Del Mar
4.5
About
Bet and cheer on your lucky Thoroughbred horse at the Del Mar Race Track, the second-largest horse racing venue in the country. Visit between late July and mid-September or from mid-November through early December to catch a race. You can book a hotel in the area to make the most of the event, as up to 10 races are held on a single day. If you’re around for Opening Day, you’ll get to take part in the hat contest and attend the opening party. The Del Mar Fairgrounds hosts the annual San Diego County Fair in June. . – Tripadvisor
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
569 reviews
Excellent
327
Very good
181
Average
48
Poor
12
Terrible
1
William P
Omaha, NE678 contributions
Jul 2021
Attended twice in July. The first opening Sunday, and the first general admission Friday a week after the opening day. Had a ton of fun with the grandkids on Sunday taking up twelve seats in the First Turn Restaurant area. What wasn't fun were the prices. Rather than break everything down, let me say it was a $1,000 day which didn't include a pennies worth of betting! A beer went for $16 and a soda for $6. Speciality drinks ran $25. The seats ran close to $500, which included parking and admission, but zero food/drink. Service was not good, but I'll cut a generous amount of slack since it was the servers first day and she was overwhelmed. Our replacement server was excellent and comped us a couple of food items, which was appreciated. Track looked great and the ground landscaping, especially in the paddock area, was immaculate.
Firday's experience was on the cheap, but at Del Mar, even cheap is expensive.
$10 to park and $16 general admission (wife included) + program puts you in the hole for $36 dollars, and if you're a handicapper, like I am the DRF will cost you another $10 which includes the form of horses running at six other tracks which I paid for that I didn't want or use. Sitting down in the gen admission section which was maybe 5% full was roomy at least, but for a two dollar better to be be sitting down $46 dollars in the hole made breaking even impossible. Needless to say we drank and ate before attending Friday.
I would have loved to give the track 5stars, but based on value it''s a 2-3 star experience. Suggestion to mgm. cut prices 50% across the board and they'll still be high enough to keep the riff-rafe invisible at the simulcast sites.
Firday's experience was on the cheap, but at Del Mar, even cheap is expensive.
$10 to park and $16 general admission (wife included) + program puts you in the hole for $36 dollars, and if you're a handicapper, like I am the DRF will cost you another $10 which includes the form of horses running at six other tracks which I paid for that I didn't want or use. Sitting down in the gen admission section which was maybe 5% full was roomy at least, but for a two dollar better to be be sitting down $46 dollars in the hole made breaking even impossible. Needless to say we drank and ate before attending Friday.
I would have loved to give the track 5stars, but based on value it''s a 2-3 star experience. Suggestion to mgm. cut prices 50% across the board and they'll still be high enough to keep the riff-rafe invisible at the simulcast sites.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael L
Irvine4 contributions
Jul 2021
I wrote a review previously but Trip Advisor removed it because it didn't vibe with their Covid beliefs. This is a beautiful race course but with separate Covid policies for entering the stable area and the main entrance area. This is treating people different based on a "health" choice around vaccines or covid tests? Those who don't can't enter stable area (even as an owner) but people are free to enter grandstand regardless of status. I think the people making this policy are decent people, but this policy does not make sense if based on health. I would encourage equal access to all their patrons, and not just privileges for people spending money on gambling and foood/drink. *Not: planned to visit in July but was not allowed to come by because I am unvaccinated and unwilling to submit to a covid test. But been there many times.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
larilu
Las Vegas, NV11,844 contributions
Nov 2021 • Friends
Del Mar is a great World Class racetrack, especially when hosting the Breeders Cup. This past November was no different. A great weekend hosted by Del Mar made our entire trip/weekend spectacular. All the staff from the parking attendants to the mutuel tellers, were very friendly and helpful. Looking forward to the next Breeders Cup at Del Mar! Overall Rating ~ Very Good
Written January 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3DTV
St. George, UT32 contributions
Aug 2022
This was a fun way to spend a couple of days. The track is just across the street from the beach and we stayed at the Hilton that is within walking distance making coming and going from the track less of a hassle. It also enables you to go back to the room for a little rest or food as the race day will be 8-10 races long and everything in the track is expensive.
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve E
10 contributions
Aug 2022
Del Mar Race track is a GREAT facility, but unfortunately the major Jockey's and trainers have abandoned this thoroughbred race track. There is no rhyme or reason in trying to handicap the entries at Del Mar. The top notch trainers and Jockeys are all on the east coast. All you need to do is check out the the payoffs of the Pick 4, 5, and 6's this season a Del Mar to understand what I am talking about.
Stay away from this goat thoroughbred race track until the BIG Boys decide to come back here. Your wallet will appreciate it! Bing Crosby has to be rolling around in his grave! 😨
Stay away from this goat thoroughbred race track until the BIG Boys decide to come back here. Your wallet will appreciate it! Bing Crosby has to be rolling around in his grave! 😨
Written September 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vpvalencia
Santa Clarita, CA109 contributions
Sep 2022
Drove down from LA to visit some family members in OC, so we though a day at the races would be fun.
We elected to go on Friday as the races started later, which made it much more pleasant with the cooler weather. Surprised it wasn't very crowded. Valet parked, which was well worth it, although it was a long wait to retrieve our car.
Not many food choices, and certainly nothing healthy. Overall a fun day.
We elected to go on Friday as the races started later, which made it much more pleasant with the cooler weather. Surprised it wasn't very crowded. Valet parked, which was well worth it, although it was a long wait to retrieve our car.
Not many food choices, and certainly nothing healthy. Overall a fun day.
