Where the Turf Meets the Surf
Del Mar is 20 miles north of San Diego, a sea breeze from the Pacific, and the most beautiful thoroughbred racetrack in North America. The summer meet runs roughly late July through early September — six weeks, ~47 race days, and racing history layered into every furlong of the track.
A brief history
Bing Crosby and Pat O'Brien opened Del Mar on July 3, 1937. Crosby had a simple pitch: build a world-class racetrack in one of the most beautiful seaside settings on earth, where the morning fog keeps the track cool and the afternoon sun burns it off just in time for the races. The opening-day crowd included Hollywood royalty, California social figures, and genuine horse people — a combination that has defined Del Mar's character ever since.
Jimmy Durante sang "Where the Turf Meets the Surf"at the inaugural meet. The song became the track's unofficial anthem and is still played every day at the start of races. Seabiscuit raced here in 1938, losing a celebrated match race to Ligaroti. The track closed during World War II (used as a military barracks), reopened in 1945, and has run continuously since.
The current clubhouse and grandstand were rebuilt in 1993 to give every seat a view of the ocean. The turf course, installed in 1966, is considered one of the finest in North America — well-drained, consistently fast, and capable of attracting international contenders.
Defining moments
The signature races
Planning your visit
NCTD Coaster (Solana Beach stop, 5-min walk) is the easiest option — no parking stress, no DUI risk. Race-day special trains run from downtown San Diego. Uber/Lyft drop at the Camino del Mar gate.
General admission via the turnstiles is $6–10 depending on the day. Reserved seating in the Clubhouse or Turf Club runs $20–30 and includes access to the best angles over the stretch. Opening Day and Pacific Classic weekend sell out — book early.
Skyworks Grill has the best view of the stretch turn. The Surfside Kitchen serves craft burgers and local beer. Bring cash for the betting windows — the apps work fine too. Del Mar has one of the best infield food villages in North American racing.
Del Mar has a dress code for the Clubhouse and Turf Club (smart casual; no tank tops or flip-flops). The infield is casual. Opening Day is a fashion event — people wear hats. Pacific Classic weekend leans elegant. Regular race days: come as you are.
The apron rail between the 1/8 pole and the wire gives the best in-person racing view in Southern California. The upper Clubhouse has great angles on the turn. The infield is social and festive. If you want to study the races seriously, get a Turf Club seat early.
TwinSpires, DRF Bets, and FanDuel Racing all accept wagers at Del Mar. Pools open 20–25 minutes before each post; the final 3 minutes see the sharpest line moves.
The track
One mile oval. The main surface is fast dirt — typically rated "Fast" or "Good" through the summer meet. The inside rail favors early speed in dirt sprints, particularly in the first week when the rail is freshest. Speed bias moderates as the meet progresses. Stretch: 919 feet — long enough for closers to make up ground, short enough that lone speed on a fast pace often lasts.
7/8-mile inner turf course, installed 1966. Consistently rated "Firm" through most of the summer. Excellent drainage means it rarely goes soft. The turf course is inside the dirt main track, with a chute for the 1⅛m starts. European-style turns make it friendly to momentum runners. Del Mar's turf is genuinely world-class and attracts runners from England, Ireland, and France.
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club · 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
Racing every Friday–Monday during the summer meet (except select holidays)