Del Mar Shopping

If nothing else, stop here to buy your postcards. It's a blast from the past and one of my favorite places to visit while in Del Mar.

Books, new and used are sold here but that's not all. This shop is a living part of Del Mar and has been for over thirty-five years. There are always people in the store chatting, browsing and buying. The sales staff are relaxed, friendly, and helpful.

Wind chimes, incense, stationary, blank and printed greeting cards are sold here as well as various forms of art work and music. Oh, I shouldn't forget their nice selection of children's books.

Many unique items that appeal to one's special interest, pop-out at the most unexpected moment and hours can pass without seeing everything offered.

Update:

Earth Song Bookstore has closed. I will leave this review until I check out what has taken it's place, for those who might be planning to visit the bookstore when in Del Mar. It really was a favorite of many visitors who are happy to return.

Update:

It seems that Del Mar Arts & Gifts has opened it's doors at this location. I haven't been there yet but have heard from those who have shopped there that it is a mix of art work, mainly local and gifts that might appeal mostly to women.



What to buy: Browse the store for anything that "speaks" to your special interests. I'd be interested in their blown glass items, pottery, wall art and maybe the sculptures.

What to pay: I don't yet know the prices but imagine that the inventory is most likely "Del Mar" priced.. Keep that in mind. Then again, if it is a unique art object and possibly collectable, the prices might actually be modest.

This free-standing wooden cowboy is a shock to see in front of Stratford Square. He doesn't seem to fit-in with the overall image of this section of Del Mar.

After exploring the interesting items offered and the prices asked, light dawns brightly!

Racetrack. Horse racing. Owners, trainers and winners! Although Del Mar is a California beach resort, it is also home to Del Mar Racetrack, where horse lovers from all over the world converge.

What is more natural than to provide a store where the essentials and non-essentials can be purchased with big winnings?

What to buy: An ecletic mix of quality products, from Pendleton and Stetson--big names in western wear--items to local pieces of art created in the western genre. Clothing, practical and uniquely artistic, cowboy hats, jewelry, leather goods, artwork, books, music and even things for the well stocked cowboy home can be purchased for a price.

What to pay: As usual, my advise is to pay no more than you think an item is worth. However, a basic range to expect would be from $10.00 for a cowboy mug to $800.00 for a real life electric "woodburning" stove and anything inbetween.

Convenient for shopping while staying at L'Auberge Spa and Resort, but also open to the public. Even "window shopping" is a treat if the prices happen to be beyond the budget.

What to buy: Designer clothes for women, bathing suits, accessories and all those little things one might have forgotten to pack.

What to pay: Expect to pay much more than at Wal-Mart, but also expect a better style and quality.

2 more images

Plaza Del Mar is a compact, high-rising, upscale shopping mall. It is a relatively new addition to the city which has added lots of shopping opportunities in this central corner of Del Mar. Restaurants are scattered thoughout it's mulitlevels and at the top the terrace offers views worth the trip up.

However, there are many boutiques, individual shops and unique offerings at this unusual shopping mall.

Banana Republic is the only "chain" type store I can think of in the whole shopping center. Of course, since the price range is out of my league, it's possible that I just don't recognize the names. There are quite a few design / heirloom type jewelry stores, art, especially fine art, galleries, home decor and furnishing shops, shoe stores, as well as women's and men's apparel.

What to buy: The latest fashions and contemporary products are sold here so treat yourself to something fabulous!

What to pay: My rule of thumb is to buy sale items, it's easier on the budget. They do have some interesting sales going on most of the time so, take advantage.