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Quick answer: Del Mar Racetrack can be a fun San Diego summer outing, even with kids, if you pick the right day and do not overcomplicate it. Opening Day can be pricey, with recent local reporting showing tickets starting around $73+, but regular race days are usually much cheaper and better for first-timers.
For families, I would keep it simple: regular race day, basic admission or affordable seats, general parking, a few races, light food, and maybe one tiny $2 bet for fun. Kids 17 and under receive free admission, but adult tickets, parking, food, seats, and drinks still matter.
For families, I would keep it simple: regular race day, basic admission or affordable seats, general parking, a few races, light food, and maybe one tiny $2 bet for fun. Kids racing looks a little intimidating if you have never gone before.
It feels like one of those San Diego things everyone has heard about, but not everyone knows how to actually do.
Do you need to dress up? Can you bring kids? Is betting required? How much is parking? Where should you sit? Is this a family thing, a date thing, or more of an adults-with-drinks thing?
This guide is for first-timers, especially San Diego families who want to try Del Mar Racetrack without feeling lost or accidentally overpaying.
I am not writing this as a horse racing expert. I am writing it as a practical parent guide: what to know before going, what it may cost, how betting works at the most basic level, and how to keep the day fun instead of stressful.
Basic Del Mar Racetrack Info
| Item | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Location | 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014 |
| Best for | Summer outing, first-time San Diego experience, casual betting, people-watching, family afternoon, date, or friends day out |
| Kids | Children 17 and under receive free admission but must be with a parent or legal guardian |
| Betting age | Must be at least 18 to wager |
| Parking | Charged per vehicle, no re-entry |
| First-timer plan | Watch a few races, try one small bet if you want, eat something, enjoy the vibe, leave before the kids are done |
How Much Does Del Mar Racetrack Cost?
The cost depends heavily on the day, ticket type, seating, parking, food, drinks, and whether you bet.
The number that may surprise people is Opening Day. Opening Day can be much more expensive than a regular race day. Recent local reporting listed Opening Day tickets starting around $73+, while regular daily admission was described as typically around $10. Because Del Mar tickets are date-specific and often sold through SeatGeek, always check the official ticket page before going.
For a normal family visit, I would not use Opening Day as the price baseline. Opening Day is more of a social event. If this is your first time going with kids, a regular race day is usually the better test run.
| Cost Item | Typical Range / What to Know | Frugal Dad Take |
|---|---|---|
| Regular race day admission | Recent local reporting listed regular daily admission around $10, but prices can change by date and ticket type. | Best first-timer option. Do not overpay before you know if your family likes it. |
| Opening Day admission | Can be much higher. Recent reporting listed Opening Day tickets starting around $73+. | Fun if you want the big Del Mar scene, hats, outfits, and crowds. Not my first pick for families testing it out. |
| Kids admission | Children 17 and under receive free admission, but must be with a parent or legal guardian. Discounted grandstand seating may be available for kids. | Good family value, but free admission does not mean free seats, food, parking, or drinks. |
| General parking | Official 2026 parking page lists General Parking at $15 on regular days and $20 on Opening Day. | With kids, parking is usually worth it because you can bring supplies and leave when needed. |
| Preferred parking | Official 2026 parking page lists Preferred Parking at $25 on regular days and $35 on Opening Day. | Maybe worth it if you have small kids, a stroller, or grandparents. Otherwise general parking may be fine. |
| Valet parking | Official 2026 parking page lists Valet Parking at $35 on regular days and $50 on Opening Day. | Convenient, but not necessary for a normal first visit. |
| Food and drinks | Expect event pricing. This is not a cheap lunch spot. | Eat lightly before going if you are trying to keep the day cheaper. |
| Betting | You can keep it tiny. A $2 Win, Place, or Show bet is enough to learn the basic experience. | Set a small entertainment budget before you start. Do not chase losses. |
For a budget-conscious first visit, I would mentally separate Del Mar into two versions:
| Visit Type | Estimated Family Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Simple regular race day | Adult admission + parking + light food + maybe $5-$10 in tiny bets | Families trying Del Mar for the first time |
| Opening Day / premium experience | Much higher because tickets, parking, outfits, food, drinks, and crowds all go up | Adults, date day, friends, fashion, hats, full Del Mar scene |
My recommendation: If you are going with kids for the first time, skip the $73+ Opening Day version and try a regular race day first. Kids can get free admission, parking is predictable, and you can leave after a few races without feeling like you wasted a big-ticket event.
Is Del Mar Horse Racing Good With Kids?
Yes, but with realistic expectations.
Del Mar Racetrack is not Disneyland. It is not Sesame Place. It is not a playground where your kid will be entertained every minute.
But it can work as a family outing if your plan is simple: see the horses, enjoy the atmosphere, eat something, watch a few races, and leave at a reasonable time.
The big mistake would be treating it like an all-day kid activity. Some kids may love watching the horses. Some may care for ten minutes and then want snacks. That is normal.
