here for lunch with a friend. Many of the entries can be shared so there is room for a shared appetizer and desert too. I love sitting outside and watching the waves crash...so picturesque. Definitely recommend!

We had a wonderful anniversary dinner here. The server and ambience of the restaurant was excellent. You cannot beat the amazing location of the restaurant. It was a cloudy day, so we couldn't enjoy a golden sunset, but that was also a blessing since we didn't have to deal with the sun beating down on us. We didn't take pictures of our appetizer (tuna tataki), but it was delicious. Our entrees were just okay. Both our dishes were on the salty side and didn't excite our taste buds. The menu that shows up on OpenTable is not up to date at all. We were looking forward to the Land and Sea and the Molten Lava Cake on the OpenTable menu, but they had the much pricier and underwhelming Surf and Turf option instead that threw on a lobster tail, as well as a dense and unexciting flourless chocolate cake instead of the decadent and gooey chocolatey goodness of a molten lava cake that we were dreaming about. The restaurant was lovely enough to surprise us with a rich and tasty creme brulee that we did enjoy. Despite the underwhelming and forgettable food, we don't regret celebrating a milestone here as the atmosphere and company was priceless and we won't forget the experience. We can't say we'll be back any time soon for the food (so many other restaurants that make you say wow bite after bite), but we would consider bringing guests or coming again for the beautiful dining experience.

Great place to watch the waves and see the setting sun 🌅

I was walking with the owner for this beautiful art . Mr David Arnold is one of the kind .

Fantastic view of the ocean, and not busy at all. This place is great for photos and there are some nice little trails that run through the area.

Enjoy an unobstructed high view of the sunset. Parking was $7 on the street for just over 2 hours. Bring a small blanket if you want to sit a while. There is a bench a bit back from the edge. Just be careful at the edge like you would on any other cliff and you're golden!

The view was good for the sunset. The statue is quite large as well. The temperature drops quite rapidly as the sun goes down, but there were still quite a few people and even some dogs. Looking south you can see the cliffs of Torrey Pines Reserve.

Great view and vantage point. WARNING: beware of sandy cliffs... Don't get too close to the edges. Parking is plentiful but not free!

Great place, not much of crowd. So you can enjoy the sea. There are few seating spaces also. Highly recommend it!

This is a big, paid lot for the beach. I used to love how easy it was to get to the beach and how clean the restrooms were. But now, the usual entrance and amenities are under construction. You can still get to the best part of the beach by following a trail, and there are portable restrooms along the way, but there aren’t any showers.

Cool little hick in san Diego. Lot's of trails and views, go up and all the way down to the beach and walk back to the parking.

Parking is 10 dollars for weekdays an 15 dollars per day for weekends.

We only parked here because there was a huge queue at the back parking lot. We paid $15 on a Saturday and it was $20 at the beach lot. Plenty of parking here and a small stroll to the back and access to all of the trails.

This beach is a delight. Walking it gives you such a peace of mind. There are so many rocks out here. So many friendly people too. The sunsets are magical here. Thank you Lord for such a delightful place.😌 U can also hike out here too, they have different trails and overlook sites with benches to enjoy a nice book, conversation with a good friend. Take beautiful wildflower pictures. And more.

So convenient parking. Not crowded in early September. $20 per day.

Very expensive parking and narrow beach, I do not recommend, there are better ones in the area.

Beautiful and easy walking trail with birds and breathtaking views.

I am a member.

World class para gliding and hand gliding center. Amazing scenic beauty of stiff uneven cliffs and beach. Restaurants and Bar are available. Nice tourist spot. Almost crowded during sun set time. Enjoyed sun set at this beautiful point

Torrey Pines Gliderport in San Diego is a world-famous aviation site perched atop the scenic cliffs of La Jolla, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Known as one of the best coastal soaring locations in the world, it attracts hang gliders, paragliders, and remote-control model sailplane enthusiasts year-round. The site has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s, when aviation pioneers first tested gliders there. Today, visitors can watch colorful paragliders take off and glide effortlessly over the ocean or even take tandem flights with certified instructors. With its combination of adventure, history, and stunning coastal beauty, Torrey Pines Gliderport is a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers and sightseers alike.

Absolutely amazing experience! I was paired up with a very experienced and fun pilot, Alex. He made me feel completely comfortable and safe. But he did some tricks and let me take over for a few minutes as well. The view and the feeling of soaring with the birds is hard to describe. Try it, you won't be disappointed. Do call to check the winds or go early and sign up then hike around the area and come back when you see gliders going up. Brought my gopro and got great video. But they also will take pics of you. Tuesday and Thursday if you pay cash you get those free.

