Skip to main content
Del Mar Shores Park park in Del Mar, CA
Photo: Jason Garbe
View of Del Mar Shores Park in Del Mar, CA
Photo: Marc Holt
View of Del Mar Shores Park in Del Mar, CA
Photo: Libby Delira

Del Mar Shores Park

4.8(81 reviews)FreePlayground
🕑 1.5-2 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy the age-appropriate playground equipment and safe play areas, while elementary-aged kids can take advantage of the basketball court and wide open spaces for active play and sports.

About

Del Mar Shores Park is a beloved neighborhood gem offering modern playground equipment that keeps kids entertained for hours. With its combination of play structures, open grassy areas perfect for running and games, plus a basketball court for older kids, this well-maintained park provides something for the whole family in the heart of beautiful Del Mar.

Highlights

  • Modern, well-maintained playground equipment suitable for various age groups
  • Basketball court for older kids and teens to shoot hoops
  • Spacious open grass areas ideal for picnics, running, and active games
  • Shaded picnic tables for family meals and snack breaks
  • Clean, safe neighborhood setting with excellent maintenance

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive early morning on weekends (right when it opens at 6:00 AM) for the calmest experience and cooler temperatures, especially during summer months
  2. 2.Pack a picnic to enjoy at the shaded tables,there are no food vendors on-site, so bringing snacks and water is essential
  3. 3.Note the unusual weekday hours with a midday closure (8:30 AM - 3:30 PM), so plan accordingly if visiting Monday through Friday
  4. 4.Bring a soccer ball or frisbee to make the most of the generous open space when the park isn't crowded
  5. 5.Street parking is available in the residential neighborhood, but spots fill quickly on nice weekend afternoons

Best Time to Visit

Weekday evenings (3:30-5:30 PM) or weekend mornings offer the best experience with smaller crowds and pleasant temperatures. Sunday mornings are particularly ideal for families wanting a relaxed atmosphere before the afternoon rush.

What to Know

The park has unusual operating hours with a midday closure on weekdays (closed 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Monday-Friday). Free admission and parking make this an budget-friendly option, though you'll need to bring your own food and drinks.

Seasonal Notes

Del Mar's coastal location provides year-round mild weather, making this park enjoyable in any season. Summer mornings offer the best weather before coastal heat builds up. Bring layers in winter and spring as morning fog can make it chilly until it burns off.

Nearby Eats

Head to Board & Brew (about 2 miles away) for casual sandwiches and kid-friendly fare, or visit Del Mar Plaza which offers multiple family-friendly dining options with ocean views just a short drive from the park.

More Activities Near Del Mar

Playground

Powerhouse Park

4.8Free

Powerhouse Park in Del Mar is a family favorite that truly lives up to its name, offering something for everyone from tots to teens. This modern facility combines an exceptional playground with a skate park, basketball courts, and plenty of shaded picnic areas, all just blocks from the beach. With its stellar 4.8-star rating from over 2,500 families, this free community park delivers serious fun without the price tag.

Park

Seagrove Park

Free

Seagrove Park offers the best of both worlds for Del Mar families: a well-maintained bluff-top park with playground equipment and picnic areas, plus direct beach access via stairs. The stunning ocean views make it a perfect spot for picnics while kids play, and when they're ready for sand and surf, you're just steps away from the beach below.

Activity

Torrey Pines State Beach

4.8Free

Torrey Pines State Beach is a stunning coastal gem where kids can explore protected tidepools teeming with sea creatures, splash in gentle waves perfect for younger swimmers, and marvel at dramatic sandstone cliffs. The combination of nature exploration and classic beach fun makes this one of San Diego County's most family-friendly shorelines, with calmer waters than many nearby beaches and fascinating marine life just waiting to be discovered.

Community Center

Del Mar Powerhouse Community Center

4.6$

The Del Mar Powerhouse Community Center is a family favorite in this charming beach town, offering both indoor and outdoor activities all in one convenient location. This historic building sits in the heart of Del Mar and features a well-maintained playground, basketball courts, a popular skate park for budding boarders, and hosts regular community events that bring local families together.