Del Mar Motel on the Beach

View of the motel from our spot on the beach (2005)

1702 Coast Bvld.
Del Mar, CA

The San Diego area is a family vacation wonderland (Legoland and SeaWorld, anyone?) and Del Mar Motel on the Beach is a wonderful option for your accommotions, often overlooked in travel magazines and guidebooks. There are countless luxury hotels scattered throughout Del Mar, and in comparision, Del Mar Motel on the Beach is a no-frills operation (although it’s hardly in the typical ‘motel’ category), but it’s perfect for families who want a low-key place where kids are welcome and sand on the carpet is no big deal. With only 44 rooms, Del Mar on the Beach has a cozy, old-time beach resort feel, and with its communal walkways and patios, it felt homey to us. Our boys loved the beach right outside our door, and even though our youngest was a baby at the time, our room was large enough to easily accommodate a port-a-crib.

Date last visited: June 2005 (recently researched to fact check all info).

Distance off the interstate: 5 minutes.

Amenities: Location, location, location. Did I mention it’s right on the beach? It’s also within easy walking distance of local restaurants and a nice playground (about a quarter of mile away) overlooking the ocean. On site is a nice sundeck with chairs, BBQ area, outdoor shower to get all that sand off little (and big) feet, and boogie boards and sand toys available. In room, you have refrigerators and coffee makers as well as air conditioning and cable TV.

Rates: Rates get steeper during the summer months, but remain quite reasonable in the off-season. Consider a late September/early October visit! Winter rates for a room with two double beds: $159/night. Summer rate: $279/night (at time of this review) They do offer mid-week deals and special packages that are worth checking out!

Food Services: None at the motel, but all of the cuisine of Del Mar is at your fingertips. For families, there are seveal great cafes right up the street (especially for a late breakfast before hitting the beach), and if you get away for a night for grown-ups only, our pick is Jake’s, fun, fine dining right on the sand.

Website: www.delmarmotelonthebeach.com

Directions: From I-5 South, take the Via de la Valle Exit toward Del Mar. Turn right on Via de la Valle, then left on Camino Del Mar. Turn right on Coast Blvd. From I-5 North, take the Del Mar Heights Road Exit. Turn left on Del Mar Heights Rd, then right on Camino del Mar. Turn left on 15th Street, then right on Coast Blvd.


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