St. Patrick’s Day is two weeks away, and Del Mar is already buzzing with ways to celebrate. From outdoor live music to intimate whiskey tastings, there is something for every type of St. Patrick’s Day fan along this stretch of the California coast. Here is everything you need to plan your green-filled week.
From Ireland to the California Coast
St. Patrick was a 5th-century Christian missionary born in Roman Britain. Brought to Ireland as a slave at 16, he escaped and later returned to spread Christianity across the island. He died on March 17, 461 AD, and that date was later recognized as his feast day.
Irish immigrants carried the tradition to America, where the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in Boston in 1737. Over time, it grew into a worldwide celebration of Irish heritage, culture, and community pride.
The Symbols Behind the Celebration
St. Patrick’s Day is packed with recognizable symbols that have been part of the holiday for centuries. Here is what they mean:
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Shamrock: St. Patrick used the three-leaf clover to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish people
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Green: Represents Ireland’s lush landscape and became a sign of Irish national pride
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Celtic Cross: A blend of Christian faith and ancient Celtic tradition, still found in Irish art and jewelry
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Leprechauns: Trickster figures from Irish folklore that add a fun, lighthearted spirit to the day
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Corned beef and cabbage: An Irish-American staple that remains a beloved St. Patrick’s Day tradition
St. Patrick’s Day Events in Del Mar, CA
Del Mar celebrates with a relaxed coastal vibe and a solid lineup of spots to mark the occasion. Start planning now so you do not miss a thing.
Irish Whiskey Tasting at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Study Hall at The Library is an intimate, speakeasy-style tasting guided by industry professionals. Guests sip through a curated lineup of Jameson, Redbreast, and Midleton in a laid-back, conversation-friendly setting. Seats are limited, so book ahead.
5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego, CA 92130 | Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 6:00 PM | $95 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity)
St. Paddy’s by the Sea at Del Mar Plaza
Head to the Ocean View Deck for live music, festive games, and Irish-inspired drink specials with sweeping Pacific Ocean views. Free entry, no reservations needed. Check Del Mar Plaza’s website for the confirmed 2026 lineup.
1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 | Around 1 PM to 7 PM | St. Patrick’s Day Week
Bully’s Del Mar
A longtime Del Mar favorite serving corned beef and cabbage, green beer on tap, and all-day food and drink specials on March 17.
1404 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 | Opens at 11 AM
Jimmy O’s Bar Del Mar
Kick off the evening with $3 Guinness pints, Irish food specials, and a live DJ from 9:30 PM to close. A go-to for a festive St. Paddy’s night out by the beach.
225 15th St, Del Mar, CA 92014 | Opens at 11 AM | March 17, 2026
More Green Just Down the Coast
Del Mar sits in the heart of North San Diego County, so bigger celebrations are only a short drive away.
San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
Southern California’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day event fills the streets near Balboa Park with floats, Irish dancers, marching bands, antique cars, and even Irish Setters. The festival features food booths, craft vendors, live music on two stages, a family-friendly kids zone, and plenty of adult beverages. This year’s theme: Here, There, Irish Culture Everywhere!
Sixth Ave & Laurel Street, San Diego | Saturday, March 14, 2026 | Festival: 9 AM to 6 PM | Parade starts at 10:30 AM
Leprechauns & Live Music at Seaport Village
Catch live Irish tunes, shamrock-lit waterfront paths along San Diego Bay, and food from Shorebird, Malibu Farms, and Mike Hess Brewing on an afternoon stop along the water.
849 W Harbor Drive, San Diego | March 14 and 15, 2026 | 1 PM to 4 PM
Grab Your Green and Get Out There
With March 17 coming up fast, now is the time to pick your spots, grab a reservation where needed, and put on your greenest outfit. Del Mar and the surrounding North County area have you covered for a full week of St. Patrick’s Day fun. Explore local event listings near you and make this one worth celebrating.
Sources: museum.ie, stpatsparade.org, sandiego.org, kpbs.org, patch.com
Header Image Source: Pressmaster