Parent rule: With young kids, I would plan around 2 to 4 races, not the entire day. Make it a short San Diego experience instead of forcing everyone to stay until the last race.
For families, the most important things are shade, seating, bathrooms, food, and exit timing. If you solve those, the day is much easier.
Tickets: Keep It Simple for Your First Visit
Del Mar has different ticket types: regular race day tickets, reserved seating, dining tables, Turf Club, special events, and Opening Day tickets.
For a first visit with kids, I would not overcomplicate it. Unless you know you want a premium experience, start with a normal race day. Opening Day is fun and famous, but it is also more crowded, more expensive, and more of a social event.
Regular race days are better for first-timers who just want to understand the track, see the horses, and figure out whether the family likes it.
First-time ticket tip: Do not make your first Del Mar visit the most expensive version of Del Mar. Try a regular race day first. If you love it, upgrade next time.
Children 17 and under receive free admission, but Del Mar says they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. If you want actual seats or tables, check whether discounted grandstand seating applies for children before buying.
Parking and Rideshare
Del Mar is located just west of I-5. The official driving direction is to exit Via de la Valle and head west toward the racetrack.
If you are going with kids, driving and parking may be easiest. You can bring the stroller, extra clothes, snacks, sunscreen, and leave when the kids are done.
Parking is charged per vehicle when entering, and Del Mar says there is no re-entry. So do not assume you can leave, come back, and use the same parking payment again.
If you are going with adults and plan to drink, rideshare is smarter. The official rideshare pickup and dropoff lot is on Jimmy Durante Blvd, and Del Mar says you should proceed to the lot before requesting pickup.
| Option | Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Drive and park | Families with kids, strollers, supplies, or strict nap schedules | Parking fee, no re-entry, traffic on busy days |
| Rideshare | Adults drinking, date day, friends day out | Surge pricing and pickup crowds after popular races or events |
| Train + shuttle | People who want to avoid driving and parking | You need to check train schedules and shuttle availability |
What Time Should You Arrive?
Race times can vary by date, so check the official calendar before going.
With kids, I would arrive early enough to park, get through the gate, find shade or seats, use the bathroom, buy food, and let everyone settle before the first race you actually care about.
Do not show up right at the peak time and expect the day to feel calm.
Family timing tip: If you are going with young kids, do not plan around the last race. Plan around your child’s mood. Leaving early is not failure. It is smart parenting.
Dress Code: Do You Need to Dress Up?
For general admission, you do not need to panic about dressing like you are going to a royal wedding.
Del Mar has a stylish summer vibe, especially on Opening Day, but regular race days can be more casual. A clean summer outfit, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and sun protection are enough for most first-timers.
The big exception is the Turf Club. The Turf Club has a formal dress policy. Men are required to wear a suit or sport jacket, and the policy says no shorts, t-shirts, athletic wear, wind-breakers, flip flops, abbreviated clothing, or ripped/torn/oversized denim.
| Area | How to Dress |
|---|---|
| General admission / normal race day | Clean summer casual is usually fine. Think sunglasses, comfortable shoes, hat, light layers. |
| Opening Day | People dress up more. Hats and nicer outfits are part of the event. |
| Turf Club | Follow the official dress code carefully. Men need a suit or sport jacket. |
Betting Basics for Total Beginners
You do not need to bet to enjoy Del Mar Racetrack.
But if you want to try it, keep it small and treat it as entertainment. This is not a money-making strategy.
The easiest beginner bets are Win, Place, and Show:
| Bet Type | What It Means | Beginner Take |
|---|---|---|
| Win | Your horse must finish first | Simple, but harder to hit |
| Place | Your horse must finish first or second | More forgiving than Win |
| Show | Your horse must finish first, second, or third | Probably the easiest beginner option |
For your first time, I would not start with Exacta, Trifecta, Pick 4, or anything complicated. Try a small $2 Win or Show bet if you want to understand the experience.
At the teller window, Del Mar’s guide says the basic information is: racetrack name and race number, dollar amount and type of wager, and the horse number. Their example is simple: Del Mar, Race 4, $2 to win on #5.
Responsible gambling note: Betting should be entertainment money only. Set a tiny limit before you start. If you would be upset losing it, do not bet it.
How I Would Do a First Visit With Kids
For a first family visit, I would keep the day very simple.
- Pick a regular race day, not Opening Day.
- Buy basic tickets or affordable seats.
- Arrive early enough to park and find shade.
- Watch the horses before a race so the kids can see them up close.
- Try one small $2 bet if the adults want to learn.
- Eat something before everyone gets cranky.
- Leave after a few races if the kids are done.
This is the kind of outing where the goal should be “that was fun, let’s come back,” not “we must maximize every race because we paid for admission.”
Food, Drinks, and Budget
Expect event pricing. This is not a Costco food court situation.
