Where California's last grove of rare Torrey Pines clings to crimson bluffs above the Pacific sits Del Mar. The city occupies just two square miles of coastal San Diego County, about 25 miles north of downtown San Diego, yet its reputation draws visitors from around the world every summer. Daily life here is genuinely unhurried: The Village along Camino Del Mar pulls residents to boutique shops, galleries, and oceanfront dining, while Powerhouse Beach anchors the community's outdoor rhythm with lifeguards, open lawns, and surf. The walkability in The Village makes errands on foot easy, though the hillier neighborhoods to the east call for a car.
Renters will find a mix of apartment communities across the city. Some sit within walking distance of the beach, while others are set closers to the hills. High-rises are notably absent, keeping the skyline low and the setting close-knit.
