Where to Stay, What to Wear & Insider Tips for Race Season
Del Mar Racetrack Guide
Every summer, Del Mar Racetrack comes alive with world-class Thoroughbred racing, unforgettable fashion, and one of Southern California’s most iconic social traditions. Whether you’re planning to attend Opening Day, enjoy a weekend at the races, or experience the more relaxed Bing Crosby Season, this guide has everything you need to plan your visit.
Located just minutes from the track, Guesthouse Hotel at La Valle offers a boutique retreat where guests can enjoy golf, wellness experiences, exceptional dining, and easy access to Del Mar’s most celebrated events. Read on for race day tips, what to wear, nearby restaurants, and why staying nearby makes all the difference.
Photos courtesy of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
2026 Key Race Dates & Trackside Festivals
This season brings a highly anticipated refresh to the racing schedule. To streamline the afternoon for fans, the first race post time moves to 2 PM nearly every single race day—including Fridays (which previously started at 4 PM). The only exception is closing holiday weekend, where races kick off at 1:30 PM.
The track is dark on Mondays and Tuesdays (with the exception of Labor Day Monday), so plan your trackside outings for Wednesdays through Sundays!
- Friday, July 17: Opening Day presented by Caesars Sportsbook (The ultimate summer kickoff, featuring the annual Hats Contest and the Opening Day Party)
- Saturday, July 18: Tacos & Tequila Festival
- Sunday, July 26: Family Fun Day
- Saturday, August 1: Uncorked: Del Mar Wine Fest
- Saturday, August 8: Turf & Surf Fest
- Saturday, August 15: Taste of New Orleans
- Saturday, August 22: The $1,000,000 Pacific Classic (Grade I) (Del Mar’s signature premier race, running earlier in the meet schedule this year)
- Saturday, August 29: College Day
- Saturday, September 5: BBQ & Beer Fest
- Sunday, September 6: Family Fun Day
- Monday, September 7: Labor Day Closing Day (The grand finale of the summer racing meet)
Opening Day is as much a fashion spectacle as a sporting event, and crowds build early. Be sure to coordinate your parking or rideshare drop-offs well ahead of the 2 PM post time, and join us back at the hotel bar afterward to toast to your winnings!
What Is the Del Mar Racetrack?
Since opening in 1937, Del Mar Racetrack has been one of California’s premier horse racing destinations. Co-founded by legendary entertainer Bing Crosby, the seaside track has welcomed racing enthusiasts, celebrities, and visitors from around the world for nearly a century.
Today, Del Mar is known for its exciting Thoroughbred racing, festive atmosphere, ocean breezes, and signature California style. Throughout the season, guests can enjoy live racing, premium dining, special events, concerts, and family-friendly experiences, making it one of the most popular summer attractions in North County San Diego.
Whether you’re an experienced racing fan or visiting for the first time, Del Mar Racetrack offers an unforgettable day filled with excitement, entertainment, and coastal charm.
Opening Day at Del Mar Racetrack
Opening Day is one of Southern California’s most anticipated summer events. Known for its lively atmosphere, fashionable crowds, and longstanding traditions, the celebration marks the beginning of the annual racing season.
Many guests embrace the occasion by dressing in colorful dresses, statement hats, linen suits, and polished race-day attire. While fashion is certainly part of the experience, Opening Day also features competitive racing, premium dining, entertainment, and a vibrant social scene.
If you’re planning to attend Opening Day:
- Purchase tickets in advance
- Make restaurant reservations early
- Plan extra travel time, as traffic can be significantly heavier than usual
- Consider using a rideshare service if you don’t plan to drive
After an exciting day at the track, returning to the peaceful surroundings of Guesthouse Hotel at La Valle offers the perfect opportunity to unwind by the pool, enjoy dinner, or simply relax before another day exploring North County.
Summer Racing Season
Summer racing season typically runs from mid-July through early September, with live racing offered on select days each week. Throughout the season, visitors can experience:
- Exciting Thoroughbred racing
- Family-friendly events
- Live entertainment
- Specialty food and beverage experiences
- Premium seating and hospitality options
Every race weekend offers something unique, making it easy to plan anything from a spontaneous day trip to a long weekend getaway.
Before visiting, be sure to check the official Del Mar Racetrack schedule for current race dates, special events, and ticket availability.
Bing Crosby Season
For visitors who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, Bing Crosby Season offers another opportunity to experience Del Mar Racetrack during the fall.
