Del Mar Plaza

Take in shimmering ocean views and stunning sunsets at this multi-story open-air plaza offering upscale shopping and dining as well as a bakery, a gelateria, beauty salons and a fitness studio.

Perched on a corner in the seaside village of Del Mar, the complex features a collection of men’s and women’s boutiques carrying everything from distinct apparel and footwear to fine jewelry and designer sunglasses. Women can find everything from chic maxi dresses to tailored tops and bottoms as well as gifts and accessories at various shops such as Sea Biscuit and Coco Rose. Men can complement their style with fine custom clothing, sportswear, shoes and accessories at Gary’s Studio, family-owned and operated since 1978; and other stores such as Jennifer Croll, offering well-known designer clothing lines.

The plaza’s restaurants cover a broad selection from gourmet seafood to Italian, Japanese, and Mexican cuisine. Two mainstays, Il Fornaio and Pacifica Del Mar, celebrate their 35th anniversaries at the plaza in 2024. Il Fornaio continues to impress with its authentic Italian menu and warm, crisp breads produced from a wood-burning oven. Pacifica Del Mar offers a striking view of the Pacific Ocean along with tempting selections of fresh seafood, steak, and pasta. The bistro-style Pacifica Breeze Cafe on Del Mar Plaza’s mid-level further draws guests to its sun-filled patio for breakfast and lunch. Guests seeking more casual fare can order burgers, salads and small plates from the beach-inspired Monarch Ocean Pub, featuring a popular Happy Hour.

Other delights include Paris en Rose, baking up authentic French pastries and selling imported goodies; An’s Hatmakers, serving “top hat” gelato made from scratch; and Kini Koffee, serving caffeinated creative concoctions. Beauty and fitness options include multiple hair salons, and Kim Kelly Fit, offering a variety of training, both in-studio, on the Ocean View Deck and the beach.

New outposts set to open at the plaza in June 2024 are The Cottage, the well-known La Jolla brunch-lunch destination; The Yoga Barre, offering workouts for both beginners and long-time yogis; and SkinSpirit, a medical clinic offering comprehensive aesthetic services. Valley Farm Market, a specialty gourmet market selling local foods, fresh produce, premium pantry staples and award-winning meats and marinades, is slated to open in early 2025..

Del Mar Plaza also hosts pop-up markets and fun family and dog-friendly experiences such as the Easter Bunny Photo Op/Hop Along the Cottontail Trail, Opening Weekend at Del Mar in July, a Halloween dog costume contest in October, the Sidewalk Showcase By The Sea in November, a Meet Santa photo event during the holidays, and a Winter Taste & Sip. Stop by for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and breathe in the fresh salt air on the expansive third-floor Ocean View Deck, where live music is enjoyed 5-7 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays from March to November.

The venue offers plenty of on-site parking and is in close proximity to the Del Mar Fairgrounds with its year-round events, including Del Mar horse-racing, the San Diego County Fair, live concerts, exhibitions and more. Discover more at this seaside gem at delmarplaza.com.