Located just 20 minutes north of San Diego, Del Mar is a beautiful and inviting seaside village that’s rich in history and modern fun alike. Here, travelers can pair small-town charm with big adventures as they explore stunning destinations along the Pacific Coast. Packed with amazing eateries, shops, entertainment venues, and views, Del Mar makes it simple for travelers to customize a stay according to personal style. If you happen to be a racing enthusiast, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club & Fairgrounds are a one-stop resource for area fun and entertainment that you simply won’t want to miss out on the next time you’re here. 

Enjoy Time at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club 

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club & Fairgrounds is located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard in Del Mar making it a convenient addition to any California-bound itinerary. Coined as a place where “The Turf Meets The Surf,” the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is proud to be a world-class Thoroughbred racing destination in the country. It welcomes the industry’s top athletes and horses from mid-July through early September each year with some special events running through November and December.  

A Rich History to Discover 

When you take time to enjoy a race at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, you’ll be enjoying time in a place that’s rich in history. The thoroughbred club was first opened back in 1937 by Bing Crosby and since that time has played host to celebrities across the decades. Personalities like Desi Arnaz and Lucille often frequented the club which was and continues to possess a reputation for sophistication, fun, and high fashion. The excitement of horse racing brings visitors from across the map in droves seeking a place where they can easily pair modern marvels with a sense of old Hollywood still intact. A highlight event at the track each year is the Del Mar Bing Crosby Season which typically runs from November through December. 

Types of Tickets Available to Purchase 

Customizing your spectator experience at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is a breeze for guests. There are many different ticketing options to choose from depending on how you’d prefer to spend your time. General admissions tickets are available as well as Turf Club tickets and special event seating selections too. Grandstand seating offers added elegance and a great view while trackside tables and dining options ensure your visit is as delicious as it is exciting. 

Exploring the Fairgrounds 

The Del Mar Fairgrounds at the same address has been a place where people have been making memories in the area since 1936. At that time, agriculture was what brought people together for an annual fair experience where food, flowers, and fibers were on display. Today, the Del Mar Fairgrounds are managed and operated by the 22nd District Agricultural Association which is made up of a nine-member board appointed by the Governor of California. Fairground funding comes from on-site events with the largest of the annual bunch being the San Diego County Fair.  

Fairground Purpose and Mission  

Enjoying time at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is an exercise in serving out the area’s greater purpose. The fairgrounds were designed to be a timeless community treasure where visitors can connect, interact through exceptional experiences, and flourish in good company. The fairgrounds have set out on a mission to provide residents and visitors of Del Mar with a place where they can embrace shared interests, enjoy diverse experiences, and provide services for the community that are accessible, fun, and safe. The emphasis of events at the fairgrounds is promoted across recreation, agriculture, entertainment, and education. Today, the Del Mar Fairgrounds sprawls across a 121-acre campus that also hosts an RV park and the horse tracks.  

Book Your Stay in Del Mar Today 

When travel plans bring you to Southern California, the team at Vacation Rentals by Kimberly is here to make sure you have amazing accommodations in place to top it all off in style. Reach out today to learn more and to start planning your next trip.  

FAQ 

What is parking like at the venue? 

Parking fees are charged on a per-vehicle basis when entering the facility. Re-entry is not allowed. 

What are some of the special events hosted at the Thoroughbred Club? 

Year-round, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club hosts a variety of special events that appeal to visitors with interests of all types. The Thanksgiving Brunch is a fan-favorite each year while the Beer & Cider Fest happens in November. The Wine Down experience occurs each Friday with half-off select wine bottles for visitors to enjoy. Don’t miss out on Taste of the Turf Club on Sundays which is a decadent day at the races with creative cuisine and bottomless mimosas to savor. There’s also Holiday at the Races at the end of the year which pairs shopping, pampering, and parties at the track. 

Can I rent the Del Mar Fairgrounds for my event? 

Yes. The Del Mar Fairgrounds can be booked for private events upon request including trade shows and concerts. Our on-site managers and catering staff can help organize personal events across our more than 200,000 square feet of entertainment space. 

Are there vacation rentals near the venue? 

Yes. The team at Vacation Rentals by Kimberly is happy to help travelers get settled in a vacation rental that keeps them well within reach of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and Fairgrounds.