Great walking trails. Loved this. Also access to the beach via stairs. It's a long walk down. Beautiful homes on the cliffs. It's not a difficult hike up and down, but a lot of fun.

Under construction right now beautiful place to walk our dog take a hike have a little snack and listen to the bands that come and play there. Great place to take the kids for the afternoon

Visited this spot to watch the hang gliders and hike the dirt paths. We followed the winding dirt path down to Black’s Beach where we walked along the water averting our eyes from the nude sunbathers. If you aren’t aware, the nudity at Black’s Beach will catch you by surprise. Everyone was minding their own business though, so it was no big deal. The hike back up the cliff was exhausting with the many stairs and steep incline. We stopped by the cafe for some lemonade and then rested on the upper deck while the hang gliders came and went. Watching the whole process over and over made it look easy and very safe. Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time. The bathrooms were closed when we visited, but there were portapotties available. Mid-day on a Tuesday, the parking lot was pretty full, but I was able to find a spot close to the entrance. I don’t recommend visiting right after a car wash because the parking lot is very dusty and bumpy. The flights are $200-$275 per person for a 20 minute ride and I believe they offer free photographs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Otherwise, you have to pay for the photos they take. Might have to return soon to check “hang gliding” off of my bucket list!

The glider port is a friendly place. I'll be at a little difficult to navigate If it's your first time. Nothing beats the views where you get a up close experience with the pairagliders landing and taking off. Good food and libations can be found as well. There's plenty of trails along the cliffs around the Gliderport.

Absolutely a must go. Great location, and the guest ambassadors were over the top friendly and helpful. The Management, stopping by every so often to ensure everything was good and inquiring if we needed anything. The drinks were perfect for a Sunny California day. If you're in Del Mar, you'll regret it if you don't stop by.

We recently came in for dinner on a Thursday night. No wait. Everything from the Calamari to Carna Asada to Baja Tacos was fabulous. Street corn and churros also exspectional. Next time we are in Del Mar we will be eating here again.

Very cool dining location. Came on a not-busy evening. Service was almost non-existant. Food and drinks were good when they arrived. Got one water refill from passing employee, our waiter never came back. Took forever to cash out. Hostess got our check but couldn't ring us up.

Very nice place with two distinct levels. I would recommend the lower level to get a better view of the restaurant. I imagine with its popularity it might be loud inside but it was perfectly quiet on a Sunday evening. The food servings were massive plates. The Carne asada was not really carne asada but instead a thick slab of meat. It was cooked like medium rare but it was good. The carnitas were not overly seasoned nor greasy but that said they were slightly without seasoning. It was still good though. It seems like a good place to revisit.

There are many great things about this restaurant... but the hostess is not one of them. They are far too immature and in-experienced to address customers in a polite and inviting way. More than once we witnessed very short and snappy responses from not just one but both hostess' working. Later a hostess snapped at as when we has asked if she could find out server. The hostess is the first face a customer sees- and it is essential they are an extension and reflection of the restaurant. Customer service is everything. Food is pretty good. Nobody came to refill our drinks the entire time. Drinks were forgotten. The live music downstairs is great for dancing. Overall, 6/10 experience.

We had our engagement party here with about 40 guests, and it couldn’t have gone any better. Madison was extremely helpful and communicative throughout the planning process, and the staff on the day of the event were accommodating and easy to work with. Our guests raved about how delicious the buffet was and how beautiful the venue looked. We had originally just booked a small room in the back, but they went above and beyond and reserved the entire bar area for us to ensure we had adequate space. They also allowed us to bring in our own decorations, which was an added bonus. We would highly recommend En Fuego to anyone looking to host a party!

I really wanted to like this place but it was really disappointing. First of all. Their hours on Google were not correct, so we had to wait 30 minutes once we got there. We ordered a fajitas and they were bland as ever. The chicken was dark meat chicken that was chewy and rubbery. The fajita veggies were also bland, no flavor and were dripping in grease. They charged an extra $3.75 for a tiny scoop of hot salsa. Like who charges extra for hot salsa?? It wasn’t even good. The service was okay but we definitely won’t be eating there again.

One of my favorite county parks. The trails are fun for kids. Check out Hawks Nest and the suspension bridges. There are multiple playgrounds and plenty space to run.

When adults and teens could have their own ‘playground’ a.k.a the sports area, the park is 5 stars for me. Loved the sports area!! But I hope the city will build more courts, as one volleyball and basketball won’t be enough on warmer days. Also, maybe the park could make lower park and upper park connected with cars in the future, it’s gonna be better to enjoy the entire area.

