Del Mar Horse Races Opening Day Summer Season - July 20

Del Mar horse racing returns! The 2024 Summer Season kicks off on July 20th. Get the details including dates, times, special events, ticket info, tips & more!
Amanda Rosa
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Del Mar Horse Races Opening Day Summer Season
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The Del Mar Horse Races Summer Season 2024 is About to Begin!

Entrance to the Del Mar Thoroughbred ClubDel Mar City Beach

Horse racing fans rejoice! The Del Mar Horse Races 2024 are returning soon!

From July 20th to September 8th to the delight of both locals and visitors, thoroughbred racing is back just 20 miles north of Downtown San Diego at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Opened in 1937 by Bing Crosby himself, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has been welcoming visitors ever since.

With the opening all set, it feels like summer is finally in full swing in San Diego! We’ve got a full calendar of events to share with you below, so read on for the details for the upcoming Summer 2024 season!

Grand Stands at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Grand Stands at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

Opening Day

When we say opening day is a local and international favorite, that’s putting it lightly. July 20th is going to be about three things - fast horses, fancy hats, and, of course, big bets!

Expect the day to be fueled by high energy fun, high emotions, and non-stop excitement.

The gates open at 11:30 AM and the first, out of eleven races, starts at 2 PM.

The full calendar is currently available through the official website.

Opening Day Hat Contest

The popular Hat Contest is back!

From 11:30 AM to 3 PM in the Plaza de Mexico, hundreds of race ready hat creations will be vying for the ultimate bragging rights in four categories:

  • Best Racing Theme
  • Most Glamorous
  • Best Fascinator
  • Best Flowers

Winners will be announced after the 6th race, and with over $4,000 this year in prize money - we hope you’ll have your hat in the race.

The Grandstands at the Del Mar Horse Races
The Grandstands at the Del Mar Horse Races

Weekend Handicapping Seminar

Hosted by Frank Scatoni and Dan Smith, in a rotating schedule, these free seminars feature expert guest speakers.

You’ll get expert analysis, insights, and opinions on the day’s race card from top handicappers, horsemen, and others.

July Dates:

  • Saturday, July 20th
  • Sunday, July 21st
  • Saturday, July 27th
  • Sunday, July 28th

Local Tips
Opening Day Sold Out!
Unfortunately, opening day admission tickets are currently sold out. However, as of this writing, reservations for the Opening Day VIP, Champion’s Terrance, and The Grand, at Bing Crosby’s Turf Club, are still available!

Upcoming Events

Race Track at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Race Track at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

Opening day isn’t the only party at the Del Mar Racetrack! Let’s have a look at what else you can look forward to during the 2024 Summer season.

Beer Festival

We’re talking about three great things at the beer festival - tasty food, fast horses, and plenty of beer!

During the event you’ll be able to pair 50+ local beers, ciders, and seltzers with seasonal, gourmet dishes for an afternoon that’s truly Del Mar.

Details: July 21st | 1 - 5 PM | Seaside Cabana

Good Times at the Uncorked San Diego Wine Festival
Good Times at the Uncorked San Diego Wine Festival

Uncorked Wine Festival

Raise your glass and toast to over 100 wines from around the world as you watch the races from the Stretch Run.

Food trucks will be onsite together with plenty of races to make for a memorable event.

Details: August 3rd | 2 - 5 PM | Seaside Cabana

Mexican Food Vendor at the San Diego County Fair
Mexican Food Vendor at the San Diego County Fair

Tacos & Tequila Festival

Pair some of the best local tacos with specialty tequilas and margaritas in early August at the track.

Tequila brand ambassadors will be available to answer questions.

Details: August 3rd | 2 - 5 PM | Seaside Cabana

Charity Challenge

A benefit for LRF Cares, a charity dedicated to the aftercare of thoroughbreds, this event will have a $600 buy-in, with $30,000 expected in cash prizes, seats, and entries in the PCBC.

Details: August 11th | On-Track & TVG.org

Taste of New Orleans

A celebration of New Orleans with authentic food, music, and drinks, this late August event is sure to be an authentic NOLA experience.

The event will also feature live brass band music and a mini parade.

Details: August 24th | 1 - 6 PM | Seaside Cabana

Pacific Classic Betting Challenge

Who will win the premier event at Del Mar?

This is the big event with a $4,000 buy in, cash prizes, Breeder’s Cup entries, seats, and more!

Details: August 31st | On-Track & TVG.org

Save on the Go City Pass!
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Meet over 5,000 fish & sea animals at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. The All-Inclusive Go City Pass includes access to marine exhibits, interactive displays and hands-on experiences, like touching a shark!
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Local Tips
Who can use a Go City San Diego pass?

Adults and children (ages 3 to 12) can use the Go City San Diego pass – All-Inclusive or Explorer pass – to visit the area’s top attractions and activities.

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Tickets & Admission

Stands at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Stands at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

Unfortunately, opening day admission tickets are currently sold out.

However, as of this writing, reservations for the Opening Day VIP, Champion’s Terrance, and The Grand, at Bing Crosby’s Turf Club, are still available!

Tickets to The Party are sold out, but tickets are still available for the Official After Pony Party at Rancho Valencia.

It’s always worth checking to see if more tickets are made available or if anything has changed. And know that there is still plenty of availability to see the races on a smattering of days this Summer!

You can purchase your tickets directly from the Del Mar website.

I do want to mention that there will be no races on Labor Day, Monday, September 2nd.

Popular Hotels
Popular Hotels
Price
DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego - Del Mar
$135
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Best Western Premier Del Mar Inn Hotel
$136
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Fairmont Grand Del Mar
$349
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Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Solana Beach
$144
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Making the Most of Your Visit to the Track

What’s better than a day at the races? Knowing you’re staying at the heart of Del Mar and making the most of your stay.

Main Lobby at Lauberge Del Mar Resort and Spa
Main Lobby at Lauberge Del Mar Resort and Spa

Where to Stay

L’Auberge Del Mar’s Pacific Ocean views, luxury amenities, and award-winning accommodations make this one of our favorite hotels to recommend to visitors.

Loved by locals, L’Auberge offers on-site dining, a luxe spa, and an ocean view pool deck.

In our view, it’s the perfect pairing for any visit at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.

Trail at San Dieguito River Park
Trail at San Dieguito River Park

Your Go City San Diego Pass: Do More in San Diego!

Del Mar offers visitors a lot to see and do, from shopping to nearby beaches to attractions and more!

Visiting the Birch Aquarium at Scripps in nearby La Jolla is one of our top suggestions especially with a Go City San Diego pass.

The aquarium features over 5,000 fish, allows visitors to be part of live feedings and talks, and also has many hands-on activities.

The Go City San Diego pass also includes popular attractions and museums across San Diego from the world-famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, the exciting SeaWorld San Diego in Mission Bay Park and fun & educational museums in Downtown.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF for an additional savings.

Featured Hotel
L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa
Pool with Ocean View of Del Mar at L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa
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L’Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa offers guest award-winning 4-star luxury with contemporary design, plush rooms and suites and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Prices Starting at $288
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Stay Nearby

DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego - Del Mar
Near Torrey Pines
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego - Del Mar
from $135 / night
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Best Western Premier Del Mar Inn Hotel
Near Torrey Pines
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Best Western Premier Del Mar Inn Hotel
from $136 / night
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Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Luxury Hotel
5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
from $349 / night
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Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Solana Beach
Near Torrey Pines
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Solana Beach
from $144 / night
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