An easy 25-minute drive north along the coast from The Sofia Hotel, the Del Mar Racetrack is one of the world’s greatest horse-racing venues—famously known as “Where the Turf Meets the Surf.”

Glamorous History

Indeed, the mighty Pacific rolls to shore just a stone’s throw from the Del Mar, which has been operating since 1937. When the gates first opened back then, one of the track’s celebrity co-founders, Bing Crosby, was taking tickets. Hollywood glamor is part of the Del Mar’s lauded history (Gary Cooper and Oliver Hardy were among Crosby’s partners)—and you can soak up some of that elegant heritage on a sunny afternoon out at the track, whether you’re betting or not on the beautiful thoroughbreds rocketing by. The hooves of such legends as Seabiscuit have pounded that venerable dirt.

Ahead of the summer meeting (kicking off July 17), the Del Mar Racetrack is selling full-season passes at a discounted rate: $25 for Stretch Run and $50 for Clubhouse admissions.

Concerts at the Track

As exciting as the action on the track itself is, the Del Mar boasts other kinds of entertainment as well. The venue has announced its lineup for the 2013 concert series, which brings live music to the scene following the conclusion of the day’s races.

This year, the B-52s launch the series on July 19; others include Fitz & the Tantrums (July 26), Sammy Hagar & the Wabos (July 27), Iration (August 2), Pinback (August 9), Steel Pulse (August 16), Weezer (August 17), and Reggae Fest anchored by the legendary Ziggy Marley (August 31). A special guest for the August 30 show will be revealed later.

If you’re staying with us at the Sofia, a day down at the Del Mar Racetrack is about as convenient as you could ask for. Why not take in two legendary and history-drenched landmarks of the stunning Southern Californian coast—The Sofia Hotel and the Del Mar? What a matchup!

photo credit: ewen and donabel