Maybe you don't think of Southern California as the epicenter of the horse-racing scene, but then you haven’t been to the iconic Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racetrack, billed as the place “where the turf meets the surf,” thanks to its picturesque location next to the ocean.
Only a couple of hours from LA in San Diego County, the track is the perfect reason to put on your best dress and, yes, break out that over-the-top hat. Entrance starts at $6 for Stretch Run admission and can be upgraded with reserved seats. From there, the price and access increase. Buy a table at one of the venue’s many restaurants or gather a group of high-roller friends and invest in a suite or a skyroom. In order to step foot into the members-only Turf Club though, you have to know someone, and while there is an application process to join, scoring a membership is about as easy as getting season tickets to the Lakers.
The track’s 71st season kicks off July 21, and opening day has become something of a legendary event in SoCal. (We suggest you start planning your ensemble now.) Throughout the summer the track also hosts concerts after Friday’s day of races—the B-52s and Ozomatli are already on the bill.
Whether you’re serious about playing the odds or just want to kick back with a mint julep and enjoy the show, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is a sure bet for a fantastic time this summer.
