July 20-21
Del Mar might not be America’s most famous track, just its best. Perpetually soggy Churchill Downs wishes it had half as much sun, never mind the sea breezes, the drop-dead-gorgeous crowd, the playfulness, the swoony sunsets. Del Mar feels fresher on every level, while retaining its sense of style and elegance.
This is Bing Crosby’s baby. The co-founder personally greeted fans on the track’s first day in 1937. In those days, racing ruled, and the track quickly became a major hangout for celebrities, including its biggest star ever, Seabiscuit. Del Mar has managed to stay relevant as the sport has faded, the old track leaning on a modern marketing campaign that stresses the tanned fans and party atmosphere over the horses themselves.
Even getting here can be special: jump aboard the Pacific Surfliner out of Union Station.
Info: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar; Season July 17-Sept. 2; dmtc.com/