Del Mar is the only town in the county with a thoroughbred horse racing track. This year from July 20 to September 7, except Mondays and Tuesdays, the horses will run at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (2) (858-755-1141).

Plus, the Surfside Race Place at Del Mar (858-755-1167), which is at the fairgrounds, offers offtrack wagering. The fairgrounds are located on Jimmy Durante Boulevard. See Sports & Recreation. The Del Mar Fairgrounds is also home to many annual events including the San Diego County Fair (2), which this year will be held June 10–July 4. However, it will be closed on Mondays except July 4. Popular events include horse shows, livestock judging, art exhibits, flower shows, live concerts, carnival rides and more. Don't miss the fair!

Across from the track, on the corner of Via de la Valle and Jimmy Durante Boulevard, is where you should dine. It's The Fish Market Restaurant (1) (858- 755-2277). There isn't a finer seafood restaurant in Del Mar. More than 100 menu selections are featured. In fact, they operate their own fishery and have worldwide access to the freshest and f inest f ish. They also have a second location in downtown San Diego at the Embarcadero overlooking romantic San Diego Bay.

After discovering Del Mar's dining venues near the racetrack, continue south on Jimmy Durante Boulevard until you come to 15th Street and Camino del Mar This short trip by car will bring you to the heart of romantic Del Mar.

Shopping and dining take on a whole new perspective at the Del Mar Plaza (4) (858-792-1555), which is at the corner of Camino del Mar and 15th Street. Breathtaking ocean views and more than 30 fine shops, boutiques and restaurants combine for one of the best shopping experiences in San Diego. Del Mar Plaza offers three shopping levels with spectacular views. Convenient underground parking via 15th Street or Camino del Mar is provided.

A trip to Del Mar Plaza would not be complete without dining at one of its award-winning restaurants. Il Fornaio (4) (858-755-8876) serves fine gourmet Italian cuisine. Their classy outdoor bar offers a panoramic view of the ocean and Del Mar proper. Also visit their Coronado location.

At the southwest corner of Camino del Mar and 15th Street is Stratford Square (5). This landmark Tudor-style building is home to great restaurants and charming village shops. For contemporary American cuisine at its best, visit Sbicca Bistro (5) at 215 15th St. (858-481-1001). They have a welcoming atmosphere, and the food is great. Ask for table 301 on the terrace for a beautiful ocean view. The landmark restaurant with a 36- year tradition in family dining is Bully's Del Mar (5) at 1404 Camino del Mar (858-755-1660). Highlighting the menu are sizzling steaks, freshly caught seafood and memorable prime rib.

A block farther down 15th Street to the west is the ocean. You will pass the post office and a nice grassy park that overlooks the beach. Just across the railroad tracks is Del Mar's beautiful beach. Paid parking is available adjacent to the old Amtrak station.

On Del Mar Heights Road is Elijah's (6) at 2638 Del Mar Heights Rd. (858-259-4880). It's a classic, full-service restaurant, delicatessen and bakery.

East of Interstate 5 and Del Mar proper is the upscale suburb of Carmel Valley. It's home to hundreds of luxurious new homes, condos and apartments. It includes the areas of Torrey Hills and Torrey Highlands.

The options for shopping, dining and living here are numerous. Carmel Valley's largest shopping complex is the newly renovated Del Mar Highlands Town Center (8) at Del Mar Heights Road and El Camino Real. The anchor store is a Ralphs supermarket, which is complemented by dozens of retailers and an Ultra Star Cinema.

At the corner of Valley Center Drive and Carmel Creek Road is Piazza Carmel Shopping Center (12). It's home to a very busy and popular Vons supermarket and lots of excellent restaurants.

On Ocean Bluff Avenue in South Del Mar is where you'll find the Homewood Suites by Hilton® San Diego/Del Mar (11) at 11025 Vista Sorrento Pkwy. (858- 523-0500). This well-appointed hotel caters to business travelers as well as families. It features 120 suites with full kitchens and amenities to help you feel at home.

Next door to the Homewood Suites by Hilton® San Diego/Del Mar is the new Hilton Garden Inn®-San Diego/Del Mar (11) at 3939 Ocean Bluff Ave. (858- 720-9500). This full-service hotel has guest rooms with wonderful amenities including a heated pool, 24-hour business center, a new day spa and a ballroom, which is available for banquets. Dining options include their impressive Bistro 39 Restaurant and Bar (11) and their NY Garden Deli and Cafe. Both are excellent.

Rancho Santa Fe is an inland community that rivals the beauty of the coast. Tucked away in the hills only seven miles from the ocean, this plush yet tranquil village is a perfect setting for the more relaxed side of the lifestyle of the rich and famous.

Among the scant 5,000 residents are such celebrities as professional golf star Phil Mickelson and even a movie star or two. These are but a few of the many notable people who enjoy privacy and anonymity in this extraordinary community.

Rancho Santa Fe is also a wonderful place to discover a memorable meal and a weekend getaway. It's home to an enchanting little shopping district where you'll find several delightful shops and romantic restaurants.

The easiest way to get to Rancho Santa Fe is via Interstate 5. Take the Lomas Santa Fe exit and drive east. Lomas Santa Fe feeds into Linea del Cielo, and you will notice that the road begins to meander, forcing you to slow down. The roads throughout the Ranch (as it is known to locals) were engineered for this very purpose, so take your time and enjoy the scenery and the scent of citrus and eucalyptus groves.

One of the many enjoyable things to do here is to join the local tradition of lunch or Sunday brunch at any of the fine restaurants at the Ranch. Fine dining is a specialty at the Dining Room at Rancho Valencia in the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa (3) (858-756-1123).

Another highly acclaimed restaurant is Mille Fleurs, which is at 6009 Paseo Delicias in the heart of the Village (858- 756-3085). They feature French cuisine.

At the corner of San Dieguito Road and Rancho Diegueno Road in the Del Rayo Village Shopping Center, is the Ranch's most popular casual restaurant. It's Leucadia Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant (7) at 16085 San Dieguito Rd. (858-759-2222). You'll just rave about the cuisine! They serve more than 37 tantalizing pastas and sensational pizzas with up to 38 toppings. You can dine in, pick up or they'll deliver. Plus, they are well-known as one of the top caterers.

Rancho Santa Fe is where many of the rich and famous live. Their attraction to the rural charm and cosmopolitan atmosphere is reason enough for you to discover this place as well. A single visit is usually the beginning of a long love affair with charming Rancho Santa Fe.

Stephanie Jezek is San Diego’s preferred Realtor for buying homes in Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe and Carmel Valley. Feel free to contact her via phone (858-243-3495).