It was my first time visiting this place. The parking spaces near the entrance were free, but parking inside cost $5. The park has several playgrounds, so kids can enjoy playing without getting bored. There are plenty of tables and chairs, making it perfect for picnics. There’s also a hiking trail, and overall, it’s a beautiful park.

Bathrooms are very clean. 5 different parks for kids. They had a beautiful butterfly garden. Ponds at the entrance had turtles! So peaceful, plenty of room to not feel crowded or close to other families. Absolutely HUGE! Cant wait to come back and visit in the future! Had an area for a wedding. Bride and groom rooms, looks like the outside of a foresty bathroom but much cuter!

Got a chance to explore the San Dieguito County Park today for a picnic event and everyone liked it. There are many dedicated picnic areas available for advance reservations with proximity of playgrounds, restrooms and ample amount of parking space. Parking is $3 per car for the full day. I must say, this is a very nicely managed park. There are 2 kids playgrounds on the right side, just after enterence. Lot of seating area with shades as well. Park Rangers were also available easily and very helpful for any kind of information you need.

I've come to this park for my kids' cross country race events but it was my first time checking out the trail. The walk was short & sweet. The distance to the lookout and the suspension Bridge is short from either side of the park entrance but if you do go from the el camino real side, you have to go up the steps. No steps are involved from highland dr entrance going through the sandstone trail. It is very do-able with kids. Really enjoyed the view with all the wild flowers blooming. It wasn't crowded on the trail because there was an spring event going on for the kids near the entrance of the park so I'm unsure how it is here normally. The park is nice and clean.

Very well maintained and naturally rich park. Parking outside is free. Parking inside the park is $3. This place is so huge it is easy to get lost in here. Multiple parking lots scattered around the park. Large well maintained baseball field. Multiple playgrounds. Basketball court and pickleball court. The hike has plenty of vistas and fun things like a rope bridge. The lower park has a beautiful beautiful grass meader between trees. There's so much space that every picnic felt private. Plenty of BBQ grills and picnic tables. We also stumbled upon a wedding gazebo. The bathrooms are plentiful and very clean! Wow! This place is a treasure

Must do experience! We had a wonderful time on our hot air balloon ride - we were surprised with how peaceful the experience of the flight was. I am glad we read reviews before booking as it was helpful to manage expectations. It is an adventure in terms of the process leading up to take off and after landing. There is a bit of a wait with roll call and getting bussed over to the hot air balloons, not a bad wait at all though I might add. The staff had us wait a little longer due to the fog that day - the wait helped the fog pass more making for an even more stunning ride> I am thankful for their expertise on this! Our Pilot was a little high strung with the loading into the balloon (but to be fair we had a big group and it is a lot to coordinate) and had some snarky remarks along the way - thankfully our group had good humor lol. The flight was around an hour in the air and it was wonderful. If it is a little cold in the morning the fire in the balloon will keep you heated! Landing was graceful. After landing we had champagne and bagged snacks. The wait for the staff (and a few riders who were nice enough to help) get the balloon back into the trailer was the low point of the experience. A suggestion to the company to make the experience better for the customers may be to drive the riders back to the parking lot while the staff packs up the balloon, and then drive back to pick up the staff and balloon. I understand this would inconvenience the company but since the drive was only about 10 minutes back to the parking lot and took around 45 minutes to get the balloon packed up. All in all, a wonderful experience!

We had a great time on the balloon ride with our pilot. The wine region is so beautiful, and the pilot was so knowledgeable about the geography of the area. The only downside was the logistics of getting ready to head to the launch site. We woke up very early to drive over to make it to the sunset ride, but when we got there we found that they needed to weigh almost everyone and check them in. That was understandable for safety reasons, but they also chose to wait for people who arrived 20+ minutes late, which was a little frustrating, and the process overall was very inefficient. By the time they drove us to the launch site sunrise was long gone. We basically ended up watching the sunrise from the parking lot. Other companies already had balloons in the air. Also the continental breakfast they advertise is a ziploc bag with a couple granola bars and a slim jim. Recommend that they adjust how they communicate that on their website

showed up to the meeting location at 2:30 as instructed. One group on the ride of 20+ was at least 45 min late. They make everyone wait for them on the side of the road/parking lot. Finally we head over to the launch site. There were already another 6-7 vans/ballons there and since we were so late we got the last launch. Waited at the launch site another hour. So far 2+ hours of standing around waiting. They advertise it as 1 hour in flight. We flew for less than 45 min. That part was fun, I'll give them that. Then we crashed landed into a construction site. We thought a van would come pick us up and take back to the meeting area but no. We waited around there for at least another hour. When we finally got into a van to head out another one of the vans apparently broke down so we have to tow the second van out. No one communicated to us what to expect or what was going on during this time. We were all just standing/waiting again in some construction site. Definitely won't be booking with this company again. In total it was about a 5 hour 'adventure' with <45min flying time. do not pre pay tips - i'm glad i didn't.

