Del Mar Race Track

Visit the Del Mar race track, where the surf meets the turf for the world-famous Del Mar horse races in San Diego. The 2024 summer season is Saturday July 20 to Sunday September 8, 2024, and the fall series is from October 31 to December 1, 2024.  All year long, there are special events at the race track, such as BBQ and chili cookoff, tacotopia and salsa contests, pizza and beer fests, and more.

Updated November 17, 2024 by San Diego Beaches and Adventures

Del Mar Horse Races

Known for its’ familiar slogan “Where The Surf Meets The Turf in Del Mar” here is one of the “must do’s” to add to your list while visiting San Diego. 

Make your way to Del Mar race track! Opening day is mid July each year and over 40,000 fans are expected to attend. There is still plenty of time to lay down your bets and have some fun.  Ladies you can still don you hats and have a great time out with friends or family.  By all means celebrate in style!  Based on prior years, admission for Stretch Run is approximately $6.00 and Clubhouse Admission is $10.00 (subject to change; additional price on opening day).  Racing season runs through early September.  Racing dates and times vary.  You are sure to enjoy the fast horses while placing your big bets.

Curious how it all got started?  Well the Del Mar Race track opened its gates in 1937 after the forming of the partnership between Bing Crosby, the actor Pat O’Brien, Jimmy Durante, Charles S. Howard and Oliver Hardy.  The racetrack prides itself as an American Thoroughbred horseracing track.  Bing Crosby sang about it and just about everyone knows the words and will chime in when they hear, “Where the turf meets the surf in Del Mar”.  In 1937 Bing himself would personally greet the fans as they entered the gates to the track.  While the track was a playground to many famous Hollywood stars it is most famous for its exciting race between Charles S. Howard’s Seabiscuit and the Bingling Stable’s colt, Ligaroti.  Of course we all know Seabiscuit won that race by a nose!

There is more than just horse racing at the Del Mar race track.  If music is your passion then click and “Buy Track Admission” at the link below and gain free access to one of the concerts on the line up for this summer through the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club website under Del Mar Events Calendar:

Del Mar Racetrack official website

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Directions to the Del Mar Racetrack

Where the Surf Meets the Turf

Aerial View Del Mar Racetrack

So….get your keys in hand and get ready to go.  The Del Mar Race track is located at the San Diego County Fairgrounds.  It is roughly 20 miles north of downtown and 100 miles south of Los Angeles.  You will want to take the Via de la Valle exit just south of Solana Beach and head towards the ocean.  You will have no problem once you are headed west.  Just follow the other racetrack goers and plan for the time of your life.

Plan to arrive early due to traffic and parking, or avoid the hassles and take the train.

Address - Del Mar Throughbred Club, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014

Phone No. 858-755-1141

Driving Directions - From Interstate 5 at  Exit Via de la Valle and head west. Take the fist left onto Jimmy Durante Blvd. Follow the signs for parking.

By Train - Both Amtrak and Coaster (local commuter) trains stop at the nearby Solana Beach train station. Sometimes Del Mar provides a free shuttle (double decker buses) to and from the track. Get off at the Solana Beach station and look for the free double decker buses (verify schedule first). Google Map Coaster Train Station