Del Mar Race Track

Horse racing has been a major part of Del Mar's character ever since the Del Mar Race Track opened in 1937. It immediately became a playground for Hollywood stars. Among the many celebrities who would come here to "play the ponies" were crooner Bing Crosby, actress Ava Gardner, comedian Red Skelton, and iconic W.C. Fields, among others. In later years, entertainer Jimmy Durante became a regular at the track, which is why the turf course now bears his name.

This is where Seabiscuit, ridden by George "The Iceman" Woolf, beat Ligaroti by a nose in 1938. Bill Shoemaker made his name here as the track's winningest jockey with 889 career victories. By 1991, each day the facility was attracting crowds averaging 37,000 for its horse races and handling some $7 million in wagers, making it the nation's undisputed leader among race tracks.

Today, Del Mar Race Track hosts a weekend concert series throughout the summer and a day camp for children aged 5~12 years, as well as a racing season that runs from late July through the second week of September. Races are held every Wednesday through Sunday. On race days, admission to the Stretch Run section of the track costs $6. Clubhouse seating is available for $10, and trackside dining tables are also available at Café del Sol and the Terrace Restaurant. The Del Mar Race Track is located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, California 92014-2216.