If you are going as a family, your real cost is not just admission. Think about parking, food, drinks, seating, and any small bets.
| Cost Item | How to Think About It |
|---|---|
| Admission | Kids 17 and under receive free admission, but adults still need tickets. |
| Parking | Official 2026 parking is $15 regular general parking and $20 Opening Day general parking. |
| Food and drinks | Budget like you are at a stadium or event venue. |
| Betting | Keep it small. $2 beginner bets are enough to learn. |
| Premium seating | Nice if you want comfort, but not required for a first visit. |
My frugal approach would be: avoid overpaying for the first visit, spend a little on the experience, and decide later whether a nicer seat or Opening Day is worth it.
What to Bring
For a family visit, I would bring:
- Sunscreen
- Hats or sunglasses
- Light layers
- Comfortable shoes
- Small snacks for kids, if allowed under current venue rules
- Water bottle, if allowed under current venue rules
- Stroller if your kid still needs it
- Ear protection if your child is sensitive to crowds
- Small amount of cash for betting, if you plan to try it
- Patience for parking and crowds
Always check current rules before bringing outside food, drinks, bags, or strollers. Venue policies can change.
Animal Welfare and Safety
Horse racing is fun to watch, but it is also fair to acknowledge that some people have concerns about animal safety and welfare.
I do not think a family guide needs to ignore that. Del Mar has an official safety page where it says the safety of human and equine athletes is its top priority and points to safety policies and track efforts.
For me, the balanced view is simple: enjoy the experience if you want to go, but do not pretend the sport has no serious questions around horse welfare. Pay attention, read about track safety, and decide what feels right for your family.
Best Type of Day to Go
For families, I would start with a regular weekend or lower-key race day. Opening Day is iconic, but it can be crowded and expensive. It is better for adults who want the full social scene, outfits, hats, and party energy.
For kids, a less intense day is usually better.
| Visit Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Regular race day | First-timers and families |
| Opening Day | Adults, fashion, hats, parties, full Del Mar scene |
| Turf Club | Dressier, premium experience |
| Special event day | People who want more than racing, but check crowd level first |
My First-Timer Verdict
Del Mar Racetrack is worth trying if you live in San Diego and want something different from the usual zoo, beach, park, or brewery routine.
With kids, the key is not to overdo it. Go for the horses, the summer atmosphere, the track experience, and maybe one tiny beginner bet. Do not expect a full-day kid attraction.
With adults, it can become a much bigger event: Opening Day, dressy outfits, drinks, betting, Turf Club, or a date-style afternoon.
For a first visit, I would keep the budget controlled and the plan simple. If your family likes it, you can upgrade the experience later.
Related San Diego Family Guides
Official Pages Worth Checking
- Del Mar Events Calendar
- Del Mar Tickets
- Del Mar Ticket FAQ
- Del Mar Parking Rates
- Del Mar Directions and Transportation
- Del Mar How to Wager
- Del Mar Turf Club Dress Code
- Del Mar Track Safety
FAQ
How much are Del Mar Racetrack tickets?
It depends on the day and ticket type. Recent local reporting listed regular daily admission around $10 and Opening Day tickets starting around $73+. Check the official Del Mar ticket page because prices can change by date, seat, and event.
How much is parking at Del Mar Racetrack?
For the 2026 summer meet, Del Mar lists regular-day parking at $15 for General Parking, $25 for Preferred Parking, and $35 for Valet. Opening Day is higher: $20 General, $35 Preferred, and $50 Valet.
Can kids go to Del Mar Racetrack?
Yes. Del Mar says children 17 and under receive free admission and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.
Can kids bet on horse racing?
No. Patrons must be at least 18 years old to wager.
Do you have to bet to enjoy Del Mar horse racing?
No. You can go just to watch the races, enjoy the atmosphere, eat, and experience a classic San Diego summer event.
What is the easiest bet for beginners?
Win, Place, and Show are the easiest to understand. For a first visit, a small $2 Win or Show bet is enough to learn how it works.
Do you need to dress up?
For normal areas, clean summer casual is usually fine. Opening Day is dressier. Turf Club has a formal dress code, including jacket requirements for men.
Is Del Mar Racetrack worth it for families?
Yes, if you keep expectations realistic. It is best as a short family outing, not an all-day kid entertainment destination.
Final Verdict
Del Mar Racetrack is worth trying at least once if you live in San Diego.
For families, I would treat it as a short summer outing: see the horses, enjoy the atmosphere, grab food, maybe try one tiny beginner bet, and leave before the kids are exhausted.
The key is not to overpay on the first visit. Opening Day can be fun, but it can also be much more expensive and crowded. A regular race day is usually a better first test run for families.
Check ticket prices, understand parking, know the dress code if you choose a premium area, and keep betting tiny if you try it at all.
For adults, Del Mar can be a stylish race day or date idea. For kids, it is more of a “cool San Diego experience” than a full kid attraction.
Go simple the first time. If your family likes the vibe, you can always come back for a bigger Del Mar day later.
Data note: This article is based on publicly available Del Mar Thoroughbred Club information and local reporting checked in July 2026. Ticket prices, parking rates, race times, admission rules, dress codes, food policies, event schedules, and safety policies can change. Always check official Del Mar pages before buying tickets or visiting. This article is for general family outing information only nd is not gambling advice.