Les Artistes Inn in Del Mar is a quirky, renovated 1940s motel that makes a fine base from which to make forays into the oft-overlooked beach-side communities of northern San Diego County. (Christine Cotter / LAT)
Each of 10 guest rooms at Les Artistes Inn is decorated to honor an artist. (Christine Cotter / LAT)
Far from being another chain hotel, Les Artistes is charming for its attention to detail and personal touches. (Christine Cotter / LAT)
Ducky Waddles Emporium is among the more offbeat shops in Leucadia. Its crammed with new and used books on art and 60s counterculture, along with old sheet music and Day of the Dead art and crafts. (Christine Cotter / LAT)
Jarred Hand of Modesto browses through books at Ducky Waddle’s Emporium. (Christine Cotter / LAT)