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kumtux
Vancouver, WA547 contributions
Nov 2022
This was my first experience at a horse racing track on the fall opening day (Veteran's Day). Classic old stadium that is operated by the State of California. Valet parking is worth it. Friendly and informative agents for placing your bets. Didn't win, but minimum bets for a horse to win is only $2. Beautiful thoroughbred horses in eight races over the afternoon. Fun place to spend a few hours.
Written November 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hank956
Brownsville, TX1,024 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
First impressions
Exciting
Parking
Plenty, up close (valet 30, preferred 20, regular 10) to far away but there is a trolley. Rideshare is also available.
Ambiance
It’s a racetrack so exciting.
Beautiful
Menu
A couple of options to get.
Food
Stadium food good
Price
Good for stadium fare
Final Thoughts
Make it a day, visit Del Mar beach and restaurants prior to racetrack.
Walk around and explore all the venue.
You can Basically sit anywhere but there are some choice seats to reserve.
You can be right up to the track but cannot see the whole race.
Level 4 you can see the whole track.
Covered seating was great.
A must visit.
Bet as you wish, you have about 30 minutes between races but it goes fast.
Exciting
Parking
Plenty, up close (valet 30, preferred 20, regular 10) to far away but there is a trolley. Rideshare is also available.
Ambiance
It’s a racetrack so exciting.
Beautiful
Menu
A couple of options to get.
Food
Stadium food good
Price
Good for stadium fare
Final Thoughts
Make it a day, visit Del Mar beach and restaurants prior to racetrack.
Walk around and explore all the venue.
You can Basically sit anywhere but there are some choice seats to reserve.
You can be right up to the track but cannot see the whole race.
Level 4 you can see the whole track.
Covered seating was great.
A must visit.
Bet as you wish, you have about 30 minutes between races but it goes fast.
Written July 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BBmex
Murrieta, CA54 contributions
Jul 2022
1st time here. Beautiful track, location, and weather. Had a great time with friends and actually stayed for all 11 races after not planning to. Parking was not bad, and we had decent seats. Since it was opening weekend, it was definitely crowded and I would not do that again. Lines were exceedingly long for drinks (expensive beer) and food, and for wagering. Had a couple of small issues with the workers getting the bets right, but probably due to the elevated noise of the crowds. There was a definite yuppie crowd prevalent on that day (heavy drinking & loud attitude), so as an OG, not really in to it. Otherwise good time (won some small bets) and will come back again.
Written July 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
james h
Yorkville, IL31 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
Del Mar Race Track is a popular, long time Thoroughbred track that was once a hangout spot for Hollywood's biggest stars. It has a race season in November called The Bing Crosby season. Sundays are free admission and any day is fine to go and see some great racing.Plenty of parking and easy to get to.
Written March 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We’d like to take the train South from Orange County. How close to the race track is the DelMar depot? Is there a shuttle?
Written July 9, 2022
How far is little Italy from Del Mar race track
Written February 11, 2020
The only time that there is a formal dress code is opening day, the rest of the year you can find most people dress very casual. Yet if it’s a girls day and you plan on lunch at the track dressing up is fun as well 👍
Written August 30, 2018
Can you bet with a credit card at Del Mar?
Written August 9, 2018
You can’t bet with a credit however there’s a machine where you can pull cash from. Additionally there’s an app called TVG you can do online betting on
Written August 28, 2018
MarkEnyart
Montgomery, Alabama
What are ALL the parking options for the Kaboo Music Festival 14-16 September?
Written July 8, 2018
The fairgrounds have ample parking.There is a fee which may vary by event. I'd check the Kaboo Music Festival or Del Mar Fairground website for details. Hope this helps.
Written July 9, 2018
We are a group of 8, 4 kids 4 adults, debating on going Sunday 22nd for family day or Wednesday because it works best in our schedule. Do you have to pay admission to get in, plus parking, plus buy seats? I'm confused as far as tickets go!
What does the diamond club do for you? Best to get when there or sign up ahead of time?
Written June 27, 2018
Yes each person pays an admission. The price depends on where you go at the Race Track.The least expensive is the Stretch run at $6.00 The Diamond Club provides a discount of 50% but I'm not sure if the pricier tickets are also discounted. . There are tables set up for joining the Diamond club on site. There is also a parking fee of $15.00 and seats are available to purchase with the price depending on where the seats are located. If you plan on buying seats go early as some sections get sold out asap. There is always a section of free seating available . You can check out more info at the Del Mar Race Track website. Hope this info helps you decide.
Written June 27, 2018
I'm planning a visit to Del Mar Race track with my 13 yr old son and 15 yr old daughter. Possibly on opening day. Any tips or warnings? Do we need to dress up? Best seats with good value? Thanks!
Written May 15, 2018
Nope just show up. Opening dayis Big Hat Contest All ages. Be creative. Have
Written May 15, 2018
Is the track open for tours or just seeing on the October 27 weekend?
Written September 20, 2017
1-800-683-8959 You might try calling this number to see if they can answer your questions directly, I am unaware of any tours.
Written September 20, 2017
CC1006
Albany, New York
Hello, hoping to go to Del Mar for the Breeders cup. Trying to find out if they have a GA seating area or if most seats are assigned. I am used to the Saratoga race track where there is a paddock area where you bring your own chairs and then can walk out to the track and watch the race along the rails. If anyone has any information about the seating or any other helpful tips it would be appreciated. Thank you!
Written January 24, 2017
Yes, there are general admission seats along the track. You can bring your own folding chairs. It gets very hot in the sun.
Written February 19, 2017
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