Del Mar Fairgrounds

Even though Horse racing can tempt ya to gamble..go ahead try..ya may win. Time your visit to a Wine tasting an that's a big bonus! You can get up close an personal to everything. Wear your Derby style clothing to feel race worthy !!

We had been attended the fair for 4yrs and it always nice. The displays were real nice as were the animal exihibits. The food was over priced, but always delicious. I recommend to buy everything in advance like parking, entrance admission and ride tickets, you’ll save some money. I got my package at Costco for 4 people, general parking, coupon pamphlet and 40 ride tickets at $99. And get early in the morning so you have more time and less crowds on the rides. ;)

I went to the fair to see Live and Collective Soul and had a blast. The floor seats were great. There was tons of space to dance. The bathrooms were clean. The food court was wild and the rides were off the hook! I highly recommend going to the fair!

This is my first time at the famous San Diego County fair. It was so much fun exploring it with a group of friends. This is one of the places that you should visit with friends. I am all for solo activities ( I go to movies by myself, etc ), but this is so much more fun with a group. Especially if you have friends that are "in the know". Lucky me. I could never figure out where to find these hidden gems as a first timer. We visited two unique Speakeasies. Each one is charming and with awesome views. Especially the "Destination Unknown" bar. The price for drinks are hefty but it is worth it. The waitress was super sweet and attentive. Top notched! I didn't find any interesting/enticing food to eat but it is all for the best, saving calories. I had onion rings, it was not that great. Corn, it was sweet and a good buy. My friend ordered a sandwich from the Greek restaurant and she gave them a thumb up. The highlight of the day was the photography exhibition. I can easily spent a couple of hours appreciate all the talents. I am actually debating if I should go back again this year just for that. I visited on a weekend so it is not crowded. Easy parking. I was told that weekend is super crowded and "stressful". I am glad that I visited on a week end for my first time. I will make it my yearly event. Love love love!

*San Diego Del Mar Fair Review: A Must-Visit Destination! 🌴🎠* I recently had the pleasure of visiting the San Diego Del Mar Fair, and I must say, it was an absolute blast! 🎉 This annual event is a staple in San Diego's summer calendar, and for good reason. From the thrilling rides to the mouth-watering food options, there's something for everyone to enjoy. *Fun Rides 🎠* The Del Mar Fair boasts an impressive lineup of rides that cater to all ages and thrill levels. Some of the standout attractions include: 1. *Giant Dipper Roller Coaster*: A classic wooden roller coaster that's sure to get your adrenaline pumping! 2. *Sky Diver*: For those who dare to defy gravity, this ride offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience. 3. *Tilt-A-Whirl*: A classic carnival favorite that's perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike. *Food Selection 🍴* The Del Mar Fair is a foodie's paradise, with a diverse range of options to satisfy any craving. Be sure to try: 1. *Deep-Fried Oreos*: A sweet treat that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. 2. *Classic Corn Dogs*: A fair staple that's both delicious and nostalgic. 3. *Fresh Lemonade*: Refreshing and tangy, perfect for hot summer days. *Attractions 🎨* The Del Mar Fair offers a variety of attractions that showcase local talent, art, and culture. Some highlights include: 1. *Live Music Stages*: Featuring local bands and musicians, these stages offer something for everyone. 2. *Animal Encounters*: Get up close and personal with friendly farm animals, perfect for kids and animal lovers. 3. *Artisan Market*: Discover unique handmade crafts and souvenirs to take home. *Must-Do San Diego Attraction 🌟* The San Diego Del Mar Fair is an absolute must-visit attraction in America's Finest City. With its unique blend of thrills, entertainment, and delicious food, it's an event that's sure to leave you smiling. Whether you're a local or just visiting, the Del Mar Fair is an experience you won't want to miss. *Tips and Insights 🤔* 1. *Arrive Early*: Beat the crowds and take advantage of shorter lines for rides and attractions. 2. *Wear Comfortable Shoes*: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to wear shoes that can handle the terrain. 3. *Bring Sunscreen and Water*: Stay hydrated and protected from the sun's strong rays. *Conclusion 🌟* The San Diego Del Mar Fair is a world-class event that offers something for everyone. With its incredible rides, food options, and attractions, it's a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun and memorable experience. Don't miss out on the excitement – mark your calendars for next year's fair! 🎉 Rating: 5/5 stars ⭐️ Will I return? Absolutely!

