I grew up in Del Mar, a great beach town in the North County area of San Diego. What I find special about this area is that it has retained a laid-back beach feel despite the addition of outstanding accommodations, restaurants and shopping.
Twice a year we head West to get a snippet of California life. What could be a better way to connect with your inner Californian than riding the waves? But oh, I wish it were that simple. Surfing is harder than it looks, which is why we sign up for Menehune Surf Camp. Each year this has been the highlight of our trip. The instructors are always encouraging and fun, and my East Coast boys always crack-up about the ultra-low riding swimsuits.
Menehune runs camps and private lessons on multiple beaches throughout San Diego. We love the one at Powerhouse Park—the beach is beautiful, plus it has food and one of the area’s best playgrounds.
While my three older kids surf, I am able to go for a long walk with my 2-year-old. She plays in the sand and I get the downtime I need. Exercise, relaxation, and Starbucks two blocks away—all good!
We also just added two new hotels in the Del Mar area to the Ciao Bambino San Diego portfolio. Right in the heart of Del Mar is the newly remodeled L’Auberge Del Mar. The hotel has a great social vibe, gorgeous views of the ocean, and offers one of San Diego’s best restaurants at Kitchen 1540. Del Mar has cute coffee shops, casual restaurants, and easy beach access in a quintessential Southern California setting.
Two miles up the road, nestled above the breathtaking Torrey Pines State Reserve, is The Lodge at Torrey Pines. This hotel feels like a woodsy, grand lodge. Home to the renown Torrey Pines Golf Course, this is a golfer’s paradise. The beauty of this location is that adults can play too—send the kids to surf camp and head to Golf School (Golf School is also offered for kids). The hotel also has daily, guided hikes through the preserve. The Lodge features an award-winning restaurant, A.R. Valentien.
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Relevant Links:
Ciao Bambino Recommended San Diego family hotels
San Diego family vacations
San Diego family travel, top kid-friendly activities
San Diego with kids, favorite winter family activities
San Diego Surf Camp for kids
Visiting Legoland with kids
Fun at the San Diego Zoo
San Diego Family Activities on Uptake.com
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Topics: Blogsherpa, California, Destinations, North America, Photo Friday, San Diego, Tips, USA