Due to its geography and history, residents and establishments in the area align closely with the adjacent communities of Fairbanks Ranch (hence the name), Rancho Santa Fe, and Del Mar.

Rancho Santa Fe and Del Mar addresses are used in some parts of the area while being within San Diego city limits.

The neighborhood consists of several gated housing communities located south of the golf club and San Dieguito Road and one additional gated community as well as the Del Mar Polo Fields located north of the San Dieguito River.

Founded in 1984, the golf club sits on 274 acres (111 ha) of land owned by the City of San Diego.

[1] The club hosted the equestrian endurance portion of the eventing competitions for the 1984 Summer Olympics held in neighboring Los Angeles.