Same thing evey year. Lots of sights, exhibits and great displays. Hard to appreciate the cool themes and sights when your raging from the HORRIBLE traffic. Also things get lost with the chaos of food vendors. Games and rides will easily cost you a car payment (or two), so load up the card because most dont want cash.

The Del Mar Fair is a three-week long county-wide event. Includes your typical Fair exhibits and exotic food vendors. It is very expensive and the weather can get pretty hot towards the end of June. I was disappointed this year with the exhibits; especially the Flower Hall. There is no cash accepted, so bring your debit, credit or Paypal/Vendor. General parking is $20 and preferred is $55. There are several alternative parking options where you can catch a free shuttle to the fair...a much better option.

Had a great time this year- haven’t been to it since I was a teen. Fave foods: Australian Battered Potatoes (A MUST!), Hot Dog on a Stick Corn Dogs, Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream Bar. Third Eye Blind was AWESOME 😍.

We've enjoyed the Del Mar Fairgrounds for over two decades. When we first moved to San Diego, we lived in Del Mar, a sort walk to the Fairgrounds. We went every year to the San Diego County Fair and the thoroughbred horse racing at the Del Mar Racetrack on the Fairgrounds property. But the Fairgrounds offers so much more. All year long, there are expos, concerts, and other events. We continue to visit the Fairgrounds for all of the above, but the price for parking is outrageous. Also, traffic control during the Fair and racing season leaves a lot to be desired. The 1930s Mission Revival architecture of the primary Fairgrounds buildings is quite attractive.

Spent the day in Del Mar and part of the trip was to come to the great junk hunt. I had gone to the one in Pomona a few years back. Impressed by the lineup of vendors then so decided to visit this venue. Parking was easy ($16 pre purchased online $20 at the gate). General admission tickets is $10. I recognized some of the sellers and noticed others missing. The ones that were there were great. I did purchase from several sellers from jewelry to beauty and home/garden. Very organized set up of the show but I just thought there could have been more sellers. You can be in and out in less than 2 hours. I'll probably catch the Pomona show next year since I'm very close to that location.

First time here visiting from out of town and attended the Christmas show! It was AMAZING! The food, the sphere immersive show, the fire pits and igloos, the glice, the lights show. It was a ton of interesting amazing things to do for the whole family. Everyone we encountered that was staff was friendly. Paid parking on site

Attended the Cat Show at this venue, this weekend. First off, parking was $20, and they only take Credit Cards for payment!?? I wanted to pay cash, but nope! The fairgrounds were well kept. Parking was tight and a nightmare. Lots of people. But the areas were clean. I had a great time at the cat show, but their food was $$$$$$$$! So, I skipped the food, and left early. Went somewhere else to get lunch. Somewhat of a great experience, overall.

I came here for the Cat Show. There was plenty of parking. They had food trucks in the front and the building was very spacious. All the employees were very friendly. The bathroom line can build up, but they also have bathrooms located outside of the building that are accessible.

I haven't been here for the actual fair in ages, but I have been here to run the La Jolla Half Marathon on an annual basis. This venue has been more than adequate to handle a medium sized race. They have us park in the dirt lot on the other side of Jimmy Durante Blvd. You can get to the fairgrounds by accessing the pedestrian underpass. The start line for the race is at the O'Brien gate. They'll set up a long line of portapotties for runners to use prior to the start of the race.

This is a fantastic spot for family or friends! Parking is convenient at Canyon Crest Academy, where you can catch a free shuttle directly to the fairgrounds--it's the best way to avoid traffic. We really enjoyed the petting zoo and pig races! - foos is always good and fun summer ambiance

Love the fair I wouldn't miss it for the world. Food is delicious and definitely delicious. So fun for the family. Or to go by yourself. I have done it many times though the years. Meet friends and meet new people. Go on the 4 th of July for a solute to America.

