Thinking about a summer beach vacation? Look no further than L’Auberge Del Mar, a family friendly, upscale beach resort just a few miles north of San Diego. Perched on the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean, L’Auberge Del Mar is a chic beach retreat perfect for that long-awaited romantic getaway or family beach escape. Sporting stunning views, luxurious rooms, and just steps away from the beach and great shopping and restaurants, this resort has it all.

L’Auberge Del Mar: A Family Friendly, Upscale Beach Resort in San Diego

Seeped in sophistication, L’Auberge Del Mar, a Destination Hotel, sits perched above an exquisite span of sandy California beachfront, overlooking the Pacific Ocean from the heart of Southern California’s picturesque coastal village of Del Mar. The hotel has 121 guest rooms and suites, each featuring elegant furnishings, marble bathrooms, and private balconies or patios with garden, village or coastal views. With a focus on healthy living, the hotel also features the 5,000 square foot Spa L’Auberge, a fitness center, two tennis courts, and a pool.

On a recent visit, we enjoyed spending time lounging at the resort and taking in all the amenities.  The beach is just a short walk away, down a beautifully landscaped path that weaves down the cliffs from the resort to the sand.

Located just 20 minutes north of the airport and downtown San Diego,  L’Auberge Del Mar is also conveniently located near the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Solana Beach, La Jolla and Legoland.

What Works For Families

• Easy beach access
• Use of complimentary beach bikes
• A nice sized pool and hot tub
• Spacious, comfortable rooms
• Large bathrooms
• A short walk to shop and restaurants in Del Mar

What Doesn’t Work For Families

• The walk down to the beach (and back up) might be a challenge if you have little ones
• Pricey, but you get what you pay for!

Hotel Rooms

The hotel’s 114 guest rooms and seven luxury suites all feature balconies with views in a luxurious beach estate setting. Some rooms feature a fireplace and all have a 42″ LCD flat screen television with HD channeling.

We loved the fireplace as it was chilly at night, and it was great to cozy up and watch movies in the room after dinner. The beds were super comfy and had plush linens, making it a truly luxurious stay. The bathroom was spacious – which is very important if your whole family is sharing the space – and nicely appointed with upscale amenities and a large walk-in shower.

Dining Options at L’Auberge Del Mar

L’Auberge Del Mar is home to three restaurants and bars serving everything from cocktails to upscale contemporary cuisine.

Fresh and health conscious, the restaurant menus at L’Auberge Del Mar showcase local, organic produce and sustainable seafood. The culinary team serves up authentic California cuisine at their Coastline restaurant, poolside at the Bleu Bar, and at their signature restaurant, Kitchen 1540.  You can also order room service and enjoy a gourmet meal in the comfort of your room.

We had an amazing dinner at Coastline Restaurant, which offers exclusively outdoor seating off the hotel’s main lobby. This restaurant offers ocean views, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Although the atmosphere is casual, the food is anything but! I ordered a salad and was amazed by the bold flavors and unique ingredients.  And the kid’s menu! My son had a steak and it was honestly big enough for a grown-up to enjoy. It is always such a welcome perk when you can have a fantastic meal in a beautiful setting while on vacation, and the kids are happy too.

For late evening cocktails, the Living Room – located off the lobby – is a classy place to grab a drink. During the day, try Bleu Bar for some poolside food and drinks, served up with a gorgeous ocean view. The cozy chairs beside the fire pit are the perfect place to enjoy a drink and watch the sunset after a fun day on the beach.

Healthy Tip for This Destination

Borrow one of the resort’s complimentary beach cruisers and bike through town.

L’Auberge Del Mar is located at 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, California. For more information or to make a reservation, call (858) 259-1515 or visit them online at www.laubergedelmar.com.