Welcome to Del Mar, a charming coastal gem in Southern California known for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant lifestyle and of course the historic Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, home of the 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Opened in 1937, this oceanfront race track draws visitors from around the world to watch world-class racing while to enjoy all that San Diego has to offer.
In between the big racing days you can unwind by taking a walk along the beautiful coastline, visiting a wide range of museums or grabbing a bite to eat while enjoying the sea breeze. With a perfect mix of beaches, shopping and more, the Del Mar area has something for everyone.
Things to do
Del Mar’s proximity to the beach naturally makes the areas surrounding the circuit a must-see for visitors. The nearby coastal areas offer opportunities to paddle board in the Pacific Ocean, ride waves or take a sandy walk at sunset.
If theme parks are your thing, the San Diego area offers several that will please the young and the young at heart in your group. Drive 20 minutes up the coast to Carlsbad to visit Legolandwhere you can go digging in Dino Valley and join the LEGO Factory tour, where you can see how a LEGO break is made. Drive south from Del Mar to spend a day SeaWorld San Diego where you can meet a beluga whale up close, pet a penguin or get your heart pumping on one of the five roller coasters.
Speaking of animals, the famous ones San Diego Zoo is located 25 minutes south of the circuit, an easy drive to see species from a variety of natural habitats and climates, including friends from Down Under. The zoo Safari park in Escondido also offers visitors the opportunity to experience rhinos, cheetahs, and more as they tour the park and learn about its conservation efforts.
The zoo is just part of another iconic San Diego destination: Balboa Park. The 1,200-acre park features 16 museums, beautiful gardens, and other attractions for everyone in your group. Get started at the Fleet Science Centerrelive more than five decades of popular culture memories on the Comic-Con Museumor admire six millennia of art at the San Diego Art Museum.
After a day of racing you can enjoy great live music at venues such as The sound, The Music BoxAnd Belly up. Whatever your taste in music, chances are you’ll find a beat you can move to in one of these great venues.
Places to eat
When you’re ready to refuel after taking in the sights and sounds around Del Mar, you can find a variety of places to satisfy the cuisine that floats your boat. From breweries to racetrack favorites, the area is guaranteed to have something to please every taste.
Start your day with breakfast at places like the Liquid bean cafethe Nectarine groveor Ki’s Restaurant. With your choice of coffee and smoothies plus wraps and other treats, you can enjoy the local flavors as you prepare for the day ahead.
For your lunch and beyond, this part of San Diego offers a waterfall of cuisines to choose from. Check out Tamarind or Tony’s Jacal for savory Mexican flavors or try local beers Management and brewing and the menu with sandwiches and beers or check out Brewery Viewpoint for its shareable products and craft brews. The Del Mar area also features a multitude of dining options with both surf and turf options. Restaurants like Farm 45, Market restaurant + barAnd Poseidon have menus with options for those who want to sample the best that nearby ocean waters have to offer, or perhaps dine on locally sourced beef and other proteins.
If you’re looking for more expensive dishes to celebrate a special occasion like the Breeders’ Cup, Jakes offers surf and turf options such as ceviche, scallops and filet mignon Steak 48 has caviar, Wagyu beef and more exclusive options.
Combine your shopping and dining experiences at the Del Mar Plaza, Flower Hill Promenadeor One Paseo. Each of these locations features an array of restaurants to choose from, as well as shopping and other places to experience what this part of Southern California has to offer. Taste the food and fun that brings fans to Del Mar every year.
Of course, you’ve traveled all this way to experience the best of the best that this year’s race has to offer, to see the equine superstars of 2024 while celebrating the people behind them. If you want to extend your racetrack experience to dinner, check it out The Brigantine, Grapefruit grillor Red Tracton’s steakhouse. All offer menus rich with options for every diner, while also giving fans the chance to see winning jockeys, trainers or owners.
Book as soon as possible to secure your spots.
Enjoy your stay
When planning your visit to Del Mar and the Breeders’ Cup, consider the logistics of traveling through the area while you are there.
First, San Diego’s public transportation system is not as robust as some areas, so relying on rideshare services like Uber or Lyft or renting a car will make traveling much easier. Del Mar has a dedicated ride-sharing area so you no longer have to worry about parking at the track. If you plan to spend several days in the area, renting a car gives you the most flexibility.
November in San Diego means layers, whether you’re at the track or touring the San Diego Zoo. Because the race track is close to the ocean, mornings will be cooler with a layer of fog burning away as the sun rises. That cool start to the day will give way to afternoon temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Add layers like a jacket or a wrap to your Breeders’ Cup Friday and Saturday outfits to ensure comfort, whether you like the sun or the shade.
Participating in this year’s Breeders’ Cup at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is an opportunity to combine world-class horse racing with the best food and delicacies Southern California has to offer. From enjoying fine cuisine at the area’s renowned eateries to admiring the breathtaking coastal scenery, you’re sure to find activities and experiences that will make your trip to ‘where the surf meets the turf’ unforgettable.
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