Summer racing meet
The signature season, with the biggest crowds on opening day.
Del Mar · racing, fair & events
Del Mar Fairgrounds
Quick answer
The Del Mar Fairgrounds is North County's biggest event site: summer and fall horse racing, the San Diego County Fair, concerts and year-round shows and markets. It is a 25-minute drive up the coast from downtown, with paid on-site parking and a Coaster station a short shuttle ride away — take the train on fair and opening-day crowds.
Last updated
Del Mar Fairgrounds at a glance
- What happens here
- Horse racing meets, the San Diego County Fair, concerts, expos and markets
- Drive time
- 25-35 minutes from downtown San Diego
- Parking
- Paid on-site lots; prices and entrances change by event
- Transit
- Coaster to Solana Beach with event shuttles on major days
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, CA 92014 · Del Mar · Del Mar Fairgrounds official site
Tickets
- Racing admission is sold by Del Mar Thoroughbred Club; the Fair and concerts sell through their own event pages.
- Opening day of the summer meet and Fair weekends are the two hardest days to park and the best days to take the Coaster.
- Concert tickets in the racing season are often bundled with track admission — check what your ticket includes.
- Dress codes are relaxed except for hospitality areas and opening day tradition; hats are the point, not a rule.
Hours & parking
Hours
There are no general visiting hours; access follows the event calendar, which runs from spring shows through the Fair in early summer, the summer racing meet, fall racing and holiday events. Check the official calendar for your date.
Parking
Large paid lots surround the property, with entrances that change depending on the event. On Fair days and racing opening weekend the lots fill early and Jimmy Durante Boulevard backs up; the Coaster to Solana Beach plus the event shuttle is genuinely faster. Free street parking in Del Mar village is limited and time-restricted.
What to see and do at Del Mar Fairgrounds
San Diego County Fair
Early-summer fair that takes over the whole property.
Concert series
Post-race shows during the racing meets.
Year-round expos and markets
Antique shows, gem shows and consumer expos fill the off weeks.
Coaster access
The one San Diego venue where the train is often the smart choice.
How to spend your visit
- 11:00 AM
Arrive before the rush
On race days the lots and the boulevard clog up an hour before the first post.
- 11:30 AM
Walk the grounds
Get your bearings between the grandstand, paddock and infield before crowds build.
- 1:00 PM
Watch from the paddock
Standing near the paddock beats a distant seat for atmosphere.
- 3:30 PM
Concert or late races
Summer race days often end with a show included in admission.
- 6:00 PM
Walk to Del Mar village
Dinner in the village while the parking lots empty out.
Getting there
Driving
I-5 to Via de la Valle or Del Mar Heights Road, then Jimmy Durante Boulevard.
Coaster train
Ride to Solana Beach station; event shuttles run on Fair and major race days.
Rideshare
Designated drop zones move by event; surge pricing after concerts is steep.
Walking
Del Mar village and the beach are a 10-15 minute walk south along the river path.
What's nearby
Everything about Del Mar Fairgrounds in one place
Tickets, parking, food and hotels nearby, comparisons and every guide we publish about Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Upcoming events at Del Mar Fairgrounds
- Fri, Sep 11 9/11 Day of Service
- Fri, Sep 11 Surfside Race Place
- Sat, Sep 12 BUNT.
- Sun, Sep 13 Reptile Expo
- Sun, Sep 13 Sunday, Sept. 13
- Sun, Sep 13 Surfside Race Place
- Tue, Sep 15 Tuesday, Sept. 15
- Thu, Sep 17 RV Shows USA
Tickets & passes
Everything we've written about buying in.
Restaurants nearby
Where to eat before or after.
Hotels nearby
Closest places to stay.
Related guides
Other pages that cover this place.
Del Mar Fairgrounds questions
What is the difference between the Del Mar Fairgrounds and the racetrack?+
They share one property. The Fairgrounds is the venue and event grounds; the racetrack is the horse racing operation inside it, run by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
How much is parking at the Del Mar Fairgrounds?+
Parking is paid and the rate varies by event, so check your event page. On Fair days and racing opening weekend, the Coaster plus shuttle is usually faster than driving.
Can you take the train to the Del Mar Fairgrounds?+
Yes. Take the Coaster to Solana Beach; event shuttles connect the station to the gates on Fair and major race days.
When is racing at Del Mar?+
There is a summer meet and a shorter fall meet each year. Exact dates change annually, so confirm on the official calendar.
Is the Del Mar Fairgrounds walkable from the beach?+
Yes. Del Mar village and the beach are a 10 to 15 minute walk south, which is a good way to avoid the worst of the parking exit.
Official sources
The Sandi Spots Newsletter
San Diego, in your inbox.
New beach finds, hidden taco shops, weekend events, and seasonal guides — once a week from a local. No spam, ever.
One email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.