Del Mar Racetrack: San Diego’s Most Glamorous Summer Tradition

August 18, 2026By maverickbirdPosted in Travel Extras, Travel Guides, Travel Tips

Let’s start with a question. How many racetracks do you know that are located near a beach? Not many, right? That’s exactly why the Del Mar Racetrack is special. This is Southern California’s most distinctive summer tradition. Most racetracks ask visitors to choose between serious racing and sunny beaches, but not this time. You get to enjoy the sun, swim, and watch a high-level horse race. Here, horses matter, racing is top-notch, trainers bring promising two-year-olds and established runners, and the place comes to life during the summer. Del Mar is also about dresses, suits, cocktails, sunshine, and long walks through the paddock before each race. That’s why hundreds of thousands of people come here every summer. It is packed with events, there are plenty of things to see, it is perfect for the children, and of course, there is horse racing. Let’s dive deeper into Del Mar during the summer, and how it ended up being a tradition.

Bing Crosby Helped Build the Del Mar Image

Not many people know that Del Mar opened in 1937 with Bing Crosby waiting at the entrance to get the first fan through the gate. He wasn’t simply a celebrity who got invited to cut a ribbon. Crosby was one of the people who actually brought Del Mar to life, helping establish its relaxed mixture of Hollywood glamour and, of course, serious racing. The location quickly became a popular spot for celebrities. Del Mar’s own historical records mention visitors including Ava Gardner, W.C. Fields, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Mickey Rooney, and many others who visited the racetrack at least once. Why? Well, it was luxurious, the events were professional, and there was betting involved. And another thing that most people don’t know (or maybe they do) is that celebrities love betting on horses. Over the years, Del Mar became one of the main racing hubs in America. Right now, there are plenty of horse racing events, especially during the summer, so if you love betting, this is the right place to go. But even if you don’t know much about horse racing, and you’ve never placed a bet, you only need to take a look at the Del Mar horse racing picks, and you’ll quickly learn some strategies on how to find a horse with winning potential to bet on.

Seabiscuit Made Sure the Racing Was Taken Seriously

A glamorous crowd can attract attention. A memorable horse keeps it. In 1938, only one year after Del Mar opened, Seabiscuit faced Ligaroti in a match race arranged partly through Crosby’s promotional instincts. The race attracted approximately 20,000 spectators and a national radio audience. Seabiscuit, carrying 130 pounds against Ligaroti’s 115, won by a nose after a prolonged duel. That race helped establish Del Mar as more than a Hollywood gathering with a betting window. The track could produce genuine sporting drama. Since then, major trainers and jockeys have made Del Mar part of their summer schedules. Bill Shoemaker became closely associated with the course, while Charlie Whittingham, D. Wayne Lukas, Bob Baffert and other leading trainers have used the meet to develop young horses and target important stakes.

Photo by Joshua Adams on Unsplash

Opening Day Is the Social Event

Every Del Mar racing day has atmosphere. Opening Day is something else. The 2026 summer meeting began on Friday, July 17, with racing, live entertainment and the track’s famous hat contest. The official schedule placed the first race at 2 p.m., with hat entries closing at 3 p.m. and winners announced after the sixth race. The hat contest explains much of Opening Day in one detail. People do not arrive wearing a tasteful sun hat they found beside the door. They plan. There are feathers, flowers, sculpted shapes and headpieces requiring the sort of structural support normally associated with small bridges. Some are elegant. Some are funny. Some appear to have been created during a disagreement between a florist and an architect.

The Seaside Setting Changes the Entire Mood

Del Mar’s location is not a decorative detail. It is central to the experience. The track sits in coastal North County San Diego, around 20 miles north of San Diego International Airport. Amtrak and Coaster trains stop at nearby Solana Beach, with complimentary race-day shuttles connecting passengers to the racetrack. That makes Del Mar feel different from racetracks surrounded by large urban developments or isolated beyond the suburbs. Visitors can combine racing with beaches, coastal restaurants and an evening in Del Mar or nearby Solana Beach. The climate also helps. Summer racing takes place outdoors, but the coastal location generally avoids the harsher heat found farther inland. The sea breeze moves through the grandstand, and the light gives late-afternoon races the polished appearance of a tourism commercial.

The 2026 Summer Season Runs Through Labor Day

Del Mar’s 2026 summer meeting runs from July 17 through Monday, September 7. Gates generally open two hours before the first race, although post times vary by day and should be checked before travelling. That gives visitors several ways to experience the track. Opening Day is best for fashion and atmosphere. Pacific Classic Day offers the strongest championship racing. Regular afternoons are often easier for newcomers who want to explore without the largest crowds. So, even though the racing season has already started, you still get time to catch some horse racing action. Grab your hat and some suncream, and book your tickets to one of the most unique racetracks in the world.

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