Stay & Play in Rancho Santa Fe & Del Mar: An Equestrian's Guide to Luxury Hotels, Dining & Local Experiences
Originally featured in the 2014 Equine Almanac
Southern California's equestrian lifestyle extends far beyond the show ring. From luxury resorts and coastal retreats to charming cafés, award-winning restaurants, and outdoor adventures, San Diego County offers something for everyone.
Whether you're competing at a horse show, visiting family, or exploring the communities surrounding Rancho Santa Fe and Del Mar, the region combines a relaxed coastal atmosphere with exceptional hospitality.
The 2014 Equine Almanac celebrated the places that make San Diego such a special destination for equestrians, their families, and friends.
Discover the Southern California Equestrian Lifestyle
San Diego is known for its Mediterranean climate, outdoor lifestyle, luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, and thriving culinary scene.
For riders traveling to competitions, the region provides countless opportunities to relax and explore between classes or after a long day at the barn.
Popular attractions highlighted in the Almanac include:
Del Mar and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Historic Highway 101
Del Mar horse racing
La Jolla Cove
Balboa Park
San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
Coronado
Downtown San Diego and the Gaslamp Quarter
Little Italy
Solana Beach and Encinitas
World-class golf courses
Local concerts, theaters, and outdoor recreation
From coastal hikes to fine dining, the possibilities extend well beyond the equestrian facilities.
Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Rancho Santa Fe and Del Mar
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe
Nestled in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe Village, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe has long been a destination for visitors seeking understated luxury and countryside charm.
The 2014 Almanac described the property as a 22-acre retreat featuring landscaped gardens, winding pathways, and beautifully appointed cottages.
At the time, the resort offered 80 guest rooms and suites across 17 cottages, combining historic character with modern amenities.
Following a $12 million renovation, the property introduced refreshed accommodations, upgraded outdoor spaces, a restaurant, and a spa.
The Inn was also noted for providing hotel guests with access to the Rancho Santa Fe Golf and Tennis Clubs.
Its atmosphere reflected the area's equestrian heritage, offering rustic elegance and an unhurried sense of time.
“The Inn, with its tradition of hospitality, is dedicated to providing the warmest personal attention in a unique atmosphere of charm and tranquility.”
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa | Rancho Santa Fe
Set across 45 acres of gardens, trails, and olive groves, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa was featured as one of Southern California's premier luxury destinations.
The Mediterranean-inspired resort offered 49 guest casitas with private patios, along with fine dining, wellness experiences, and an award-winning tennis program.
Following a $30 million renovation completed in stages between 2012 and 2014, the resort introduced new dining concepts, an expanded fitness center, and a Serenity Yoga Pavilion.
The property was also known for its extensive tennis facilities, including 18 courts and personalized tennis and wellness retreats.
With its secluded atmosphere and luxurious amenities, Rancho Valencia offered visitors an opportunity to enjoy the quieter side of Southern California.
“A truly world class resort.”
L'Auberge Del Mar | Del Mar
Located in the heart of Del Mar Village, L'Auberge Del Mar offered a coastal escape inspired by the elegance of a private seaside estate.
The resort was described as combining relaxed daytime luxury with a lively evening atmosphere.
Set on approximately 5.2 acres, the property featured landscaped grounds, a pathway to the beach, and accommodations welcoming to dogs.
At the time of publication, its signature restaurant, KITCHEN 1540, offered contemporary coastal dining.
The property also featured Spa L'Auberge, which had received recognition from Condé Nast Traveler for its treatments and facilities.
For equestrians visiting the Del Mar area, L'Auberge offered a convenient combination of beach access, dining, and resort amenities.
“Relaxing by day, spirited by night.”
Best Breakfast & Coffee Spots in Rancho Santa Fe and Solana Beach
Caffe Positano | Rancho Santa Fe
Caffe Positano was featured as a beloved neighborhood coffee destination serving craft-roasted specialty coffees, espresso drinks, and freshly baked pastries.
Coffee roaster Tim Cusac brought the energy of an Italian espresso bar to Rancho Santa Fe, creating welcoming spaces for locals and visitors.
With patio seating and friendly baristas, the cafés offered a convenient stop before heading to the barn or beginning the day.
Cusac's passion for specialty coffee and community involvement made Caffe Positano a familiar part of Rancho Santa Fe's daily routine.
Claire's on Cedros | Solana Beach
Located in the heart of Solana Beach, Claire's on Cedros was recognized for its relaxed atmosphere, welcoming service, and freshly prepared breakfast and lunch.
Founded by Claire Allison and Terrie Boley, the restaurant emphasized wholesome meals made from scratch.
