CBN San Diego

The Southern California Railroad began a new route from San Diego to San Bernardino in 1882.  A man by the name of Theodore Loop, who worked for the railroad, instantly fell in love with what he called the most attractive place on the entire coast.  He and his wife built a tent city on the beach, which his wife Ella called Del Mar after a popular poem titled, The Fight on Paseo Del Mar.  That same year a man named Colonel Jacob Taylor also found Del Mar.  In 1883, he decided to take advantage of the land boom and bought 338 acres of land for $1,000.  Colonel Taylor designed and built a resort named Casa Del Mar, which he thought would become a resort destination for the rich and famous.  It briefly thrived before going bankrupt, was flooded, then had a fire.  The South Coast Land Company eventually built a new hotel called the Stratford Inn.  From the opening moments in 1910, the hotel became a focal point of town and a magnet for Hollywood stars.

In the 1920's a great event occurred that would change Del Mar.  They received electricity from San Diego Gas and Electric and the residential areas of Del Mar began developing at a record pace.  By 1958, Del Mar residents began to debate whether they wanted the area to continue to be a part of San Diego, or attempt independence through incorporation.  In 1959, residents chose incorporation and established a council-manager form of government, which continues today.  Del Mar remains one of the most beautiful destinations along the Western Coastline.  It is comprised of two square miles of coastal land and has a population of approximately 4,500.

Del Mar is located in San Diego County, approximately 20 miles north of the City of San Diego.  Del Mar's borders are Torrey Pines State Reserve to the south, the San Dieguito River, Del Mar Racetrack and San Diego County Fairgrounds to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.  East of Del Mar is the I-5 freeway and Carmel Valley.

On Del Mar's 2.5 mile stretch of Sandy Beach one can enjoy surfing, boogie boarding, swimming and just hanging in the sun.  For a limited time of the year, dog lovers can bring their dogs to the beach to run free.  Visitor's can also enjoy picnicing at one of the two parks adjacent to the ocean.