The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is a popular horse racing venue just north of San Diego. Known for its summer season, it is sometimes referred to as "where the turf meets the surf," attracting top horses, trainers, jockeys, and fans worldwide. In the 2025 Del Mar Meet, the summer races will be held from Friday, July 18, to Sunday, September 7.
If you're a first-time visitor, this guide will tell you about crucial dates, major races, ticket information, local advice, and more. Each summer, Del Mar provides "thrills, glamour, and high-stakes excitement," according to Fine Magazine. You can expect a vibrant environment and exciting races. Del Mar, now in its 86th season, is known as "the place to be in the summer" among racing lovers and top competitors on the West Coast.
Prepare for not only the racing, but also stylish clothes, delicious meals, and breathtaking ocean views. We'll go over the track's history, the full schedule for 2025, helpful preparation ideas for your trip, and guidance to help you make the most of your day at the races.
The Del Mar Meet is a significant summer horse race event in the United States. It began in 1937, due to Bing Crosby and his friend William Quigley. The initial season featured the known horse Seabiscuit and was the first Thoroughbred race shown on national television.
The track is located near the seaside in Del Mar, California, and features a one-mile dirt oval and a turf course. People enjoy it for its ocean air, lively atmosphere, and the phrase "Where the turf meets the surf."
It's not just racing; it's a complete summer experience. You'll see celebrities, eat excellent cuisine and drinks, and chill in the coastal atmosphere. Whether you're a race fan or new to the sport, Del Mar is hospitable, entertaining, and full of enjoyable events. It's no surprise that this is one of the West Coast's most popular events.
The 2025 Del Mar summer meet is expected to take place from Friday, July 18, to Sunday, September 7. Races are held every week on Thursdays and Fridays, as well as Saturdays and Sundays, except the first week, which runs just Friday through Sunday. (Racing is also held on Labor Day, Monday, September 1). In total, the race lasts eight weeks and 31 racing days.
The first day, Opening Day, on July 18, begins with a bang: the Caesars Sportsbook Oceanside Stakes, along with the annual Opening Day Hat Contest in the Plaza de Mexico, and the festive "After Pony Party" at nearby L'Auberge hotel. Every week includes a themed day or festival along with one or more stakes races. Here are some highlights from the 2025 schedule:
| Date | Major Races & Events |
| July 18 | Opening Day is highlighted by the Caesars Sportsbook Oceanside Stakes, along with the annual hat contest and the After Pony Party. |
| July 26 | Bing Crosby Stakes and San Diego Handicap |
| Aug 2 | Uncorked Wine Festival, including racing highlighted by the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes. |
| Aug 16 | Del Mar Oaks with 2025 Breeders' Cup tumbler giveaway |
| Aug 30 | Pacific Classic Day features a packed card, including the Del Mar Mile, Del Mar Handicap, Green Flash Handicap, and Torrey Pines Stakes. |
| Aug 31 | Family Fun Day with racing, including the Caesars Sportsbook Del Mar Derby. Plus, Savory Sundays with duck tacos and Kobe beef sliders from Pamplemousse. |
| Sept 7 | Closing day (plus Savory Sundays), with racing led by the Del Mar Futurity and Del Mar Juvenile Turf. |
If you want to race at the Del Mar races, you should arrange your plans in advance. Tickets for the 2025 season will be available on Friday, May 9th. They can be purchased on Del Mar's website. The most popular days, such as Opening Day and Pacific Classic Day, are quite popular; therefore purchasing tickets early is a good idea.
General admission tickets provide visitors with access to both the race and the program. If you want higher seats or other benefits, you can choose premium or reserved seats.
Getting to Del Mar is simple. It's only a short trip north of San Diego. If you're flying in, land at San Diego International Airport and then drive for 20-30 minutes. You can also ride the Pacific Surfliner train to Solana Beach Station, which is about one mile from the track. Driving is also acceptable, however on popular days, it is best to arrive early because traffic can become blocked near the track.
For places to stay, Del Mar and adjacent Solana Beach provide a variety of excellent lodging options. L'Auberge Del Mar, a luxury hotel located directly across from the racetrack, is a popular choice. It has a spa, fine restaurants, and beach views; jockeys and trainers hang out there after races.
You’ll also find hotels and apartments in adjacent cities such as Encinitas and Del Mar Village. It's the ideal location for a summer weekend, with beaches, food, and entertainment options. A day at the races could easily lead to a relaxed beach vacation.
Del Mar has a variety of activities outside of racing, so there's always something to do. To make the most of your time, consider the following:
With over 300 races to watch. You will have lots of opportunities to visit these destinations between races. The track also offers "Savory Sundays," where local restaurants open (like barbeque, Asian, etc.).
If you arrive early or stay overnight, there are lots of activities to enjoy in and near Del Mar:
If you decide to place a bet, keep in mind that there’s no stigma in small bets or beginner’s bets. Del Mar is highly beginner-friendly when it comes to betting. The easiest bet to make is a "win" bet, in which you pick a horse to finish first. A "place" bet pays if the horse finishes second, first, or third, whereas a "show" bet pays first, second, or third. For example:
These are the basic rules. After that, more complex betting options include deciding the exact order of finish (exactas, trifectas, exactas, etc.). If you want to learn more about the sport, America's Best Racing offers a detailed betting guide as well as an online "Gambling Calculator" that shows you the cost of winning and payouts. Remember, you can enjoy the races without betting. Look at the horses movements, enjoy the energy of the crowd, and enjoy the event; this is the core of happiness.
In 2025, the Del Mar Meet is going to be more than just a race event. It is a traditional California summer event. It's the perfect combination of sports and entertainment, with thrilling races, amazing ocean views, entertaining activities, and delicious food. Del Mar welcomes everyone, whether you are just beginning or a seasoned racing fan.
Get there early, dress stylishly (or casually), and spend the entire day in the ocean. From family-friendly activities, to celebrity sightings, and exciting stakes, your visit towards Del Mar is sure to be memorable.
Del Mar Meet runs from Friday, July 18 through the 7th of September, Sunday and races are held every Thursday through Sunday, and also Labor Day (Sept 1).
Tickets begin selling on May 9, 2025 and can be purchased through Del Mar's official website. Make reservations early for the big racing days.
Key events include Opening Day (July 18), Pacific Classic Day (Aug 30), The Hat Contest, and weekly theme-based festivals and Savory Sundays.
Yes! Children who are 17 or less can enter at no cost when accompanied by a paying adult. Sundays usually include face painting, pony rides and family fun.
Start with basic bets such as Place, Win or Show. Del Mar is beginner-friendly and even has instructions to help you understand the basics of betting.
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