Del Mar Beach in California: One of North County San Diego's Best Kept Secrets

One of North County San Diego's best kept secrets is a beach tucked away on the west side of I-5 on Camp Pendleton. Del Mar Beach is a clean, quiet, relaxing beach with plenty of sand and surf for a day of fun or a peaceful evening stroll.

Del Mar Beach is open to the military, their dependents, retirees and their guests. Access to the base is available through the front gate of Camp Pendleton. After entering the front gate of Camp Pendleton a left turn is made at the first stoplight which takes you on a bridge over the I-5. Follow the signs to find your way to Del Mar Beach.

For the children there is a large playground and swings on the beach. Volleyball nets are also available. Surfing is another popular year round activity on the beach. It's not uncommon to see whales or dolphins from the shore (along with attack helicopters, amphibious assault vehicles, and ships); so be sure to bring binoculars if you have them. The average daily water temperature during the month of July is 78 degrees.

There are plenty of restrooms and shower facilities for use. A small snack trailer is available on the beach for beverage and food purchases during the summertime. Food vending machines are available year round with cold drinks, snacks, juice, water, sodas and more. Parking is plentiful and there is no charge.

For those visitors wishing to spend more than a day at Del Mar Beach, cottages, RV hook-ups and campsites are available for rent. The campsites have electrical hookups and restrooms nearby. Campsite rates with full hook-ups start at $30 a night. The beach cottages are available with one to three bedrooms and start at $70 a night. Each cottage has a TV, kitchen and many have fire rings outside. For information regarding cottage or campsite rentals call (760) 725-2134. Reservations may fill up ahead of time for the popular summer months, so be sure to make your reservations ahead of time.

Del Mar Beach plays hosts to a huge 4^th of July concert and fireworks bash each year. In the past, entertainments acts such as Brooks & Dunn, Kiss, Destiny's Rule, Ja Rule, Hootie & The Blowfish have all rocked the stage at the beach during free concerts dedicated to the troops and their families.

Del Mar Beach has provided many days of fun and relaxation for thousands of military members and their families and is a must-visit beach for any service member who is in the San Diego area.