Beaches and Parks
Permits
What types of events require a facility-use permit?
A Facility Use Permit is required to use the parks, beaches, or the Powerhouse Community Center involving more than 25 individuals or a catered event with less than 25 people. The permit is necessary in order to balance the needs of the general public with those individuals seeking to reserve an area for private use. Please contact the Community Services Department at (858) 755-1524.
Can I sell sodas and hot dogs on the beach?
No. Current ordinances do not allow the beach and parks to be used for commercial purposes.
Are open fires allowed on the beach?
No. For safety reasons, Del Mar prohibits open fires and fire rings at the beach. Visitors are welcome to barbeque using charcoal and their own small barbecues. Visitors must remove coals after they cool and take them off-site. Disposing of coals in the bushes or on the grass is subject to a $1,000 fine.
Is alcohol allowed on the beach?
Alcohol is not allowed on the beach, beach accesses, park lands, and public parking lots from 12:01 A.M. on March 1st through the day after labor day at midnight. Alcohol is not allowed year round on city sidewalks and streets. Please remember that our parks and beaches are for everyone’s enjoyment.
Park Hours
What are the hours for the Powerhouse Community Center?
The Powerhouse Community Center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from June through September. From October through May it is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where are the bathrooms at Powerhouse Park?
Public restrooms are located under the stage area at the Powerhouse Community Center and at both the 17th Street and 25th Street Lifeguard Towers.
Dogs at the Beach
Where are dogs allowed on the beach?
North of 29th Street Dogs are permitted off leash and under voice control from the day after Labor Day until June 15th. Dogs are permitted on a leash from June 16th through Labor Day.
North of Powerhouse Park to 29th Street Dogs are permitted on a leash from the day after Labor Day to June 15th. Dogs are prohibited from June 16 through Labor Day.
South of Powerhouse Park Dogs are permitted on a leash year round.
Swimming at the Beach
What is the meaning of the blue flag at the beach?
The blue flags on Del Mar beaches designate safe swim areas. Lifeguards evaluate water and surf conditions and stake out those areas where there will be less risk to swimmers. Visitors are always advised to swim near the blue flags.
What does the yellow sign with the black ball mean?
The yellow sign with the black ball indicates that NO SURFING is allowed in this particular area. These no-surf areas are determined by lifeguards based on the size of the surf, the number of beach patrons, lifeguard staffing and other safety considerations.
How do you get out of a rip current?
If caught in a rip current, the best thing to do is to try to relax and swim parallel to shore. It may feel like you are not making progressbut continue to relax and swim parallel to the shore. Once you feel that you are out of the rip current, swim towards the shore. If you are unsure of what a rip current looks like, feel free to contact a lifeguard at the main tower at 17th Street.
Where can I pick up a tide book?
The Del Mar Lifeguard Association has free tide books available at the main lifeguard tower at 17th Street. Stop by and ask for your free copy.
Lifeguards
How do I become a Del Mar lifeguard?
For information on becoming a lifeguard, please contact Community Services at
(858) 755-1556.
Do you offer a Junior Lifeguard Program?
Yes, the Community Services Department offers several 2 week and 4 week programs during the summer months. Kids ranging in age from 9 to 17 can participate. For additional information, please contact the Community Services Department at (858) 755-1556, For more information, please view the Turtleguard, Inc. website or e-mail turtle@delmarjg.com.
Del Mar Junior Lifeguard Program
