Things to do
Things to do in Del Mar
Fifteen blocks of village between the racetrack and the bluff, and a fight over the fairgrounds in every election cycle.
Things to do
Del Mar RacetrackSports
The seaside thoroughbred track opened in 1937 with Bing Crosby as a founder. It runs a summer meet and a fall Bing Crosby Season, scheduled for Nov. 6-29, 2026.
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar
Del Mar FairgroundsFamily
Home of the San Diego County Fair since 1936 and host to horse shows, concerts and weekend swap meets and expos through the year.
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar
Powerhouse ParkPark
A grassy bluff-top park at the foot of 15th Street with a community center, playground and direct stairs to the beach.
Seagrove ParkPark
A small oceanfront lawn at the end of 15th Street that is the town's gathering spot for sunset and summer concerts.
North Beach (Dog Beach)Beach
The beach at the mouth of the San Dieguito River, where dogs are allowed off leash for much of the year under city seasonal rules.
Torrey Pines State Beach and ReserveTrail
Del Mar's southern border opens onto Torrey Pines State Beach and the reserve trails that protect one of only two natural stands of the Torrey pine.
San Dieguito Lagoon and Coast to Crest TrailTrail
Restored wetlands east of the fairgrounds with flat trails for birding and walking, part of the regional trail that follows the river inland.
Del Mar PlazaShopping
A terraced shopping center at Camino Del Mar and 15th Street with an upper deck overlooking the ocean.
Eat & drink
Jake's Del MarOceanfront American
A beachfront dining room on Coast Boulevard that has been the town's go-to for sunset dinners for decades.
Poseidon on the BeachSeafood and California
Next door to Jake's with a patio directly on the sand, known for weekend brunch.
Board & BrewSandwich shop
The original location of the North County sandwich chain, known for its sweet 'secret' sauce.
Pacifica Del MarSeafood
A Del Mar Plaza restaurant with an ocean-view terrace that has long anchored the plaza's upper level.
Zel's Del MarNeighborhood bar and restaurant
A casual Camino Del Mar spot with live music that serves as the village's local hangout.
Annual events
San Diego County FairJune-July (June 10-July 5, 2026)
The county's largest annual event, with a new theme each year; 2026's was 'Once Upon a Fair.'
Del Mar summer racing seasonMid-July to early September
Opening Day is a hat-and-fashion spectacle, and the meet's marquee race is the Pacific Classic.
Bing Crosby SeasonNovember (Nov. 6-29, 2026)
Del Mar's fall race meet, closing with a turf festival over Thanksgiving weekend.