We're here every year for the fair. It's usually a hit or miss with the crowd, parking, etc. For all the years that I can remember it's always been over packed, over crowded, takes hours to get in, and hours to get out. However, this year I went on a Friday it was surprisingly kind of dead I want to say. There was still a reasonable amount of people but not as busy as I remember every year. No lines to get in or out at all and the crowd was not packed. I loved it this year! Your average fair foods and rides and of course you can expect everything to be overpriced but it's for the experience. Something to do if you're local in the summertime from June-July 4th and also somewhere to enjoy the fireworks.

We visited the Del Mar Fairgrounds recently, and it was an unforgettable experience. This venue has something for everyone, whether you're a fan of high octane rides, enjoy being around animals birds etc, live concerts( we missed attending lynyrd skynyrd who were playing that night) , or indulging in delicious fair food. Parking can be tough though we did an Uber to the fairground and it took us forever to get to the drop area. The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the San Diego County Fair. From the moment we stepped in,we were immersed in a world of vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and incredible entertainment. The fair offers a wide variety of food options, and we couldn't resist trying some of the unique and mouthwatering treats they had to offer. The rides and games added an extra layer of excitement to the fair experience. Apart from the fair, the Del Mar Racetrack is another gem within the fairgrounds. Watching horse racing here is exhilarating, and it's clear why it's a beloved tradition in San Diego. The energy in the air during race days is infectious. The fairgrounds also host various concerts and events throughout the year, making it a versatile destination. The well-maintained facilities and ample parking made my visit hassle-free. Overall, the Del Mar Fairgrounds is a must-visit place in San Diego County. It's a hub of entertainment, culture, and fun, and it never disappoints. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this venue has something special to offer.

Entering the parking lot was a bit overwhelming but we had paid for preferred parking -- which was nice. We parked fairly close to the entrance of where everyone walks into the park. The process to get in was easy. Once inside the atmosphere was charged with energy. It was our first time and we had no idea how to bet. So we got drinks, walked about, and observed. We decided to bet. Going up to the window, watching those in line before us, the clerk made it easy. The horn sounded so we found seats. We actually won $11 since we bet $5. We risked it at the machines to bet this time. It took a minute but we got it. Essentially we did that several more times and had a few more ciders. Here's why 4 stars. The screen can be really hard to see for a vertically challenged person. It would be helpful if there were more screens in the stands. They have lots of speakers hanging but no screens. Putting some in various places, by the speakers, would help to enhance the experience for vertically challenged persons. After a day of fun we walked away with $40 which meant we won more than we lost. We had a blast horse and people watching. I would go again!

My friends and I attended the "East Meets West New Orleans Festival" at the Del Mar Fairgrounds/Race Tracks on Saturday 27Aug2022 and had a fantastic time! $32 granted us access to the festival, 5 cocktails/drinks, and a booklet for those who wished to bet on the horse races. Our choices for drinks were limited to hurricanes, daiquiris, and beers. There was a wide assortment of vendors selling food from the south, like gumbo, jambalaya, po' boy sandwiches, fried oysters, shrimp creole, fried frog legs, beignets, etc. I had the shrimp creole and it was delicious! They had a live band with an open area for dancing, a parade which we participated in, crafts center for making funky hats, and various vendors selling jewelry, beads, hats, etc. It was very fun and festive! Standard parking was $10 and valet was $25. We opted for standard parking and rode the trolley that dropped us off directly in front of the festival entrance.

Came to the fair to see Kevin Hart, then Boyz II Men. We had a blast! Boyz II Men put on quite a performance and brought us back to our Highschool selves. Kevin had us lock our phones but he was just as good! We walked around the shops. Ate at Roxy's had the artichoke and mushrooms skewers. Fun time at the fairgrounds.

Besides the very long vehicle lines to get into the fairgrounds and the parking debacle. One would think it was their first time doing the fair but every day I went the same drama was there. Once inside it was quite fun! Food prices were quite expensive, many items delicious though. Saw the flower competition which was really cool! Didn't do any rides but walked around looking for weird foods. :) For sure will come back next year.

