The Ultimate Guide to Living in Del Mar, California (92014)

Del Mar isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling. Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, this small seaside town offers a rare blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and understated luxury. Locals often describe Del Mar as the “last real beach town” in coastal San Diego — and for good reason.

With year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, and a walkable village atmosphere, Del Mar attracts those who appreciate both lifestyle and legacy. From early morning surf sessions and scenic bluff hikes to boutique shopping and award-winning dining, everything feels just a little slower, a little more thoughtful here.

One of the most treasured aspects of Del Mar is its strong sense of community. The residents take great pride in preserving its character — low-density zoning, tree-lined streets, and thoughtful development have kept the town’s unique charm intact. Unlike other coastal cities that have given way to high-rise development, Del Mar remains deeply committed to protecting its scenic views, open space, and architectural heritage.

Whether it’s the magic of a summer race day at the Del Mar Racetrack, sunset walks along the beach, or dining under the stars in the village plaza, life here feels nostalgic yet refined. For many, Del Mar represents the perfect mix of coastal relaxation and elevated living — a place where families put down roots, retirees embrace peace, and second-home seekers find the ultimate escape.

If you're drawn to timeless California living with a modern twist of luxury, it's easy to see why Del Mar continues to top the list for discerning homebuyers.

One of the primary reasons people choose to live in Rancho Santa Fe is for the excellent quality of education available in the community. The Roger Rowe School, a public K-8 school in Rancho Santa Fe, is one of the most sought-after elementary and middle schools in San Diego County. The houses in Lower and Mid Cielo are in Roger Rowe School district. The school was completely renovated in 2010, and features large classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The student-to-teacher ratio is very favorable, at around 14 students per classroom. The school also boasts an outstanding art room, music room, science lab, and computer lab. In addition, the beautiful athletic field is a great asset to the school. This  video gives a quick overview of this amazing school.

Gate House

Private gated entry. 24hr. guarded entry with roving patrols

Cielo Park

Approximately 1.5 acres

Basketball Court, Children’s Climbing Wall, Picnic Pavillion

Club Cielo

Approximately 8,000 sq. ft. facility

Multiple entertainment areas w/catering kitchen, Rose Garden, Large lawn area for wedding, baby shower, birthday party and other events.

Children’s pool & play area

Fully equipped fitness center and Aerobic studio area

Shower & Locker Rooms

Competitive-sized swimming pool & spa

Two tennis courts and pickleball court

Montagna Park

Swimming Pool and Tennis court

This vibrant community boasts a busy schedule of community-wide events and clubs including catered social gatherings; clubs for walkers, fine diners, tennis and pickleball players, and book lovers; holiday events and special activities for children. Cielo’s pet and family-friendly luxury lifestyle offers something for everyone.

Visit Cielo HOA for more pictures!

Within Cielo’s 24/7 guard-gated community are 375 home sites. These include custom estates, semi-custom homes, and ready-to-build homesites sprawling across approximately 50% pristine open space with mesmerizing views. Residents enjoy striking panoramic vistas of mountains to the east, Pacific Ocean to the west, and hot air balloons floating over picturesque neighborhoods below. Continually washed by the temperate Southern California sunshine and soft coastal breezes, with views of snowcapped mountains by day, peaceful ocean sunsets at twilight, and sparkling city lights at night, Cielo offers endless opportunities for seamless indoor and outdoor living and entertaining. Recognized as “Community of the Year” at its inception by the National Association of Home Builders, Cielo truly rises above all others.

Inspired by the villages along the northern Mediterranean, Cielo presents a private residential land preserve in the coastal hills of Rancho Santa Fe. With nearly 1,500 acres of dramatic terrain and panoramic ocean and mountain views, Cielo's luxury home sites rest atop peaks reaching nearly 1,500 feet high.

Continuing the legacy of the original vision for Rancho Santa Fe, the tranquil residences of Cielo gracefully blend with the natural terrain and terrace into the hillsides, respecting the views in every direction. Within a distinguished design palette, a diversity of details reflect the architectural styles of Santa Barbara, Spanish Ranch, European Country House and Italian Villa.

Eight miles east of the coast, Cielo is recognized by its signature 200-foot Roman aqueduct and Italianate Gatehouse which set the stage for what lies beyond as the grandeur unfolds along tree-lined drives following the winding terrain where over half of the community is a preserved habitat.

With meticulous attention to building and maintenance standards, Cielo is one of the few communities in San Diego County that has earned a Shelter-in-Place designation by the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Department.

Information reference:  Cielo HOA website