Did a sunset tour in Del Mar on the 7/17, overall it was a positive memorable experience BUT they CAN IMPROVE on A LOT... CONS: - Balloon doesn't travel much. We kind of floated up, stayed in the same area mostly, views were the same all the time. Don't expect to see many different areas or go different places. - We didn't get a full hour of flying, closer to 45-50 minutes - You have to wait around for them WAY TOO LONG while they set up and take down the balloon. The whole thing took closer to 4 hours. We were told to arrive at 5:30 pm, van didn't leave until 6pm, balloon didn't take off until about 7pm. We landed before 8pm and didn't get back to our car up until 9:20pm. Way too long. This can be solved by delivering people to the takeoff area when everything is set up and ready to go and taking them back shortly after landing so they don't have to wait for you and watch the whole pack/unpack, set up and take down operation. -Pilot we had in our 16 person balloon was pretty negative and very cold/upset or something. It was not pleasant!!!! He kept telling us the stories about how he was wronged in his life during his previous balloon rides, about some angry sheriff and I get it but it was A LOT OF UNNECESSARY drama. It might be interested to drama loves but WE WERE THERE TO HAVE FUN. It would have been better not to hear it all! Overall our pilot seemed upset, compared to the other guy John who drove us first which seemed to be the opposite of Dave "I believe that was his name" Plus he was kind micromanaging and demanding to his crew which was also annoying to observe. - I don't drink at the moment but they claim that the champagne they have is GOOD stuff but it was Cooks ha ha, not sure if you can go cheaper than that... -They don't seem to have an actual office, check in process was very unorganized. We had to street park and wait around for them to grab us on the street. No official restrooms either, you have to use the close by stores for that. We paid about $450 with tips for 2, they really can do better than that if they charge people this much, at least have some kind of small office for check in with a restroom and a parking lot. -Last but not least - COVID. I don't worry about getting sick with covid personally but they really don't seem to have adjusted their operation for it much. We had 16 people crammed in one basket, basically on top of each other and about 20 people in one van during transportation. Again, personally I didn't care much but I feel like a lot of people who are worried about it can feel really uncomfortable with this setup. They do wear masks but there are no extra dividers in the basket as they claim to have. We really should have had 2 people instead of 4 in our tiny corner during the covid times. PROS: -Fun different experience to have -We didn't die :) -Free pics and banners from the crew are a nice bonus

We had the best ever possible hot air balloon ride yesterday at sunset! Not only did we see so much of San Diego, the best sunset imaginable, but also got to see a double rainbow that went from one end of the landscape all the way to the other. Felt like we were on top of the world! The entire “crew” were amazing and gave me and my daughter an amazing memory we will never forget! Thank you!

I booked this for my anniversary and it was amazing!!! I had never been on a hot air balloon and this was so fun and beautiful! I definitely recommend doing this for a special event like anniversary, birthday, graduation etc. It will be so magical that way. Our pilot denny was really nice and accommodating. He has flown several celebrities too! He made our experience so worth it! This will not be a disappointment. Just so you know in advance the balloon ride is about an hour. You arrive at check in spot and they drive you to the take off spot. You do have to wait for the balloon set up and break down after but you can take pictures during that time and they provide drinks and snacks during the wait.so the whole thing is about 3 hrs. I rode during covid times, and we wore our masks. It is a tight basket ride. So you cant really social distance. So if that bothers you then be aware and this may not be for you. It is hot in the balloon hence the name. When they release the fire through out the ride its loud and hot. Between those times its not hot and is quiet. Loud meaning you cant talk to each other. So I would bring a hoodie to cover your head and hair if your near the fire or tall. That helped me. The ride was smooth. No bumps. Take off and landing was smooth. No stomach feeling like a rollercoaster. Just smooth. The whole experience is beautiful. I highly recommend. !!!

Very friendly people a very good ride the people that landed it they wasn't too smart but I enjoyed it it was fun the guy who ran the hot air balloon was a very nice guy enjoyed every bit of it he was on my sister's bucket list and glad we got it done

Going to this exhibit was a Christmas present to me from my parents and I really went with an open mind and no expectations on how it would be. I loved it. I thought it was very unique and gave me a different perspective of Van Gogh. The second room was so calm with music playing as Van Gogh's paintings appear then fade away into new paintings. His paintings and their expressions just had me in awe. Which was surprising to me because I'm not a huge art fanatic. I only gave 4 stars because I do think it's a little pricey and they need more benches for people who can't stand for long periods of time. Other than that I would say it is so worth it.