The fairgrounds are beautiful when lit up at night. Extremely spacious with abundance space for all the rides and stands in spite of the massive crowds. Perfect weather being next to the coast.

I have not been to this fair in 2 years and we arrived today in the parking lot and asked if we could park in a handicap spot. My sister has the symbol on her license plate but the parking attendant told her she was saving the spots for those with a wheelchair. My sister explained to her about her breathing issues only to hear the attendant say "so you want to take away parking from someone in a wheelchair?" My sister politely told her again about her breathing issues and the woman let her in. The attendant assumed a lot considering my sister is a 20-year Navy Vet with a few health challenges. We came here for a good day but instead, was harassed by a "Karen type" in the parking lot !! Her atrocious behavior was totally unacceptable and offensive.

ITS NOT JUST A FAIR This space is used for many events held year round. Sure, for the most part it's mainly known for The Del Mar Fair. But when the fair isn't actually happening the space is free. They hold many things here: holiday events, snowboard/ski events, art events, etc. Soeaking of arts, they are holding the BEYOND VAN GOUGH EXPERIENCE that you see other people in other cities posting about on social media. For such an interesting art experience I found the space for this at the fair to be fitting. Ample space, lots of parking, etc. BEYOND VAN GOUGH EXPERIENCE - I went on the very first day and bought my ticket about 6+ months in advance. It cost $41.99. But nobody mentions you have to pay for parking which is $10. Also the way they organized the parking area was good but all that organizing when only x-amount of people there and a enormous amount of parking space - it was unnecessary overkill of the amount of people handling parking. A parking lot that can hold thousands was managed by many employees to park not a lot of cars. Anyways, the show was beautiful. 1. Lots of reading about Van Gough/Vincent at the beginning room, then you enter the first room which is the Waterfall room, then you enter the big room where people are chilling and taking in the active art. When you exit the experience there is a gift shop at the end. 2. While in this room you can sit in the floor but you cannot lay, you can take pictures and film but you cannot use your flash, you cannot lean against the walls. Well, there were a lot of people who beamed their flash (not one, many) and the employees did NOTHING. But one couple was sitting and tried to lay and they were quickly regulated. 3. TIPS - leave the very few benches for the elderly people to sit. Adults and younger folks you have energy to stand or sit on the ground like everyone else. - pick a place in the third room, not too close to the walls. You will be there for awhile starting at the walls for the experience. - people walking around the room... please stop. It's all the same art. Pick a spot, stop/pause, stand/sit, and enjoy. Overall, it was an interesting experience. Some parts more beautiful than others. Worth the price?? Yah yah I know van gough... not sure if $50 was worth it for 1hr of sitting in a room. I wish there was more to walk and see. Until the next review....

I have been to the fairgrounds numerous times, with the majority of the times being for the fair in June. I have also been for classic car shows, a Halloween haunted hay ride, a holiday lights drive through, and to see the horses race during racing season. The fairgrounds are in a prime spot in Del Mar located right next to the Ocean so it makes for some great views. However the traffic congestion in this area around Via de la Valle and on the 5 freeway during fair and race season is unbearable. I really wish they could come up with a better solution as I have to drive through this mess on the way home from work and it adds at least 20-30 minutes to my commute or more if there is an accident or backup. For the fair you can park at several lots and bus or shuttle in, or walk in so at least that helps a little bit. If you do go during fair season get there early so you can get a good parking spot or bus in and avoid the congestion and hassle. The fairgrounds themselves are typical fair grounds. Pretty standard and compare to all the other fairgrounds I have ever been to. The location and view are the only things that make this one stand out.

Overcharged at the cocktail concession at The Sound. Watch and get the receipt! Doesn't matter if there's 11 people behind you waiting for a drink , pay attention and don't let it happen . The call drink was $11, double is 20 but I got charged for premium which was $25 per drink . It's hard to hear when the band is playing but pay attention cuz there's nothing you can do about it and more than one person has said it's happened to them .

