There’s something about live music near the ocean that feels indulgent. The salt air, the fading light and space to dance outside. That’s the experience waiting for you at Del Mar Plaza every Thursday and Saturday evening, where the Seaside Sessions series transforms the Ocean View Deck into one of the most scenic concert venues in all of San Diego County.
Whether you’re a Del Mar local or just passing through, this guide covers everything you need to know about catching live music in Del Mar, including what to do before and after the show, why it’s a perfect outing for families, and why Seaside Sessions has become one of the most beloved free events on the coast.
What’s Seaside Sessions?
Seaside Sessions is Del Mar Plaza’s free, recurring live music series held on the Ocean View Deck. Launching each year in March and continuing through October, the series runs every Thursday and Saturday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, giving locals and visitors a reliable, no-cost reason to gather, unwind, and watch the sun dip toward the horizon.
The performances take place on the open-air deck overlooking the Pacific, arguably one of the most spectacular backdrops you’ll find for a live set anywhere in Southern California. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, drawing everyone from young couples and solo strollers to families with kids who want to run around while the music plays.
Admission is completely free. Just show up.
Live Music at Monarch Ocean Pub
In addition to the Seaside Sessions deck performances, Monarch Ocean Pub, located right inside Del Mar Plaza, regularly hosts live music of its own. It’s a natural stop before or after dinner, with happy hour running from 4:00 to 6:00 PM daily.
If you want a seat with a view and a cold drink in hand before the music starts, arrive early and claim your spot at Monarch.
What to Do Before the Show
Arriving at Del Mar Plaza an hour or two before the music starts is well worth it. The Plaza is a full experience: boutique shopping, award-winning dining, and ocean views that are hard to leave.
Happy Hour options at Del Mar Plaza:
- Il Fornaio — Happy hour from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, with classic Italian dishes and a sun-drenched patio
- Tamarindo Del Mar — Happy hour from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, offering Mexican-inspired cocktails and bites
- Enoteca Del Fornaio — Happy hour from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, featuring wine and small plates perfect for pre-show grazing
- Monarch Ocean Pub — Happy hour from 4:00 to 6:00 PM,
Pair your pre-show meal with a wander through the Plaza’s local boutiques and specialty shops. It’s a genuinely lovely way to ease into an evening.
A Perfect Outing for Families
The Ocean View Deck is a place kids genuinely enjoy. While the music plays, children have room to move around, take in the views, and simply be kids in a safe, open-air environment. Parents, meanwhile, can relax with views of the Pacific ocean and enjoy the performance.
The timing makes it ideal for families. A 5:00 PM start means you can catch the show, watch the sunset together, and still make it home for bedtime. Or reverse the order: grab an early dinner at one of the Plaza’s restaurants, let the kids wind down over gelato from An’s Hatmakers, and then head to the deck to close out the evening with live music as the sky turns pink and orange over the water.
Watching the Sunset During Seaside Sessions
Del Mar Plaza sits three stories high, which means the Ocean View Deck delivers panoramic, unobstructed views of the ocean. On clear evenings, which San Diego delivers in abundance, the sunset during Seaside Sessions is genuinely spectacular.
The 5:00 to 7:00 PM window is timed almost perfectly with golden hour from late spring through summer. Come a little early, claim a spot on the deck, and you’ll have a front-row seat to both the performance and the sky putting on its own show behind it.
This is the kind of thing locals take for granted and visitors talk about for years.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
A few practical tips for planning your Seaside Sessions evening:
- Arrive early. The deck fills up on Saturdays especially, so aim to arrive by 4:30 PM if you want a prime spot.
- Check the event calendar. Del Mar Plaza posts the full Seaside Sessions lineup on our website, so you can plan around specific performers or genres you enjoy.
- Combine dinner and music. Book a table at Il Fornaio, Tamarindo, or Pacifica Del Mar before the show, and make a full evening of it.
- Bring the kids. The open-air setting is family-friendly and the deck gives children room to move.
- Stay after. Once the music wraps at 7:00 PM, the Plaza’s restaurants and shops remain open.
