Open in 1937 by old Hollywood royalty Bing Crosby and his movie friends, Del Mar Racetrack is a sight to be seen on race days. The summer crowd is fully energized and ready to have fun.
We arrive relaxed and in style with the Pacific Ocean view via the Pacific Surfliner Train # 770 departing the Santa Ana Train Depot 11:01 am and arrive at the Solana Beach Station at 12:23 to board a complimentary shuttle the last mile to the track and in plenty of time to see the horses and their jockeys close-up parading from the paddock. Post time is 2:00pm.
Saturday, August 24 is also Taste of New Orleans Food & Music Festival at the track. Cajun Music, and Cajun cuisine including gumbo, po’boys, beignets, red beans and rice will be an offer.
Pre-train departure coffee, tea and pastries at our trip leaders Santa Ana home starting at 9:30 am followed by a short nine-minute car-pool to the Train Depot. We will provide registrants the Santa Ana address the week before the event.
Your $13.50 gets you admission to the track, a reserved seat on the upper tier level just beyond the finish line and betting windows, and a program of all the races that day. If you are inclined, on the way into the track, you’ll find vendors with “winner tip sheets” for sale.
On your own for purchase is the roundtrip train ticket in Unreserved Fully Refundable Coach, $46.00 ($23.00 each way) to be purchased on-line at the Pacific Surfliner web site by those arriving by train.
You can also arrive to Del Mar by car, standard parking is $10.00. Be mindful that the car traffic on I-5 South on any Saturday is always extremely heavy starting from San Clamente down to Del Mar.
The return trip options in the afternoon:
Train #785
Departing 4:40 arrives Santa Ana 6:04
(We need to leave the track by 4pm to catch the shuttle)
Trip Notes:
Bring binoculars if you have them to view all the action up close. Summer is a busy time on the Pacific Surfliner route, and they do sell out. If you plan to join this trip purchase your train ticket without delay.
For those in Los Angeles, you can pick up Train #770 from Union Station and join us when we board in Santa Ana.
The return trip options in the afternoon:
Please bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sun hat and wear comfortable walking shoes. You can use credit card to pay entry into the Mission. Please bring cash for a voluntary donation to the historic society and for lunch to make it easier for the restaurant staff.
Trip Leader: Lloyd Queen
(714) 813-6050