We have not been to the fair probably 4 years overall very nice Adventure, we went for the free parking Torrey Pines High School took the bus over which overall save money. Well we decided it was time to have lunch I am not going to spend $11 dollars for a slice of pizza or $38 for a full Pizza or let's go over for a sub sandwich $16 if you would like to get a combo you're looking at $24. So with that being said we are enjoying the fair but the reason there are no lines for the food and most the rides it's because it's too damn expensive this is what happens when you pay $18 an hour for someone to flip burgers thanks Gavin

I've been here many times before but it was only for the Fair that usually happens from June to July 4. Today I attended the Foodieland event. It was fun. Filled with lots of food/drink vendors, merchandise etc. They have a small play area, nothing special. I just come for the food. Bathrooms are everywhere, they have plenty of benches and picnic style table. I will return next year for this event. A bit overpriced but its expected They are sold out of tickets. They do not sale the tickets on site! They do have brew if anyone is wondering.

Parking was an absolute shit show. Absolutely no warning that there's only ONE WAY to get into parking (from via de La valle exit). If you're coming north on Jimmy Durante blvd, you're screwed! There is NO SIGNAGE whatsoever on where regular vs. preferred parking is. We paid $30 for preferred only to be waiting in a 45 minute parking line that wasn't preferred!!! Oh, and that rule blasted all over their website about how YOU MUST PURCHASE admission and parking ONLINE ONLY!!! Not true. So, the promise of quickly get into parking lots was a scam! Being stressed out and pissed the F off before our family fun day was real great. Thanks Del Mar organizers. Thanks for nothing! $30 for preferred parking... pfft! What a joke.

This was our first time to the fair and did not know how the entrance worked. So you need to go online to San Diego fair pay choose the day and time entering and pay for the tickets online. You'll have to do the same for parking. If not, you'll be able to pay for the parking with a credit card when you drive in. No lines for food, clean abundance of bathrooms throughout. I love the bacon wrapped everything, the nick-nack vendors and the shows. What a great way to come together without a mask outdoor after being isolated for long. Thank you!

Fun time, lots to do. But very many people and very expensive food. Rides are exciting and wrist bands are so worth it!!

First, it feels good to have the SD County Fair back in town. We went last year and it was a very scaled down version but it was still fun but this year it is nice to have everything sort of back to normal. We went to the fair Saturday night in the evening and it was actually fairly quiet around the fairgrounds as a whole. 311 was playing so there were a lot of people in the Grandstands and it seemed to be more crowded where the rides are. Other than that it was pretty peaceful and quiet wandering around the rest of the grounds. When we arrived we got a drink and just sort of relaxed and people watched for a bit. Next up, food!!!!! My husband got his Australian Battered Potatoes, we shared a cup of corn (which was fresh and crispy especially when you squeeze the fresh lime over the top), next up was the 10 pound bun stand and the mixed (caramel and cheddar) kettle corn. There were a few new places this year (Mom's cookies) and a few noticeably missing places (the Gingerbread house). Food places were plentiful while the sales and exhibits seemed a bit lighter than usual. It may take a little bit for people to start getting back but overall Saturday evening was a great night. Low crowds, crisp cool air and lots of wandering around. And I cannot go without mentioning the cinnamon roll place (had to bring one home with crushed pecans). The fair also has some healthier options so not everything is fried and packed with sugar. IT's all about balance. There is a lot to try and still a lot to see and it is so much fun. We'll be back with the whole family for sure and will try some of the other tasty treats.

Was a great time and they have everything. And all the rides and food lines move quickly so there's never a long wait and it was very clean here. Wear your tennis shoes though!

I wish I could leave a minus one star. Tried to attend the "Tiny Fest" on to of the ridiculous $20 entry fee, I get robbed to park here. Once I learned the entry fee I decided to leave. 6mibutes later, could I get a refund on my parking fee nope of course not! Since the fairgrounds was able to review my last review, let's see how long this one lasts.

