Del Mar, which translates “by the sea,” lies just twenty minutes north of San Diego and is cradled by lagoons at both ends. Long a haven for celebrities with an affinity for horse racing, you can eye their upscale estates tucked within ocean-view canyons. A quaint village of shops, notable eateries and art galleries add 1880’s historical charm to the area’s natural beauty. (Photo courtesy Visit Del Mar)
Del Mar has natural beauty and village charm at every turn, but its infamy lies in its world-renown Del Mar racetrack. One of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s famous founders was Big Crosby, who became president of the Turf Club. Crosby coined the lyrics, which live on today: “Where the surf meets the turf, down in old Del Mar.” In 1993, a major expansion and renovation made Del Mar that much more enjoyable for a tony day at the Turf Club or a laid-back day hanging out trackside.
The summer racing season still brings celebrities in droves to Del Mar, many with second homes in San Diego’s tiniest municipality. Opening day happens July 18, giving you an entire summer of Kentucky Derby-style hat-donning, racing event fun —continuing right up to the closing day festivities on Labor Day. Tens of thousands of fans are expected to attend what’s defined as the most fabulous, fashionable events in west coast racing season, Opening Day at Del Mar. This day goes beyond bets and fast horses as fashion-minded guests participate in Del Mar’s annual tradition, the Opening Day Hats Contest, competing for $5,000 in cash prizes.
Stay for a free live concert following the last race of the day on Fridays, as well as Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, September 2 with such notables as Ice Cube and Ziggy Marley. Concert-goers are able to upgrade their experience with a VIP seat in the South Terrace that features a private cash bar.
Catch all the happenings
While concerts and hat contests are definite highlights, there is so much more this year. Also catch the “$1 Million TVG Pacific Classic” on August 18, featuring Del Mar’s biggest stakes race and the nation’s top horses, is Del Mar’s signature race and most prestigious. The day also features a Craft Beer Fest.
On a budget? Head to the track on “Free and Easy Wednesdays” for free admission, a free seat and free program. Plus, this year it will all be paired with Brigantine fish tacos and tallboys. With the exception of Opening Day, guests can feast on $3 tacos and half-priced tallboys of Corona, Modelo, Pacifico and Coors Light.
If the kids are coming along for the fun, July 22 is Del Mar’s “Family Fun Day” with lots of kids activities; and on July 28 and August 11, celebrate “Donuts Day” with a morning feast of free donuts, juice and a chance to get an up-close look at the thoroughbreds as they complete their morning workouts.
Photos courtesy Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