Its menu focused on seasonal ingredients, locally sourced organic produce, and responsibly raised meats and dairy products.
The restaurant also featured an in-house bakery and interiors incorporating reclaimed and sustainable materials.
“Fresh, local & tasty.”
Lockwood Table | Solana Beach
Tucked within the Cedros Avenue Design District, Lockwood Table offered a neighborhood dining experience with a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere.
Owner Alicia Lockwood opened the café in 2009 with the goal of creating a comfortable gathering place for locals and visitors.
The menu emphasized fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation, with popular items including specialty sandwiches, quinoa bowls, walnut butter, and soufflés.
The restaurant also offered vegetarian and gluten-free options and welcomed dogs.
Its open-air patio and approachable atmosphere made it a natural stop while exploring the Cedros shopping district.
“The tasty local.”
Thyme in the Ranch | Rancho Santa Fe
Located in Rancho Santa Fe Village, Thyme in the Ranch was featured as a charming, cottage-style café known for homemade food and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
The café's in-house bakery prepared pastries, cookies, breads, and muffins from scratch.
Popular menu items included specialty sandwiches, soups, Cobb salad, and tarragon chicken salad.
The restaurant also offered seasonal dishes and made-to-order pies around the holidays.
With outdoor seating welcoming to dogs and a cozy interior filled with decorative items, Thyme in the Ranch embodied the relaxed character of the community.
“A special kind of café.”
Brunch & Dinner Destinations Near Rancho Santa Fe and Del Mar
067 Eatery | Rancho Santa Fe
Opened in November 2012, 067 Eatery was a family-owned neighborhood restaurant created by Bill and Chase Baker.
The restaurant focused on approachable dining, simple dishes, and quality ingredients.
Its menu featured items such as hand-carved deli meats, grass-fed beef, and locally baked breads.
The restaurant also doubled as a showroom for furniture and décor, with many pieces available for purchase.
A private dining area provided space for meetings and special events, while rotating artwork from local artists contributed to the atmosphere.
“Stuff you can make at home when you don't feel like it.”
Market Restaurant + Bar | Del Mar
Chef and owner Carl Schroeder opened Market Restaurant + Bar in 2006, establishing a dining destination centered on seasonal ingredients and creative cuisine.
The restaurant's menu changed frequently to reflect fresh produce, seafood, and meats available from local suppliers.
Market was also known for its boutique wine selection and craft cocktails incorporating seasonal fruits and herbs.
Schroeder received recognition as a three-time James Beard Foundation Best Chef Pacific semifinalist and earned praise from numerous culinary publications.
The restaurant combined refined dining with an approachable, contemporary atmosphere.
“An ever-changing menu with the freshest ingredients.”
CUCINA enoteca | Del Mar
Located at Flower Hill, CUCINA enoteca brought a modern Italian kitchen-meets-rustic-farmhouse concept to Del Mar.
Restaurateur and designer Tracy Borkum created a distinctive interior celebrating the area's equestrian culture, including a collection of more than 400 toy horses.
The restaurant combined dining with retail, allowing guests to purchase selected furnishings, lighting, décor, and wines.
Its menu blended Italian culinary traditions with California ingredients, featuring handmade pasta, artisan breads, charcuterie, antipasti, and creative pizzas.
Popular dishes included short rib pappardelle and stuffed fried squash blossoms.
“Modern Italian kitchen meets rustic farmhouse.”
Beyond the Horse Show: Exploring San Diego County
For equestrians spending several days or weeks in Southern California, the surrounding communities offer plenty to discover.
Rancho Santa Fe provides countryside scenery, luxury accommodations, and charming village cafés, while Del Mar offers beaches, shopping, and coastal dining.
Nearby Solana Beach is known for its Cedros Avenue Design District, restaurants, and entertainment, while La Jolla, Encinitas, and downtown San Diego offer additional opportunities for sightseeing and recreation.
Whether enjoying a quiet morning coffee, a leisurely lunch, an afternoon at the beach, or an evening out, the region offers a balance of equestrian sport and coastal living.
The Art of Staying & Playing in Southern California
The equestrian lifestyle is as much about the experiences surrounding the sport as it is about the time spent in the saddle.
From historic Rancho Santa Fe resorts to Del Mar's coastal hotels and the neighborhood restaurants of Solana Beach, San Diego County provides an exceptional setting for riders, families, and visitors.
As the Equine Almanac reminds us:
“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than a year of conversation.” — Plato
Editor's Note: This article is adapted and condensed from the 2014 Equine Almanac. Hotel amenities, restaurant concepts, menus, business operations, and other details reflect information published in 2014 and may have changed. Please verify current offerings directly with each establishment.
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