How to Spend the Best Sunday Ever at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

Trackside thrills, signature cocktails, and epic eats—it’s happening.

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is officially leveling up Sundays. You’ll still get the thundering hooves and postcard-perfect ocean breeze, but now, you can pair it with Champagne spritzes, farm-fresh brunch, and signature cocktails that keep the vibes high all day long. The 2025 Summer Racing Season is not playing around. The best part? You’ve got options. Go high-end with a reservation at Taste of the Turf Club or keep things casual in the Plaza with Savory Sundays and check out the featured restaurant of the week; both are designed to showcase the flavors of San Diego, just with a different dress code.

“This is our 10th anniversary of our very successful Taste of the Turf Club,” says the team. “We first kicked off this event with celebrity chef Brian Malarkey.”

“For this anniversary, we wanted to curate something new and unique, so we partnered with the Amaya restaurant and the lovely Grand Del Mar, returning to our roots and tapping into the mind of the brilliant Chef Bryn McArthur.”

You don’t need to be a racing expert to enjoy the scene; just a game plan, a good pair of sunglasses, and a little insider intel. So here it is: a curated, hour-by-hour itinerary designed for first-timers, foodies, fashionistas, and longtime fans alike.

Start Strong: Latte in Hand, Horses on Deck

Sundays at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club — Credit: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

There’s a reason seasoned racegoers show up early to Del Mar Thoroughbred Club: The action starts before the horses even hit the track. Arrive just as the gates open and make your way toward the paddock with a latte in hand. This area near the heart of the track is where the horses parade pre-race, and it’s the perfect place to start sizing up your picks. It’s also a low-key catwalk where racegoers casually drop looks while scanning the lineup and checking the vibes.

Watching the horses up close gives you a sense of their energy and personality. If you’re feeling lucky, it might even influence your first bet of the day.

Local Insight: If you linger around the paddock long enough, you might overhear strategy talk between jockeys and trainers. It’s one of those real-time race-day perks that feels straight out of a sports docuseries.

Midday: Brunch Like a Member

Credit: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

Sundays at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club are a full-on culinary event. And no brunch is making waves quite like Taste of the Turf Club, which returns for its 10th season with a brand-new curated menu and a fresh take.

“We wanted to follow Chef McArthur’s farm-to-table approach and bring a unique offering to the Taste of the Turf Club experience,” says the team.

“This year, we’ll have a fresh new menu curated by the culinary team at the track and the team at the Amaya, featuring simple, sustainable, locally sourced dishes.”

Expect California-fresh Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs, crowd-favorite Steak Frites, and two new signature cocktails inspired by fresh summer flavors:

Sunday Spritz: A take on an Aperol spritz with Prosecco and peach liquor

Surfside Screwdriver: Passion, orange, and guava juice with vodka

It’s $150 for a three-course, farm-to-table meal with bottomless mimosas and access to one of the most iconic dining spaces at the track. The members-only Turf Club overlooks the finish line with panoramic views, velvet-rope ambiance, and a dress code that makes you feel like you’re doing something special. Taste of the Turf Club offers non-members entry just for the day, making it the perfect splurge-worthy upgrade for your Sunday if you’re feeling a little fancy.

Race Break: Hit the Plaza for Savory Sundays

Not feeling the dress code or sit-down vibe? No problem. Head to the Plaza for Savory Sundays instead to experience a more laid back, flavor-packed afternoon. Every Sunday during the racing season, this shaded area transforms into a rotating food fest complete with live music, TVs, and pop-up vendors serving everything from BBQ to lumpia. This is where the casual side of race day comes alive. It’s great for groups, families, and anyone who wants to keep things relaxed without sacrificing flavor.

“Similar to Taste of the Turf Club, Savory Sundays was created in an effort to bring a taste of our local culinary community to the track,” the team explains.

“We wanted to highlight a variety of local restaurants and give them an opportunity to expose our patrons to the amazing cuisine in and around Del Mar and the greater San Diego community.”

Each week brings a new local favorite to the lineup: Brandt Beef’s smoked barbecue, Pizza Port’s fan-favorite pies, Asian-inspired Kobe burgers from Tambayan, and refreshing shaved ice from Mahalo. You’ll also catch dishes from Ranch 45, Monarch Ocean Pub and Pamplemousse Grille (San Diego institutions in their own right). Plaza access is included with general admission, which starts at $8, making it one of the best values at the track.

Afternoon Vibes: Sip, Snap, and Stroll

By mid-afternoon, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club turns into a social playground. Drinks are flowing, fashion is in full swing, and the grounds are buzzing with energy between races. If you haven’t already, stop by the Whispering Angel rosé cart for something chilled and photogenic. Then, wander through the track’s Instagrammable backdrops: the floral walls, artful signage, and beachside breezes begging to be in your camera roll.

“Be prepared to spend the day at the races,” the team advises first-timers. “Most days, first post is 2 pm, but gates open at noon. You can do the track a number of ways.”

“If you’re a pack-a-picnic-and-charcuterie-board kind of person, you can get in for just $8 with your picnic lunch. Or, come for trackside dining and spend the day watching some of the world’s best horses and jockeys. There’s so much to do.”

There’s an ease that settles in during this window of the day. You’re full, sun-kissed, and maybe even up a few dollars from your bet on Race 3. It’s the perfect time to chat with fellow racegoers, place another wager, and soak up the laid-back California luxury that Del Mar does best. Don’t be surprised if a DJ kicks off a surprise set nearby; it’s all part of the experience.

Evening Finale: Don’t Rush the Last Race

Credit: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

As the final race approaches, the energy around Del Mar Thoroughbred Club shifts into a golden-hour glow. Find a spot along the rail or in the grandstand to soak it all in: the ocean breeze, the thunder of hooves, and the cheers echoing across the track. Whether you’re closing out your day with one last wager or simply enjoying the view, there’s no better way to end your Sunday than watching world-class horses cross the finish line against a stunning coastal sunset.

Locale Editors

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