Carmel Valley is a relatively new community that lies just East of the seaside village of Del Mar. Once called East Del Mar, Carmel Valley consists of private, planned developments in an up-scale family environment and is home to one of California?s highest ranked public schools, Torrey Pines High School. Carmel Valley has newly constructed shopping centers with the latest trends in shopping, dining and entertainment. Carmel Valley is within close proximity to the beaches in Del Mar, the Torrey Pines Preserve and the University of California, San Diego. It is strategically located with access to major freeway systems and is centrally located to all points north, south and east of San Diego. The Del Mar Racetrack and Thoroughbred Club are a short driving distance away, where the famous racing season offers a variety of activities during the summer months and events throughout the rest of the year include a popular family event, the San Diego Fair. Polo matches are played in the fields adjacent to Carmel Valley and hot-air ballooning is also a favorite pastime. There are walking trails along the natural estuary of the San Elijo Lagoon, which is open year-round and offers opportunities to observe multiple species of birds in their natural habitat. Median daytime temperatures are in the 70° range and provide the perfect weather for biking, hiking and strolling.