Welcome to the area, and Del Mar in particular! We’re right up the street from you, not on the beach but near the Plaza. It has been unusually HOT, as you know, so I hope you’re surviving okay. Sounds like you’ve found lots to do already.
Regarding gyms, we’ve belonged to both PAC and Frog’s, and I have to say that I prefer Frog’s (there’s one in Solana Beach on 101). It’s not as slick and pretty as the PAC, but there is rarely a wait for the machines, which are all new and well-kept, and the classes are great (although sometimes a bit crowded). Lots of folks from RSF are there, and I know several from Fairbanks Ranch belong. I found the PAC really crowded. I go to the gym around 8am, not mid-morning (although that may be mid-morning for some workaholics, not me!!) On the other hand, there is the pool at the PAC, which is great for the kids. On balance, for me, it wasn’t worth the monthly fee…I just want a good workout, a nice shower and I’m outta there. I don’t want to hang around and get manicures or have a snack so it depends on what you’re into.
One more place to check out is Del Mar Workout on Jimmy Durante Blvd…I haven’t been there recently, but it’s been renovated within the last couple years and my friends like it and think it’s a nice, low-key place. I have no idea what the crowds or wait times are like, and in full disclosure, my friends are mostly the fit Mom types vs. the hardcore workout dudes.
So happy to hear that your story ended well and that you found a way to come to the area! You provided some valuable and interesting info in your posts throughout the process, which was greatly appreciated by many of us here, including me.
