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"Where the turf meets the surf" — how to actually do a day at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
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The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club runs two meets a year at the Del Mar Fairgrounds: a summer season that traditionally opens in mid-July and runs into early September, and a shorter Bing Crosby fall meet in November. General admission is cheap — usually in the $6–$10 range at the gate, with stretch-run and clubhouse upgrades costing more. Racing days are typically Wednesday or Thursday through Sunday, with first post in the early afternoon. Opening Day and the Friday Four O'Clock Friday concert series are the two busiest scenes; if you want to actually watch horses rather than crowds, go on a midweek afternoon. Check dmtc.com for the current calendar before you commit — the dates shift slightly each year.
| Meet | Roughly when | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer meet | Mid-July to early September | Big crowds, hats, concerts, full party scene | First-timers, groups, Opening Day spectacle |
| Bing Crosby fall meet | November, about two weeks | Quieter, cooler, serious racing fans | Actually watching the races |
| Four O'Clock Fridays | Fridays during the summer meet | Free post-race concert on the seaside stage | Under-35 crowd, free live music |
| Opening Day | First day of the summer meet | Hat contest, sellout crowds, long lines | People-watching, not betting |
The track sits in Del Mar, about 20 miles north of downtown San Diego, right next to the fairgrounds and a short walk from the beach.
Del Mar · 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
The track and the fairgrounds share a site, so signage points you to both. Gates open roughly two hours before first post. Bring a photo ID if you plan to bet.
Local tip: Stretch-run admission costs a few dollars more and puts you at the rail where horses hit the wire — the best value upgrade on the property.
Solana Beach · NCTD commuter rail
The Coaster stops in Solana Beach, roughly a mile and a half from the track; on race days a shuttle typically runs between the station and the gates. This is the single best way to avoid the parking crawl on Jimmy Durante.
Local tip: Check the last northbound and southbound departures before you start drinking — service thins out at night.
Paid lots on site
General and preferred lots sit on the fairgrounds. Traffic backs up badly on Via de la Valle and Jimmy Durante in the hour before first post and again at the end of the card.
Local tip: Park in the village and walk in along the river path if the lots are full — it's flat and about ten minutes.
Opening Day has a famous hat contest, and plenty of people dress for it all season — sundresses, linen, loud hats. Nobody will stop you in shorts and a t-shirt on a random Thursday, but on a summer Saturday you'll feel underdressed.
The Clubhouse and turf club areas enforce a stricter code than the grandstand — no tank tops, athletic wear or beachwear. Check the current policy on the track's site before buying an upgrade.
You'll walk on packed dirt, grass and concrete, and stand a lot. Stilettos and the paddock lawn do not get along.
Local tip: Bring sunscreen — the grandstand shades late in the afternoon, but the paddock and apron do not.
Del Mar
A grassy bluff-top park at the bottom of 15th Street with steps straight to the sand. A ten-minute drive from the track and the easiest way to pair racing with a beach afternoon.
Local tip: Free parking is scarce; the pay lot next to the park is usually the fastest option.
Del Mar Village
Ocean-view restaurants and bars a mile south of the track, ideal for a post-race drink without fighting the fairgrounds exit traffic.
La Jolla / Del Mar border
Just south of the track. If you're already up here, the clifftop trails are a good way to burn the morning before first post.
There are two meets. The summer meet traditionally opens in mid-July and runs into early September, and the Bing Crosby fall meet runs for about two weeks in November. Exact dates are announced each year by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
General admission has historically been in the $6–$10 range at the gate, with stretch-run and clubhouse admission costing more. Opening Day and concert days are priced higher and sell out.
No — general admission has no formal dress code. But Opening Day and summer weekends draw a genuinely dressed-up crowd, and clubhouse areas enforce a stricter code that rules out athletic wear and beachwear.
Yes. Children are allowed in general admission areas and the track runs family-oriented days during the summer meet. Only the wagering areas are age-restricted.
A free post-race concert series on Fridays during the summer meet, held on the seaside stage and included with track admission. It draws a much younger crowd than a normal race day.
Take the Coaster to Solana Beach and use the race-day shuttle, or rideshare in. Parking lots and the surrounding roads jam badly before first post and after the last race.
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Written and fact-checked by the Sandi Spots Editorial team — San Diego residents publishing under Sleep Coast LLC. Every place we recommend has been visited in person or verified against an official source, and no business can pay for inclusion or a higher ranking. Last updated .