Though the fair isn't official open for 2020 due to COVID-19, a few food vendors are present and serving up the same delicious food! The drive up dining concept is organized and safe. The place is clean and easy to get in and out of. Come on out and enjoy the for food! They are open until July 5th. No free concerts, carnival games or boardwalk games but that's fine. They'll be back next year I'm sure. Support the businesses by visiting at least once before they leave! You can thank me later.

Check out our campground review to see if we gave it a thumbs up for 'Big Rig Friendly'! -- https://youtu.be/tuvC-Rqx0R8

This year the Del Mar Fairgrounds are hosting a covid-friendly, "drive thru fair" which is a drive thru combining the most popular fair food vendors in one lot. The concept is VERY fun and a great way to comply with government social distancing guidelines while maintaining the spirit of the annual fair! Upon entry youre handed a menu and you get into a line that travels through all the vendors. The downside is that if you want to order from a vendor thats towards the end you could be sitting in traffic for a little while as the whole event is a bit congested. The prices are still insanely high for the food you get but if thats not an issue for you then you'll definitely like this place. I got the teriyaki chicken from Chicken Charlies, around $18 for a hallowed out pineapple with grilled teriyaki chicken, pineapple chunks, and a scoop of white rice. The idea of eating out of a pineapple is obviously enticing but I would definitely never purchase again. The meat was cold and didnt really taste like teriyaki at all. It just was not worth the price point for me. We also picked up a cinnamon funnel cake. It was super good but also pretty cold. Costs $9. Lastly, we got giant pickles from Sugar Bear for $3 each. They were pretty soggy and we ended up tossing them after a few bites. Overall, it was a fun experience. If the prices were more reasonable and the food was of better quality, I would definitely come back but that was just not the case when I went. I would still recommend going just because its fun and theres probably nothing else to do.

This review is for The Food and Water Bowl aka the cat show. This is one show that is attended by my family each year in January. This year our goal was to get a cat tree for my son's two beautiful cats. The show runs Saturday and Sunday so we decided to go on Sunday afternoon as vendors usually mark down the trees in the late afternoon. We noticed this year that the show was really busy. Many more people attending. We did our normal walk around the outside rows of booths to see the toys and adoptable cats. Then the inner rows to check out the exotic animals like Bengals, Cornish Rex, Tonkanese etc. Its also fun to watch the breed judging. We finally settled on the cat tree and purchased. We then picked up cat toys and misc items. A great time was had by all! Tip: go online and print the $2.00 coupon before you go. They also have a military discount at the door.

San Diego Fair 2022, back in town and better than ever. Lots of traffic and overflow parking. Prices have gone up for most vendors at the fair regarding food, drinks and rides etc... Some really great vendors in the exhibit halls with amazing fair only products and prices. This years theme super hero and had a massively super hero gallery with some interactive stations. The only ride missing this year was the bungee jump. Lots of fried food and goodies, such as deep fried Oreos, kool aid in a large baby bottle, refreshing margaritas, cotton Candy ice cream cakes and more. Good selection of celebrity musical talent and movie performers. I have the feeling people came to eat more than ride. Great to walk around and enjoy all the festivities while attempting to burn off my meal!.

San Diego County Fair is a fun time for the family. This year theme is Hero's Reunite and my 4 year son loved it. If you're into Super Hero's it's worth checking out the cool exhibit.

Came to the oddities and curiosities expo held on saturday 18th via a friend who invited me. Tickets were very inexpensive and event was small yet entertaining. There was bunches of local artists and crafts for affordable pricing and some quite expensive. Food and drinks not worth it. Overall, Purchased some taxidermy skull, local art and candles, animal fur and remains. I had lots of fun walking around.

