The small town of Del Mar is located just north of San Diego, at the southwest tip of the state of California, directly on the Pacific coast with miles of golden sandy beach that invites you to take long walks. Whether you like surfing, swimming or prefer a swim in the glaring sunlight, the warm water of the ocean and the hot sand leave all possibilities open. In 1882 as the tent city was set up at every beach, it was already in 1910 when the opening of the elegant hotel “Stratford Inn” made it to a sophisticated meeting place for Hollywood stars. After the opening of the race track „Del Mar Racetrack“, many properties in the surrounding area were then granted permission to be built upon. This led to many of the Hollywood greats building exclusive homes and estates.  

A major event in mid-July is the opening day of racing at the above mentioned Del Mar Racetrack. About 40,000 people come flocking here make the rendezvous. The place is suitable like no other for experiencing in such a concentrated a colorful, contrasting and multi-faceted society of the USA like here. Here people are overdressed, cross dressed and underdressed. Ladies of glamour appear in elegant designer dresses with extravagant hat creations and the corresponding gentlemen come honorably in fashionable blazers and suits. One is nearly moved into the English Ascot when such elegance is even mentioned, if it weren’t for the tourists who have kept their informal bathing suits on while relaxing at the nearby beach, after all they want to go back there after the event. Otherwise they have an impeccable image that is missing significant scratches. The locals put their everyday clothes on with their indispensable baseball cap, something it seems like they never take off.

Those that have made bets on the horse races eagerly watch the opening race when the small jockeys ride past the spectators on the backs for their noble horses, Always hoping that they bet on the right horse. Others are only there to watch, to see and be seen, and the rest of the people just want to have fun.

The actor, singer and horse freak Bing Crosby, who owned a ranch in the area, together with other sponsors from the Paramount Studios built the track in Del Mar. On the day of the opening in 1937, the star stood there on the entrance gate in order to personally greet visitors as they flowed past.  

The pretty building which surrounds the oval of the sandy race course is designed like a Spanish mission. Earth colored, playful brick wall, decorated with bright white stucco and topped by red brick roofs. Fresh green lawns, well kept flower beds and high palm trees give the plant the appearance of being a feudal hacienda.  

Another annual highlight is the three week long „San Diego Country Fair“, which also takes place on the race track. This agricultural fair offers a rich program for young and old with live music, art, exhibitions, all kinds of amusements and a wealth of culinary delights.  

Del Mar has the coastal Interstate Highway 5 and a perfect connection to nearby San Diego or Los Angeles to the north, where you absolutely have to go. How about a detour to Mexico? If you can get used to the relaxed driving style of the Californians and can keep the golden traffic rules, then unforgettable trips through the Golden State await you.