In 1882, the Southern California Railroad began its new route from San Diego to San Bernardino.  A man by the name of Theodore Loop, who worked for the railroad, instantly fell in love with what he called "the most attractive place on the entire coast."   He and his wife, Ella, built a tent city on the beach, which Ella called Del Mar after a popular poem titled, "The Fight on Paseo Del Mar."

Del Mar is Spanish for "of the sea" or "by the sea", because it is located on the Pacific Ocean. Colonel Jacob Taylor with visions of building a seaside resort for the rich and famous purchased 338 acres (1.37 km2) from Enoch Talbert in 1885, for $1,000. Thus the town of Del Mar was officially founded.

Del Mar is a small, seaside hideaway approximately 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego. With 2 miles of coastline and gently rolling waves, Del Mar's famous beaches are an ideal destination for beachgoers, surf combers and surfers seeking the legendary California surf. There's even a sliver of beach for dogs. Del Mar's primary beach also offers wheel chair access, the only such beach in the county with special wheelchairs designed for the sand. Whales, porpoises, sea lions and a myriad of birdlife populate the shimmering coastal waters and lagoons. Del Mar is also known for its world famous thoroughbred racetrack, the county fair, haute cuisine and unique shopping.

Today, Del Mar remains one of the most beautiful destinations along the Western Coastline with a population around 4,500. Del Mar was mentioned in Time magazine's "100 Greatest Beaches in the World" and 15th Street Beach ranked in the top 10, ranking at 4.