On Hwy-21, 25 miles North of San Diego. Even if you’re not planning any long stops between LA and San Diego, set aside an hour for the easily-walked Del Mar, an instantly likeable resort town that strives to project a cultured European look with its Tudor-style town centre and the Del Mar Plaza, an ultra-ritzy shopping mall with stonework walls. Del Mar’s many pricey shops and boutiques do most of their trade during the summer, when LA socialites and celebrities arrive for the race meetings at the Del Mar Racetrack (www.dmtc.com), one of the most architecturally attractive race tracks in the U.S. (thanks to a major injection of funds during the 1930s from actor Bing Crosby and singer Pat O’Brien). Next to the racecourse, the Del Mar Fairgrounds provide the setting for one of California’s largest and most enjoyable County Fairs, held annually in the second half of June.

Winter sun: Del Mar and the Southern Coast have winter sunshine.