We arrived on time and wandered through the maze of walls with words on them and screens. It was not very clear the direction of where to proceed to view the Van Gogh experience. I wish either the check in place had told us or they had arrow tape on the floor to follow. Once it was found, it was everything we had hope for and would highly recommend. Let me add it would be nice if you had attached on your website a link and pricing for parking. I was able to locate and buy online before going. They only take charge for payment and the price per car is $20.00.

We had a wonderful time and a great experience. I wished it was a bit darker, if I were to go again I would wait until night to go just for that added affect. I was very displeased to not get a refund for 1/6 tickets purchased. One person was not able to make it and I emailed more than 24 hours ahead and the suggestion from the return mail was to give it away. Was also upsetting to see the day of the tickets were $25 cheaper. I first bought two vangogh tickets and then decided to bring 4 more family members and also later saw there is a family of four discount which I was not offered. Installation was fabulous. One more suggestion would be somewhat of a guide of where to go... All the text was nice to read but felt it could have been numbered or a bit of guidance,maybe arrows or.sething. we ended up going all over which was fine also

The show was cool and well put together by whoever were the creators. Lighting at 2 pm made everything too bright. The event staff seemed mostly confused. There were clearly no real operational standards in effect. They ran the monet twice and then the van gough twice and we asked why and the girl said she didn’t know. So we had a 40 minute period of watching the same thing again. I wished it had been more educational. The plastic flowers set up were so cheesy. We paid $138 for 2 tickets and $20 to park in the dirt. They should not charge for parking. The place was empty. I guess this is what it’s all coming to - $$$$$$ I wouldn’t go again. There wasn’t enough seating considering at 59 I was for sure the youngest one there. Everyone was eyeing for the next open bench and I’m sure missed some of the beauty. Showtimes did not go off as scheduled. If I was running this event none of this would happen. It’s basically a beautifully created slide show/movie. I wasn’t planning on this review or I’d have pictures of the room and people hovering over waiting for your bench. Once you’re in the door you basically wander around. Without a seat, you’re basically in the way of everyone who is sitting down. Disorganized. No food or drink available or souvenirs which I wanted none of. But just an FYI .

Enjoyed it more than Beyond Monet. Not crowded, could have saved $6 convenience fee buying tickets there. Keep in mind this is 2 weeks before the shows end on May 5th, so it's possible the does may get busy and it would be better to buy tickets in advance. You have about 75 minutes and it repeats at least 2 times, maybe a full 3 times.

This was definitely quite an experience. We were there for 40 minutes in the one room where the pictures keep changing. Although it was definitely unique and beautiful, I definitely wouldn't say it was worth $100 for two people. If you can find a discount code I highly recommend it! It says it's 30,000 ft², but essentially you are in one giant room where all the images are constantly changing and moving. You get to see pretty much all of Van Gogh's work in about 40 minutes.

I'm basing my rating primarily on the price of the ticket, in this case I bought the VIP pass for $96, but with the $10 parking it is over $100 for the experience. The perks for the VIP pass are being able to enter in a longer time frame than the time on your ticket and a gift package which is a tote bag, a commemorative pass/lanyard and small-sized poster. For the main show itself, it is located in one giant open room that is covered from the floors to the walls (not the ceiling though) in a special screen so that the video plays all around and below you and so you feel completely surrounded by the art, 360 degrees. The show takes Van Gogh's most famous paintings and 'animates' them, making them feel alive and not just a static painting. The entire show only lasts about 35ish minutes and it runs on a continuous loop. My biggest problems with the show itself are that it does not provide any information on the paintings you are seeing or any narration, and it does not seem to go in a chronological order, so it is purely a visceral experience rather than an informational one. Also, because the show is only in one giant room, once there are a lot of people in there, it becomes harder to feel the immersive aspect of the exhibit because the number of people that are blocking the view. Finally, there only a few benches to sit on, so your likely to be standing the entire time. It is definitely a unique experience, but even if you buy the regular ticket, which is about $46, plus $10 for parking, I would only recommend this for hardcore Van Gogh fans as casual art fans might find the price was not worth the experience ($55 for a 35 minute show is not a good value). Lastly, the VIP pass is definitely NOT worth the price for anyone. (2 videos uploaded below)