For horse racing fans, one true indicator of summer is when Del Mar Thoroughbred Club opens its doors for its famed meet. The iconic San Diego-area track is an incredible place to visit whether you’re a lifelong fan of racing or if this will be your first trip to the track.

If you fall into the latter category — or if you’re planning your first trip to Del Mar this summer — scroll down for everything you need to know about this year’s summer season.

Who: Elite horses and top human connections from West Coast and beyond

Entering its 85th season, Del Mar is THE place to be in the summer for Thoroughbred racing fans, elite racehorses, and the best trainers, jockeys, and owners on the West Coast.

The track has put together a robust stakes schedule for this summer featuring 39 stakes races that will offer nearly $7.9 million in purses. This fantastic slate includes six stakes that have been designated as “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series events, meaning that each winner will receive an automatic, expenses-paid berth into the Breeders’ Cup, which will be held for the third time in the event’s history at Del Mar this fall on Nov. 1-2. The annual highlight event is the $1 million FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic Stakes on Aug. 31, a “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series race for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic.

What: Where the turf meets the surf

Picturesque Del Mar in California. (Eclipse Sportswire)

Nestled in the seaside city of Del Mar just north of San Diego, Del Mar is a horse lover’s paradise. Adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, the track is known as “where the turf meets the surf” and has become a bucket-list destination for racing fans the world over.

Since its inception, Del Mar has been a magnet for stars of both the human and equine persuasion; it’s not uncommon to see sports luminaries, actors, musicians, and titans of industry taking in the races on any given day.

Fun fact: Del Mar’s main track is a one-mile dirt oval with chutes for seven-eighths of a mile races and 1 ¼-mile races, and the interior turf course is seven-eighths of a mile with chutes for 1 1/16- and 1 1/8-mile races.

When: Saturday, July 20 through Sunday, Sept. 8

Del Mar is the summer sweet spot for the West Coast, and the track holds races each week from Thursday through Sunday (Saturday and Sunday for the first week) and Labor Day Monday. Every Thursday is “Free and Easy.” Receive free stretch run admission, a free program, and a free seat, plus discounts on certain food and drink items at concession stands.  

The big racing days are listed below, but be sure to check out the track’s calendar for more details and events.

July 20 – Opening Day highlighted by San Clemente Stakes along with yearly hat contest and After Pony Party

July 21 – Beer Fest with food, fun, and brews

July 25 – Cougar II Stakes

July 27 – Bing Crosby Stakes and San Diego Handicap

July 28 – Eddie Read Stakes

Aug. 3 – Uncorked Wine Festival with racing highlighted by Clement L. Hirsch Stakes

Aug. 4 – La Jolla Handicap

Aug. 10 –  Tacos & Tequila Festival with racing highlighted by Yellow Ribbon Handicap and Sorrento Stakes

Aug. 11 – Best Pal Stakes 

Aug. 17 – Del Mar Oaks with 2024 Breeders' Cup tumbler giveaway

Aug. 24 – Taste of New Orleans with racing highlighted by Pat O’Brien Stakes

Aug. 25 – Rancho Bernardo Handicap

Aug. 31 – FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic, Del Mar Mile, Del Mar Handicap, Green Flash Handicap and Torrey Pines Stakes

Sept. 1 – Family Fun Day with racing highlighted by the Caesars Sportsbook Del Mar Derby 

Sept. 2 – Special Monday card for Labor Day

Sept. 7 – College Day with racing highlighted by the FanDuel Racing Del Mar Debutante and John C. Mabee Stakes

Sept. 8 –  Closing Day with racing highlighted by the Del Mar Futurity and Del Mar Juvenile Turf

Fun fact: Del Mar has a later starting time than most tracks. Races begin at 2 p.m. PT most days (shifting to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 31) and 4 p.m. on Fridays (3 p.m. starting Aug. 16) so that fans have the chance to explore the area around the track before their day at the races begins.

Where: Del Mar, Calif.

Del Mar is a stunning seaside resort just outside of San Diego, and the area truly has something for everyone: in addition to the track, there are options for golf, tennis, surfing, horseback riding on the beach, and so much more. A weekend at Del Mar promises relaxation, adventure, and incredible natural beauty.

Fun fact: The lyrics to Del Mar’s official song, “Where the Turf Meets the Surf,” encourages fans to “take a plane, take a train, take a car.” This is great advice, since Del Mar is reachable via San Diego International Airport, has an Amtrack station in Solana Beach (one mile from Del Mar), and has ample parking.

Why: A summertime playground

When Santa Anita Park opened outside of Los Angeles in 1934, it was an instant success. That got stockbroker William Quigley thinking, and he teamed up with Hollywood star Bing Crosby to create Del Mar, a racetrack that would become home to elite summer racing in California.

