Del Mar California -Fun Activities

Can you imagine a sun-filled vacation getaway to a quiet, scenic town on the endless Pacific Ocean? This paradise has charming hotels and inns, unbelievable restaurants and absolutely gorgeous beaches. If this sounds good to you, know that those elements are all available in the lovely town of Del Mar, California.

Del Mar is Spanish for "by the sea" because it's located right on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Del Mar is said by some to be at once the most charming and the most romantic resort beach town anywhere in the world. Here in Del Mar you'll find clean beaches, world-class restaurants, marvelous hiking trails, romantic bed and breakfasts, exotic vacation options, delightful beaches, awesome jogging/hiking trails and a world famous horse racing track

Del Mar has been home to celebrities ever since the 1940's: Bing Crosby and his friend Jimmy Durante worked together to help turn the Del Mar Race Track into the most beautiful and prestigious race tracks in the horse racing world. One could often find Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez at the track. Other celebrities wanted to be closer, so Burt Bacharach and Angie Dickenson purchased residences in Del Mar. Brad Pitt recently purchased a beachfront home in Del Mar for (eighteen million dollars!) - and now Brad Pitt sightings have become the new sport in town.

Del Mar is a tiny community consisting of only two square miles along the Pacific Ocean in Northern San Diego County. Solana Beach is it's neighbor on the north, while Torrey Pines State Reserve and La Jolla border on the south. The population of Del Mar is somewhere between 4000 and 5000 residents (depending on who does the counting). "Del-Marians" live among beautiful sandstone canyons or on bluff tops overlooking the ocean - and they all enjoy gorgeous sunsets.

Del Mar is one of few locations in the world where the Torrey Pine grows. The Torrey Pine is the rarest pine in the United States and only two populations of this endangered species exist.

Each summer Del Mar plays host to the San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The fair originally opened in 1936, the site selected because it was the perfect spot just off the main highways - while still being near the ocean's cooling breezes on hot summer days. Selection of a fair queen - Fairest of the Fair - is still a fail highlight each summer.

Bing Crosby took a leading role in helping make the now-world-famous Del Mar Race Track a reality. On July 3, 1937, the Del Mar Race Track opened. Newspapers called the track "Bing's Baby". In 1938 Bing recorded a song that would open and close every day of racing since those early days - Where The Turf Meets the Surf.

How to Make Your Holiday Travel Safer

It is hard to believe, but the holidays are quickly approaching. This means that many people will be increasing the time they spend traveling. Both the airways and the roadways will begin to see more traffic and be busier over the next several months. During this season, then, you should have as a top priority to be as safe as possible.

Holiday travel can be trying at time, because many frustrating things can happen. From traffic delays to traveling through dangerous areas, there are many reasons why you should do everything possible to reduce your stress and stay safe during your travel this season.

One of the most important things to do is to protect your home while you are away. Installing a home security system is the best way to do this. Nine out of ten convicted felons report that they would not break into a house if they knew it had an alarm system installed. Another important thing to do is to avoid announcing your travel plans on public Internet sites like Facebook and Twitter. Otherwise, you may be telling criminals when you are going to be away from your home!

Know your route. Be sure you are familiar with your driving directions and feel comfortable about your route. To avoid encountering unexpected road closures or detours, contact the Federal Highway Administration. There you will find useful information about road status and traffic.

Give your car a check-up. There's nothing like that sinking feeling when something goes wrong with your car many miles from home. Increase the odds that your trip will be problem-free by checking your oil level, tire pressure, windshield wiper fluid and radiator water. Pack an emergency kit for snow emergencies.

You will also want to pack a kit for snow emergencies. Winter often brings with it hazardous driving conditions, so it is important to anticipate the possible emergencies. By keeping a few things in your car, you can be prepared for nearly any emergency that comes up. For example, be sure that you travel with extra food and water, blankets, batteries and flashlights, a charged cell phone and kitty litter (to give your tires traction on ice).