When The Guests Of The Academy Awards Received Gifts, Del Mar Was In The Bag!

L'Auberge Del Mar is undergoing a major transformation. Scheduled to  re-emerge in June 2008 as Southern California's premier coastal boutique resort, L'Auberge provides a lavish retreat for owners of Del Mar homes and visitors alike. Even if you live in one of many beautiful Del Mar homes, stay at the L'Auberge Del Mar Resort, and you might get to canoodle with the glitterati. L'Auberge was hand-selected by the Academy to be included in the coveted gift basket received by over 125 nominees and presenters of the 2006 Academy Awards.

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In the 1930's America was in the midst of the Depression.  Its effects were felt everywhere including Del Mar. However, in 1933, eight members of the 22nd Agricultural District had a envisioned a county fairgrounds located in the small seaside town of Del Mar.  This one vision set set in motion the actions that have created town we have today. These eight visionaries purchased the current site with a $25,000 grant from the State Department of Fairs & Expositions. The first county fair was held in October 1936. Even before the first fair was held, plans were being made for the addition of a racetrack.  To the fairgrounds this would be an asset that would make the fairgrounds self-sufficient. Because of its close proximity to Los Angles, the climate, and seclusion the area offered, film stars were frequent visitors to the area. Among them was Bing Crosby, a racing enthusiast,who became instrumental in the development of the Del Mar Racetrack. Bing Crosby and the fair board agreed on a lease arrangement with the newly created Del Mar Turf Club for $35,000. Serving on the Turf Club's first Board of Directors was Bing Crosby as President, Pat O'Brien as Vice President, with Oliver Hardy, Joe E. Brown, Gary Cooper, Leo McCary and others serving on the executive boards. Through the years the horse racing in Del Mar has brought people from all over the world to watch the finest horses compete.  With the Clubs growth came growth to the town of Del Mar.  Situated along the pacific coast, Del Mar offered horse enthusiasts the best of all worlds, world class horses, perfect weather, and an ocean to play in.  All this while remaining close to two great cities San Diego and Los Angeles.  Today Del Mar still retains its secluded charm and offers people the opportunity to live like Gary Cooper or Bing Crosby.  If you want the best in life look to make your home in Del Mar.

The waters off the San Diego coast and continuing south to the Baja peninsula are among the best in the world for deep-sea fishing. Every summer, the warm waters along the Pacific coast attract large and varied schools of fish. Areas as close as three and extending to 10 miles offshore include catches of calico bass, sand bass, white sea bass, barracuda, mackerel and dorado. By venturing out 60 to 80 miles you will find albacore, bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, big eye tuna, skipjack and yellowtail. The deeper you go, the bigger the fish you're likely to hook. The average tuna or yellowtail weighs in at 15 to 30 pounds, but it's not unheard of for anglers to reel in a 300-pound monster. A 388-pound mammoth yellowfin tuna was caught in 1977 off the San Diego coast, setting an "all tackle world record" that still stands today.

Where and When to Go:

If you're ready catch your dinner or a trophy you have a number of option to choose from. The San Diego area offers numerous sport-fishing tour operations to take you. Local commercial tour operators offer a variety of trips, from half-day tours to three-week adventures to destinations like the Coronado Islands, just off the Baja coast. During the winter months the water temperature lowers and the fish head south and tours follow. From December to late spring, tours sail all the way down to Cabo San Lucas on the southernmost tip of Baja, or even farther.  Most sport-fishing tours provide rods and other essential gear as part of the overall fee.  You'll likely get assistance and advice from the crew as you battle with your catch. Crew members can help you boat even the toughest warriors from the water. For Baja trips, you'll need to purchase a separate Mexican fishing permit in addition to a U.S. license. Most tours assist with licenses and permits.