MY LAST VISIT EVER! i'm 65 years old and I've been visiting the fair since I was about six. Oh I've seen a lot of changes over the years but enough has become enough. On my last visit a couple of days ago I found that security getting into the fair was unprofessional and extremely biased. When we enter the gate I was wave through because I had no bags or anything but my wife was held up at the gate because her purse was about 6" x 8", and may be 1 inch thick and they ask her to empty out the contents. I'm sure this is a violation of your civil rights, but it seems every venue has the right to search through these days even though it's unconstitutional. Not only was his bag small enough that you could pretty much see everything in it and the fact that the guard took his little stick and move things around to look inside , he wanted to see the bottom of it because it was too dark. Mind you at the same time I'm looking around and actually videotaping other people into the fair with large backpacks bags, and other items that weren't slightly checked or unchecked at all. I am so sick and tired of these venues violating us the way they do and we just have no choice but to except it. Well I'm done excepting it. the Del Mar fair will never get my attendance again and I will never have a positive word to say about them. I did voice my objection with guest services but I'm pretty sure nothing will ever come from it. We live in a society today, where no one really matters. It's all about the group who's willing to go with the flow and be violated in any way they choose to violate us. That's fine and good but I won't be doing it any longer. I used to live in America and that's no longer possible so maybe it's time for me to just stay home or spend my entertainment dollars in a direction where people actually care about me. I'm strongly, considering sharing my video tape with legal professionals, but on the other hand, it's probably not even worth it. We live in a whole new world where nothing matters but money.

"Your money is no good here". I always loved the Del Mar Fair, gone there for 30 years or so. This year, we were hoping to go for the first time post-Covid. Turns out they no longer let you pay with cash - probably because the prices are now so high that they don't want you to be able to keep track of just how much you are spending. Without cash, it excludes a lot of people who for whatever reason can't or don't want to use plastic. Hopefully, they'll bring back real money next year.

The Turf Club luxury boxes have a nice view of the track if you like to bet on horses and the like.

Always tons to see and do here. We went to the San Diego Fair and there were some wonderful shopping extravaganzas! A great time was had by all!

Oh no. This was not a good opening weekend... So, let me start with I understand that COVID is still affecting Del Mar Fair. I understand that things shouldn't be expected to be the same as 2 years ago. What disappointed me was the fact that they didn't mention that there wouldn't be rides or fair games or a petting zoo on the website. The website was kind of...misleading. If we knew the ferris wheel wasn't operational or that there wouldn't be ANY rides besides the carousel, I don't think we would have gone. There was literally NOTHING to do besides buy food and look at vendors. It really sucked. The parking was so far for A LOT of people. We got lucky and got somewhat close, but some people were forced to park a 15min walk away and that was for PAID parking. Just awful. They supposedly had a guy driving around to pick up people that were disabled, but I didn't see him. The only thing I was able.to do was buy a $10 pony ride for my brother. They knew the fair was so bad that they offered return tickets at the exit as well as ferris wheel return tickets because it was out of order and that was literally the only "big kid" ride there.

Theme for this year is Oz. There is a cool Wizard of Oz exhibit in the building right next to the entrance. You can see original copies of all the books by L. Frank Baum. Going to the fair is getting expensive. Since I started going to the fair I parked at Horsepark for free and rode the double decker bus to the fair. This year I was shocked to see the $5 parking sign as we approached Horsepark. General admission is now $20 but there are discounts available as long as you are willing to take the day off and go on a weekday. I had lunch at Reno Fish and chip which was charging $16 for 3 pieces fish and 2 pieces zuchinni. Batter on the zuchinni was too thick and there was a thick layer of uncooked batter underneath. Batter wasn't crunchy but more gummy. Fried zuchinni was also lacking any flavor except for that of the uncooked batter. Fried fish had the same problem with the batter. Uncooked batter flavor hid the mild cod flavor quite well. Reno's was my fav fish and chip spot for years but it seems they have a new fry cook or supplier that doesn't know how to batter stuff properly. For dinner I visited Wood Pit BBQ which has raised their prices. It's $45 for a rack of ribs. $25 for a half rack. $21 for dinner which is 2 ribs and 2 sides. I chose the dinner. Fries were sitting in the warmer too long and not very flavorful or crunchy. Ribs had good flavors from the dry rub and hickory smoke. Meat was tender. I should have gotten the half rack. My other favorite parts of the fair were still as good as ever fortunately. Lots of cute farm animals were on display and their areas were kept tidy. We took a look at the horses, cows, and sheep. We visited the first week and the flowers were still fresh and lovely. Maggie picked a succulent from the plant lady from Green Acres Nursery. The photography exhibit had some amazing photos. I wonder how I would do if I entered. Next year I'm gonna have to find a better lunch spot or eat before I visit.