Typically held in late October and early November, this shorter racing season features cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and the same exciting Thoroughbred competition. It’s an excellent time for couples, golf getaways, and wellness weekends, allowing guests to combine a day at the races with everything North County San Diego has to offer.
Best Hotels Near Del Mar Racetrack: Where to Stay
Choosing accommodations near Del Mar Racetrack means spending less time in traffic and more time enjoying everything North County San Diego has to offer.
Located just 5 miles (about a 10–15 minute drive) from Del Mar Racetrack via Via De La Valle, Guesthouse Hotel at La Valle offers convenient access to race day excitement while providing a quieter, resort-inspired retreat away from the crowds.
Whether you’re visiting for Opening Day, the summer racing season, a romantic getaway, or a golf weekend, Guesthouse Hotel at La Valle is an ideal home base. Guests can enjoy boutique accommodations, a resort-style pool, wellness experiences, on-site dining, and easy access to Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Encinitas, and nearby beaches.
Experience the best of race season while relaxing in one of North County San Diego’s most welcoming boutique hotels.
Getting to Del Mar Racetrack: Parking & Transportation
Del Mar Racetrack offers several transportation options depending on your plans.
Driving
General and preferred parking are available, though lots can fill quickly during major events and Opening Day.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft are popular options, especially if you’re planning to enjoy cocktails or avoid race day traffic.
Arrive Early
Traffic increases significantly before the first race, particularly during Opening Day and popular weekends. Arriving early gives you time to explore the grounds, grab a drink, and settle into your seats before the action begins.
Del Mar Racetrack Dress Code: What to Wear
One of the most frequently asked questions is what to wear. The answer depends on the day you’re visiting.
Opening Day
Opening Day is known for elevated race-day fashion.
Women often wear:
- Sundresses or cocktail dresses
- Statement hats or fascinators
- Wedges or dress sandals
- Lightweight accessories
Men often wear:
- Linen suits or sport coats
- Dress shirts or polos
- Chinos or tailored trousers
- Loafers or dress shoes
- Regular Race Days
Most race days call for polished California casual attire.
Comfortable dresses, collared shirts, nice jeans, resort wear, and comfortable shoes are all appropriate while still feeling stylish.
Keep in mind that much of the venue is outdoors, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and lightweight layers are recommended.
Best Restaurants Near Del Mar Racetrack: Where to Eat
Starting your day with a great meal is part of the Del Mar experience.
Guests of Guesthouse Hotel at La Valle can enjoy lunch, happy hour, and dinner at Gather California Kitchen. If you would rather have something quick, stop by Oasis Cafe for a smoothie or quick bite, open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM.
Nearby, you’ll also find exceptional dining throughout Del Mar, Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, and Encinitas, offering everything from fresh seafood and coastal cuisine to elevated California fare.
Because reservations fill quickly during race season, it’s a good idea to book ahead—especially on Opening Day and weekends.
Things to Do After the Races
Race day doesn’t have to end after the final event.
Continue exploring North County San Diego with experiences such as:
- Watching the sunset at Del Mar Beach
- Shopping along Cedros Avenue Design District
- Exploring the boutiques and cafés of Rancho Santa Fe
- Visiting nearby Solana Beach or Encinitas
- Relaxing with a spa treatment
- Enjoying cocktails or dinner at Guesthouse Hotel at La Valle
- Playing a round of golf the following morning
With so many nearby attractions, it’s easy to turn a day at the races into a memorable weekend getaway.
FAQs
Guesthouse Hotel at La Valle is approximately 4.5 miles or a 10 to 15-minute drive from Del Mar Racetrack, depending on traffic.
The summer racing season generally runs from mid-July through early September, followed by Bing Crosby Season in late October and early November. Dates vary each year, so check the official Del Mar Racetrack schedule before planning your visit.
Opening Day typically calls for elevated race-day fashion, while regular race days are best suited for polished California casual attire.
Yes. The racetrack offers general and preferred parking, though spaces may fill quickly during popular events.
Yes. Uber and Lyft are convenient transportation options and can help you avoid race day traffic and parking.
Visitors can enjoy Del Mar Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Encinitas, championship golf, boutique shopping, wellness experiences, and exceptional dining throughout North County San Diego.
Staying nearby allows you to avoid long drives, enjoy more time exploring the area, and easily turn your race day into a relaxing weekend getaway.
