California Official Visitor's Guide 2025 - 186

san diego county DEL MAR
Small
Town
Scoop
" We go o D g B
e l
e n
ai
play with dogs and read the
little love notes people have
painted on the rocks. "
e g (to Dog Beach) to
lay w h d
s a d r
d on t e r
- KRISTYN HARVEY, INTERIOR DESIGNER
snaking through San
Dieguito Lagoon.
Viewpoint Brewing Co.
is conveniently located
at the trailhead for a
post-trek hazy ale.
On nights out,
Del Mar Dog Beach
T
ucked into San Diego's sprawling North County
sits the area's tiniest town: Del Mar. What the
2.2-square-mile city (population: 3,882) lacks
in size, it more than makes up for in panache. First
established as a seaside resort for the Hollywood elite,
Del Mar maintains the vibe of a glitzy vacation spot-
even for those who live there year-round.
Interior designer Kristyn Harvey and her
husband chose Del Mar to settle down aft er having
their two children. Won over by the
beauty, location, and community
feel, Harvey says, " It's just so calm
and cozy. "
Harvey and her family make
the most of the idyllic weather
with frequent seaside hikes. She
recommends Torrey Pines State
Beach for a low-tide stroll: " We
search for translucent moonstones. "
Th e Sea Cliff Trail is best early in
the morning to enjoy " unobstructed
ocean views, sand dunes, and
purple fl owers. " Th e Coast to Crest
Trail off ers an inland adventure,
Harvey heads to
Monarch Ocean Pub
where the adults can
enjoy cocktails and
fi repit chats while the
kids get their energy
out on the adjacent
playspace. She also loves
Coya Peruvian Secret
for " amazing sangria "
and the upscale Nick's
Del Mar-a go-to datenight
spot-for " the best
deviled eggs I've ever
had in my life. " Aft er a
sandy day at the beach
when only a burrito will do, it's Kotija Jr Taco Shop for
takeout and a sunset picnic at Seagrove Park.
As the owner and founder of a boutique design
fi rm, Harvey has a passion for under-the-radar fi nds,
and her favorite shopping spot is St. Peter's Th rift .
A plein air painting she discovered there hangs next
to her bed. Home goods shop Pigment in One Paseo is
also a favorite. " It's all organized by color, which is so
soothing, " Harvey says. Th e open-air plaza is also home
to a chic mix of stores, wellness
spots, and buzzy eateries (think
Blue Bottle Coff ee, Salt & Straw, and
Parakeet Cafe).
Make your way to Del Mar in
Pigment
summer, and the San Diego County
Fair is a can't-miss. " Th e ambience
is so fun, " says Harvey, whose kids
love the carousel and petting zoo.
Whether you have a pup in tow or
not, make sure to visit Dog Beach.
Harvey says, " We go there to play
with other people's dogs and read the
little love notes people have painted
for their pets on the rocks. "
d t
s peop e h
186 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COM
LUIS GARCIA. NEXT PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: MARCUS NILSSON/GALLERYSTOCK; COURTESY SMASHED AVOCADO TOAST; COURTESY FALLBROOK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; COURTESY THE SPOILED AVOCADO

http://www.VISITCALIFORNIA.COM

California Official Visitor's Guide 2025

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of California Official Visitor's Guide 2025