Powerhouse Park
Powerhouse Park
1600 Coast Blvd
Del Mar, California
(858) 755-1524
Del Mar Powerhouse Park overlooks Del Mar City Beach. The park lies between Coast Blvd and the small cliffs overlooking the water. At the south end of Powerhouse Park is a playground and at the north end is the Powerhouse Community Center.
Powerhouse Park offers a relaxed, romantic atmosphere. During summer, concert goers gather at the park to enjoy the Del Mar Twilight Summer Concert. Just north of the park are Jakes Del Mar, and the Poseidon Restaurant, two popular beachfront restaurants, and the Del Mar Motel.
South of Powerhouse Park is Seagrove Park, which sits at along a bluff at the foot of 15th Street.
Del Mar Powerhouse
The Del Mar Powerhouse was built in 1928 to supply hot water for the Del Mar Hotel pool and laundry facility, and heat for the cottages and hotel rooms.
In 1955, the hotel went bankrupt and was subsequently torn down. The Del Mar Powerhouse was kept and converted into a roaring 20s nightclub a few years later. Five years later, it was bought out and converted into a desalination plant for local residents. After awhile the project was abandoned and the powerhouse was left vacant to the elements.
In 1983, the City of Del Mar bought the powerhouse and surrounding park area. The park was soon called Powerhouse Park. After 17 years, the historic building was converted into Powerhouse Community Center. The familiar smoke stack is still original, while everything else has been rebuilt.
The community center has a community room, trellis-covered verandas, an outdoor theatre, outdoor rinse showers, and restrooms. The center won the 2000 Orchid Award for historic design in San Diego.
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