New, Now, Next: Del Mar & Solana Beach

What’s New
Del Mar Heights shopping mecca One Paseo has been busy unveiling new reasons to visit, shop, and dine. Recent debuts include golf and surf outfitter Land & Sea and The Great., a lifestyle boutique from the team behind beloved closet must-have brand Current/Elliott, while SD-based Hommage Bakehouse has taken over the One Paseo farm truck through July 15 (excluding July 3-5) offering freshly baked goods and sandwiches until they sell out daily. The eagerly anticipated South of Nick’s has also finally opened its doors, located in the former International Smoke space adjacent to its upmarket sister concept Nick’s Del Mar, serving more of the Mexican-inspired fare and classic cocktails that this SoCal restaurant name is loved for.   

Across the street, Sweetgreen opens its doors mid-month at Del Mar Highlands, a convenient North County midpoint between its La Costa and UTC locations. The healthy, fresh chain’s devoted fan base loves it for its plant-forward, made-to-order menu. Just up the coast, the bustling Cedros Design District welcomed a new storefront that is no stranger to the Solana Beach scene. Cedar Kids opened this spring, a standalone home for the children’s clothing that previously resided within His men’s store just steps away — both from the folks behind Cedros Soles (as well as Sedera in The Forum Carlsbad). The curated collection that includes brands like Rylee & Cru, Quincy Mae, and Noralee takes kids from infant to size 16 in what co-owner Stephanie Stock calls “fun, funky, and casual pieces that will last as long as the kids can wear them.”

What’s Now 
True to form, Del Mar Village presents countless ways to soak up summer. L’Auberge Del Mar has brought back its popular L’Oyster Raw Bar every Wednesday from 5-8pm with live music, craft tiki cocktails, and fresh oysters. Also at L’Auberge, this month’s performance in the free monthly Comedy Series hosted in partnership with The Del Mar Village Association takes place on July 7 at 8pm in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater. Blankets or lawn chairs and early arrival are encouraged. 

This Fourth of July, if you’re not taking in the legendary fireworks from the midway at the San Diego County Fair, Ranch 45 — located just across the street from the fairgrounds —  is offering front row seats and a gourmet barbecue feast for a delicious celebration. Choose from two family-style meal packages to enjoy on Ranch 45’s patio, where the festivities kick off at 7:30pm. Also, after the fireworks, Ranch 45 will roll out a “Fireworks Snack Bar” featuring coffee, hot chocolate, beer & wine, BBQ sandwiches, hot dogs, and an assortment of sweets. Reservations are required and can be made on ranch45.com or by calling the restaurant at 858.461.0092.

Of course, the biggest day of the year in Del Mar is surely Opening Day, and this year’s debut at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club takes place July 21, with gates opening at 11:30am and first post for the day’s ten scheduled races at 2pm. Afterward, celebrate with an exclusive after party, Opening Day at L’Auberge Del Mar, which kicks off at 5pm. For full details, turn to page 33. Across the street in Del Mar Plaza, Monarch Ocean Pub will host its own Opening Day festivities on the Ocean View Deck from 5-10pm featuring live music. If you wake up on July 22 ready for round two at the track, check out Beer Fest, where from 1-5pm you can sample more than 50 brews, ciders, and seltzers while a DJ spins. Also on July 22, Del Mar Plaza will host a Maker Market featuring more than 30 women-owned businesses plus restaurants and live music from 12-6pm on the Plaza level.

Back at One Paseo, a jam-packed entertainment calendar adds to its store and restaurant news this summer. The Moonlight Cinema Series continues this month with the screening of Minions: The Rise of Gru on July 15 on the lawn behind Harland Brewing from 6pm to 9pm. Guests are encouraged to BYO blanket and grab takeout from one of One Paseo’s many eateries. Also on the lawn: One Paseo’s inaugural Summer Concert Series, featuring free performances from B-Side Players (July 8) and High Tide Society (July 22), as well as performances next month from The Highwayman Show (August 5) and Sarah Petite (August 19), all presented by Belly Up. For the younger set, the weekly Kids Happy Hour takes place every Thursday from 3-5pm through August 31, featuring kid-friendly entertainment (Magic! Bubbles! Balloon animals!) and snacks. 

Fairmont Grand Del Mar is alive with activity for everyone this summer. Kids’ camps — half and full-day — offer a variety of fun diversions and activities for all interests including a golf, tennis, and swim camp (ages 7-13), golf and games (ages 5-13), both with multiple sessions offered this month, and a full-day explorers camp for kids 5-12 offered all summer long. Meanwhile, adults can soak up all the summer vibes at Grand Social, Fairmont’s outdoor lounge. Grand Social’s Summer Live Entertainment Series will host a spectrum of talent including a Friday Summer Jazz Series taking place July 7, July 14, August 11, and August 25. Meanwhile, Soul Sunday Sessions’ showcase of soul, R&B, and Motown hits Grand Social on July 9 and August 13. Finally, Havana Nights at Grand Social featuring Latin Band Fercho captures the allure of Havana on July 28 and August 18. Advance reservations can be made at granddelmar.com/dine/grand-social.

What’s Next
In addition to the heart-pounding action on the track at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, the 2023 summer racing season features a stacked lineup of events including Taste of New Orleans (August 5), Uncorked Wine Festival (August 19), and Tacos and Tequila (August 26). Racing enthusiasts should mark their calendars — and buy tickets early — for the $1,000,000 FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic on September 2. 

When summer’s finally wrapped and the tourists have packed up, join Del Mar Village Association for the next “Keep Del Mar Green” community cleanup on September 21 from 3:30 to 5pm, followed by happy hour. And proving that we don’t need the summer sun to shine year-round, save the date for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, which kicks off on Camino Del Mar just south of 15th Street in Del Mar Village from 7:30-9am on November 17. Show up wearing pink and ready to cheer on the more than 2,000 walkers as they set out on their 60-mile journey. Find details for both at visitdelmarvillage.com.