Del Mar Fall Racing Meet Opener
Bing Crosby Season opener.
12pm
$10+
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Where the turf meets the surf — Del Mar is San Diego's summer institution, founded by Bing Crosby in 1937 and still the county's best-dressed day out. The summer meet runs mid-July through early September with a shorter fall meet in November. You don't need to know anything about horses to have a great day; you do need to know where to park and what to wear.
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Quick answer: General admission is around $10–$20 (big days more) and kids 17 and under are free with an adult. Opening Day (mid-July) is the hat-famous sellout — buy in advance. Free general parking exists but fills early; paid preferred ($20–$30) is worth it. Minimum bet is $2 and the tellers will cheerfully teach you.
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
10 upcoming events we're tracking. Times and lineups can change — always confirm with the venue before you go.
Bing Crosby Season opener.
12pm
$10+
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Fall racing kickoff — the Bing Crosby Season.
12:30pm
$6–$25
Free general parking off Jimmy Durante Blvd exists but turns into a dusty 15-minute walk on big days. Preferred parking ($20–$30) puts you near the gates and is worth it on Opening Day and Saturdays. The fairgrounds lots are well-run — the bottleneck is leaving after the last race, so linger for a drink and let it flush.
What parking costs
Free general, $20–$30 preferred
Transit & rideshare
The COASTER stops at Solana Beach station, about 2 miles away — on race days there's a shuttle connection. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner riders do the same. Rideshare is common but post-race surge is real; walk toward the Solana Beach shops and request from there.
Stretch Run general admission — free with entry, bring a blanket or low chair, and you're on the rail where the races are decided.
Clubhouse turn boxes — the value seat with shade and a view of the whole track.
The Paddock area before each race — free with any admission and the best way to actually see the horses up close.
Avoid the deep grandstand upper rows on hot days — sun exposure all afternoon.
Bag policy
Coolers are allowed in certain infield and stretch-run areas on specific days — check the season rules, as they've tightened over the years. No glass, ever. Bags are searched at entry. On Opening Day, assume stricter than normal everything.
Food & drink inside
Track food ranges from hot dogs to sit-down dining (the Turf Club is members/jacket-required). Infield food trucks on big days are good value. Drinks are racetrack-priced — the move is one of the full bars under the grandstand between races.
All within a short walk or drive of Del Mar Racetrack.
Jake's Del Mar
Beachfront brunch before an afternoon card.
Viewpoint Brewing
Big brewery across the lagoon — the pre-race beer spot.
Board & Brew Del Mar
The classic sandwich stop on the way in.
Prelude at the track
Honestly, just arrive early — the paddock and morning energy are part of it.
What this room books: Thoroughbred racing, opening day fashion, concerts after races (select Fridays), food & drink festivals.
The paddock before each race is the best free show in San Diego — watch the horses walk, then bet the one that looks calm.
Betting for beginners: $2 win bet on the horse you like. That's it. Tellers are friendly and the minimum keeps it fun.
Opening Day is a fashion event as much as racing — hats are the tradition, and the contest is serious.
Friday cards have post-race concerts included with admission — the best deal of the meet.
The last race exodus is brutal. Stay for one drink after the finale and drive out clear.
The summer meet runs mid-July through early September (Opening Day is typically the third Friday of July), with a shorter fall meet in November. Races run Wednesday–Sunday most weeks, first post around 2pm.
General admission runs about $10–$20 depending on the day, with kids 17 and under free with a paid adult. Opening Day and Pacific Classic day cost more and sell out — buy in advance. Parking ranges from free (general) to $20–$30 (preferred).
Summer casual works for general admission — sundresses, polos, and the famous hats on Opening Day. The Turf Club requires jackets for men. Dress for sun; most seating is exposed.
The minimum bet is $2. Go to any teller window, say the race number, the horse's number, and 'to win' — that's the whole process for a beginner. Programs and the track app list the horses, and tellers are famously patient with first-timers.
Our picks for anyone staying overnight around Del Mar Racetrack.
One of the closest highly rated Sandi Spots hotels to Del Mar Racetrack, 1.2 miles away.
1.2 miles from Del Mar Racetrack
One of the closest highly rated Sandi Spots hotels to Del Mar Racetrack, 2.3 miles away.
2.3 miles from Del Mar Racetrack
3.3 miles from Del Mar Racetrack in Carmel Valley; a short drive with on-site parking.
3.3 miles from Del Mar Racetrack
Sandi Spots may earn a commission from hotel bookings. Recommendations are chosen editorially.
The Observatory North Park
North Park · ~1,100 standing
The Casbah
Middletown / Little Italy edge · ~200 standing
Gallagher Square at Petco Park
East Village / Downtown · Up to ~45,000 (stadium shows)
The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
Embarcadero / Downtown waterfront · ~10,000 (3,500 fixed seats + lawn)
North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Chula Vista (South Bay) · ~20,500 (10,000 reserved + lawn)
Belly Up Tavern
Solana Beach (North County) · ~600
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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 .