Too expensive, far from venue, dusty/dirty Went to fair in July. Every thing is a rip off. They were selling friend frog legs and fries (fries in same oil) Disgusted.. The fair is overrated The rides are a rip off, last 3 minutes, old and rusty That's just my opinion Knotty berry farm is 1 hr drive and a lot cheaper

Highly recommending the Delmar fair!! Best place to have fun in the summer and for the Fourth of July

The biggest problem with the fairgrounds is the parking. They charge an arm and a leg and it takes forever to get in. That's what takes away from any experience you want to have there. The exhibit of fair you want to go to could be fab but if you have a sour taste in your mouth before anything, that pretty much sucks.

*** THE FAIR DOES NOT HONOR THE SENIOR CITIZENS AND MILITARY ANYMORE *** I have been attending the fair ever since I was a kid and the way the fair is being managed now seem to have changed. There were senior citizen days where they come in for free and the military had the option to buy tickets at the local MWR with a great deal. They had the option to buy a ticket that allows them to get into the fair everyday with an unbeatable price but not anymore. I went to my local MWR on base and they said the fair never renewed the contract with them. What makes it worse is each year on July 4, the fair always honors our military and veterans through a hometown heroes parade. The parade allows our troops to march into the stands while everyone welcomes and thanks them for their service. Once they march into the stands, they have a reserved seating to watch the fireworks. I asked the information booth about hometown heroes and they said management has cancelled all that. Everyone has to buy a reserved seating ticket to have a seat. All this leads to MANAGEMENT. The fair does not honor our troops anymore except through a five second pre-recorded thank you before the fireworks starts. There would also be patriotic songs played by a live military band each year and now it is just an empty stage with songs pre-selected that has no such patriotism involved (picture of empty stage shown). The fireworks show back then also had the letters "USA" blown up in the sky individually and everyone would be chanting "USA!". There is none of that now either. If I wanted to just watch fireworks with no patriotism involved, I could just go to SeaWorld on any day of the year they are open except the fourth of July (because they do actually honor the military). If anything remained the same, it's the lack of buses coming in and out and the traffic leaving the fair on a busy day.

Honestly dont know what the hypes about. Tickets are expensive when you want to buy for games/rides. Games are fun very winnable except for some. Food was mediocre to taste but presentation is A+. The worst part I would say is how playing games just costs so much. I remember when it used to be way cheaper and you could actually have fun because the games were cheaper.

I always enjoy attending the Del Mar Fair but I wish they would provide more seating areas for guest to enjoy a break from all the walking. Food prices of course are too high and a bottle of water is 4.50. But it's another option for many to get away from the heat from the surrounding areas.

This year's Del Mar fair was great. Call me old fashioned but it will always be named that to me. :) I loved the acrobatics, the dog shows, and the parades. I went on out at the fair day, and felt included and loved with all the pride flags and activities. I always love the robotics arena too, and this year didn't disappoint. High school kids are so gifted nowadays. Great time, highly recommend! Parking can be a little rough but it's worth it in the end, and there are shuttles from the parking lot to the fair itself.

The Coastal Christmas wasn't worth the $20 parking, let alone the tickets and time to get there. There were more timeshare scammer booths than actual food/goods vendors. Complete let down and minimal effort was put into this event. Make some hot chocolate and drive around for neighborhoods with decent Christmas light setups, would be better time spent.

Del Mar Fair 2021!!! I haven't been back to the fair since 2016! It was definitely different compared to "pre-pandemic" times. This year it was a small scale fair. With just $10 admission, it was less capacity yet still had the summer fair flare. Due to lack of funding of the fair this year... * Rides and activities are limited. * No games were set up. * Indoor shopping * Car dealerships were there to promote their new cars * The classic food stands and vendors were still able to come out and provide great food. * Live entertainment, music and shows * Live animals Overall I had a great time being back considering the circumstances.