The track officially opened for business in 1937, and that year hosted the famed, winner-take-all match race between Seabiscuit and Ligatori – the very first nationally broadcasted Thoroughbred race via NBC Radio.

Fun fact: Del Mar continues to be the site of some of the biggest horse races in the nation – for example, the 2016 Pacific Classic was a showdown between fan favorites California Chrome, Beholder, and Dortmund.

What to Expect in 2024

The gates open to fans two hours prior to first post time and daily programs are included with admission. Children 17 years of age and under receive free admission but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. Diamond Club members gain access to exclusive giveaways and unlock everyday discounts at the track, including on Opening Day.

Morning workouts are open to the public!

Wanna Bet?

A racing fan reacts to the action at Del Mar. (Penelope P. Miller/America's Best Racing)

It’s incredibly easy to bet Del Mar, even if you’re not able to attend. It’s legal in many states to bet from home using what’s called an “advance deposit wagering” platform – essentially an app or website that allows you to load up your account and bet from wherever you like. One piece of advice: the key word here is “advance,” so make sure to set your account up as early as possible because sometimes it takes a day to process the funds. The official wagering platform of the Del Mar meet is FanDuel Racing, so keep an eye out for promotions and sign-up deals from them during the season.

Del Mar also has introduced its Del Mar Mobile App that allows racing fans on-site to bet from the palms of their hands.

If you’re new to betting via app, the team at America’s Best Racing has created the leading tool in the sport for figuring out how to make your bets and what they’ll cost: ABR’s Gambling Calculator.

Looking for more information on how to start playing the ponies? We have a post called “Betting on Horse Racing, Explained” with a focus on bettors just like you. Here’s a taste to whet your appetite:

The Basics

Win bet – A bet on a horse to finish first.

Place bet – A bet on a horse to finish first or second.

Show bet – A bet on a horse to finish in the money; third or better.

In the money – A horse that finishes first, second, or third.

Across the board – A bet on a horse to win, place, and show. If the horse wins, the bettor collects three ways; if second, two ways (place, show); and if third, one way, losing the win and place bets. It's actually three bets.

Morning line – The odds that the track handicapper predicts a horse will be to win the race when it starts.

Fun fact: The biggest payout for a $2 win bet in Del Mar’s history came in 1955 when Cipria returned a whopping $263.40 to savvy bettors who bet on her.

Must-dos:

Want to have the ultimate Del Mar experience? Of course, you do! Here are our recommendations for …

At the track

The Paddock

One of the best places to spend time between races is Del Mar’s paddock. A graduated viewing area surrounds the saddling enclosure, giving fans the perfect view of the horses and their humans as they prepare for each race.

17 Hands

The best tacos at Del Mar can be found at 17 Hands, a restaurant, bar, and wagering area located right next to the paddock. Grab a bite and settle in to people- and pony-watch.

Del Margarita

Veranda Café patio provides unparalleled view of paddock. (Penelope P. Miller/America's Best Racing)

If you like cocktails, you’re going to love a Del Margarita. The track’s signature drink is comprised of a double shot of tequila, margarita mix, a splash of Patrón Citrónge, orange juice, soda water, and a lime wedge. It’s an incredibly refreshing way to celebrate a day at Del Mar.

Lunch and Drinks at Veranda Café

One of the most beautiful places to enjoy a late lunch or cocktails at Del Mar is the Veranda Café, particularly the patio. It overlooks the paddock (the area where the horses are saddled before each race) with one of the most spectacular views you could ever hope for.

Silks Gift Shop

Del Mar’s Silks gift shop is one of the best in horse racing. Whether you’re searching for a souvenir of your weekend or looking for the perfect present, it’s a must-visit destination while you’re at the track.

Around Town

L’Auberge

Looking for a little luxury? L’Auberge is the premier hotel in Del Mar, offering restaurants, a spa, and an incredible bar scene after each day of racing. It’s the place to see and be seen once the races are over, and you’ll run into trainers, owners, and even jockeys in the bar area on any given evening. It’s a must-visit, even if you don’t plan on staying overnight. 

Surfing Lessons

If you’ve never tried your hand at surfing, a weekend at Del Mar is the perfect time to try it out. Del Mar Surf School is right in town, and they offer beginner lessons that include access to a surfboard, wetsuit, and commemorative photos.

Golf

If you love golf, you’re going to adore Del Mar. The area is surrounded by golf courses, including the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla. Mission Bay and Balboa Golf Course are also local, so get ready to tee up before heading to the track.

The Jockey Club supports many aftercare initiatives including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the only accrediting body in aftercare, and Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.), which encourages the retraining of Thoroughbreds into other disciplines upon completion of careers. View all of the initiatives supported by The Jockey Club.