While Del Mar is widely known for the infamous Racetrack and a bad case of prowling cougars, this little town is also notably jam-packed with beautiful people, fine dining, legit surf shops and stunning beaches. So quit your traditional restaurant ways, drop that skinny Starbucks latté, drive past 15th Street and embrace the real lifestyle in Del Mar.

From the iconic seaside resort to an under-the-radar hair salon and the go-to sports bar, discover the top ten local picks for Del Mar lifestyle.

L’Auberge Del Mar Resort
When searching for the best Del Mar accommodations, skip the slightly seedy ‘70s style Del Mar Beachfront Motel and head up the street to the swanky L’Auberge Resort and Spa. This revamped historical resort is the newly crowned epicenter of upscale lifestyle in Del Mar Village. Make sure to reserve a suite with an ocean view, indulge in a sea-inspired spa treatment, and enjoy a meal at KITCHEN 1540 followed by drinks at Bleu Bar. (pictured)

Bella Villa
Tucked away amongst a variety of low-key café’s and colorful boutiques sits Del Mar’s go-to salon where racetrack elites and surfer stars go to keep their tresses glamorously trimmed. Bella Villa has an extensive list of color specialists and master hairstylists who set up amongst the antique crystal chandeliers and vintage furniture to give you the best possible style while soaking in the subtle ocean breeze.

Stratford Court Cafe
This quaint café is a huge favorite for all, ranging from dawn patrol surfers to office lunch-breakers and traveling tourists and. Just a few blocks off the beach, Stratford embodies the casual and friendly feel of Del Mar and never fails to impress with its creative sandwiches, delicious coffee drinks and the always exciting W.O.W. - waffle of the week. (pictured left)

Annmarie D’ercole Jewlery and Apparel
As the fine jeweler to Del Mar’s diamond lovers and savvy silver shoppers, Annmarie caters to custom design requests in order to help you out-bling all of your best friends.

Jimmy O’s Sports Bar
While the Del Mar bar scene is relatively small, one cannot deny that it is unfailingly lively, thanks mostly impart to Jimmy O’s Sports Bar where there is always a crowd of 21-50 year old North County elites ready to mix and mingle to the blaring sounds of pop music ‘til the early morning.

Julie’s Beachwear
So you’ve worked all year to get that banging summer body and now you need the perfect swimsuit to really work it; look no further than Julie’s Beachwear. Julie, the bubbly blonde store owner, will help any girl find her dream outfit amongst racks of the hottest Brazilian style bikinis, sexy cover-ups, jewelry and more.

The Brigantine
Everyone in San Diego has their favorite post-racetrack and summer happy hour haunt, and one particular locale that tops all lists is The Brigantine and their famous fish tacos. Yes, this happy hour is as much about the finger food as it is about the refreshments, so grab a few tacos and a Brig margarita and enjoy some major views of the track and the ocean. (pictured below)

Pamplemouse Grille
There are tons of places to drop some serious dining dollars in Del Mar, yet the odd named but world-renowned Pamplemousse Grille takes the cake—the really fancy cake. Despite the slightly strange office complex setting, Chef Jeffrey Strauss’ menu absolutely dazzles with favorites such as the Kobe beef burger with truffle fries and the melt-in-your-mouth fish plates.

Rusty Del Mar
Located a block off the beach, Rusty’s is the center of surf culture in Del Mar, and the perfect place to pick up a new board, the latest surf videos, a pair of Rainbows sandals or a beach bum boyfriend. The staff at Rusty consists of the local Del Mar surf crew and owner Zach is quick to answer any of your surfing questions. 

20th Street Beach
The obvious pick here would usually be 15th Street Beach Park for its green lawn, safety, family friendliness…you know the routine. But iff you want to mix up your experience with a local edge, head to 20th Street where you can always find a lively group of 20-30 year old beach-goers engaged in volleyball, (undercover) drinking, bocce ball and some serious body surfing.

Insider Tip: More Del Mar businesses we can't live without are Sbicca, Jake’s, Poseidon, En Fuego, Ryan’s Collection, Red Tracton's, Jolie Femme and more in Del Mar Plaza, and Salon Radius and Market on the cusp of Solana Beach.