2023 San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

With such a diverse array of local vendors, there’s always something new and exciting at the fair. In addition to food stalls, there are also hundreds of different sellers in the shopping halls. Don’t forget to stop by the garden walk as well!

Hall of Heroes Theme Exhibit

Test your speed, strength and mind to discover your super power...and snap a selfie with Batman, Spidey, Hulk and more!

BBQ Food Vendor at the San Diego County Fair

Sample Local Cuisine and Fair Foods

Like any good fair, the Del Mar Fair is full of plenty of meals, snacks, and dessert options you’ll want to take full advantage of.

You’re sure to have eyes bigger than your stomach when you see the wide array of fair food vendors. From local specialties to deep-fried fair classics and everything in between, including sweet treats and salty snacks. Chicken Charlie’s is one of the most popular food vendors at the San Diego County Fair and of course he is back this year as well.

One thing is for sure: you won’t be leaving hungry!

Shop 'til you Drop

There are over 250 different vendors in the fair’s shopping halls, so there’s sure to be something to interest everyone. Many vendors are locals selling homemade wares, while other stalls are run by big-name brands like Vitamix and CutCo.

Walk Through the Garden

Landscape displays have long since been a time-honored fair tradition. The garden walk shows off the best of the best local flora no matter the scale of the event. The garden walk provides a nice reprieve from the busier areas of the fair so you can enjoy the landscape.

The County Fair is filled to the brim with fun events each week. These include animal shows, fireworks, and plenty of local bands.

Pig Races at the San Diego County Fair

Races and Other Animal Shows

The fair is just as much about fauna as it is about flora. One popular event that runs throughout the day is the Swifty Swine Pig Race. Watch as the adorable piglets race down the track and see who is crowned top hog.

Looking for more entertainment with furry friends? Check out the Extreme Dogs show, where canines display incredible feats of skill and agility as they run, jump, and perform daring tricks. This is a great show for kids and adults alike.

Local San Diego wildlife takes the spotlight in the Wild About Home*Grown*Fun show. You can get up close and personal with a number of animal ambassadors, from fuzzy critters to keen-eyed birds of prey. The show is presented by a volunteer who aims to educate and emphasize the importance of conservation.

Kid Eating An Ice Cream Cone at the San Diego County Fair

Fourth of July Celebrations

On July 4th, the park goes full-on patriotic. Enjoy holiday-themed fair foods like apple funnel cake, check out the shops for patriotic souvenirs, and have a truly unforgettable Independence Day. End the holiday on the right foot with a fireworks display that’s sure to dazzle.

Bands

Every year, the San Diego County Fair features dozens of performances by well-known local bands. These shows are part of the Home*Grown music series, which seeks to highlight the wonderful musicians who call San Diego their home.

Live performances run every day the fair is in operation, so you can always stop by to hear a song or two as you explore the fairgrounds.

Wave Swinger next to the Ferris Wheel at the San Diego County Fair

No fair is complete without some carnival rides. Be sure to stop by the carousel and ferris wheel, especially in the later afternoon and early evening when the lines are a little shorter.

Carousel

The carousel seats both children and adults. It’s a favorite of fair-goers across the nation, and San Diego is no different. Choose a horse or exotic animal decked out in vibrant, multi-colored paint and saddle up for the ride!

All carousel rides require their own tickets, which you can purchase separately at the fairgrounds. Tickets must be paid for with credit or debit, as vendors do not accept cash.

Ferris Wheel

The ferris wheel is the defining symbol of any great fair or carnival. You can spot it from just about any area of the County Fair, which makes riding the carousel a stand-out moment for many visitors. With its truly impressive height, it offers an incredible view of the fairgrounds that spans from the Coast-to-Crest trail all the way out to the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

Like the carousel, tickets for the ferris wheel must be purchased separately and in-person. Only credit and debit payments are accepted.

The Del Mar Fairgrounds is located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Del Mar, CA 92014. It is about 20 miles north of San Diego, so it’s not exactly an easy walk if you’re flying into the San Diego International Airport. Follow Interstate 5 until you reach the Via de la Valle exit, then head west and turn onto Jimmy Durante Boulevard to arrive at the main entrance.

Paid parking is offered at the lot just outside the fairgrounds at a rate of $20 for General Parking and $50 for Preferred Parking that gets you closer so you don't have to walk so far to get into the fair. Please note that oversized vehicles, buses, RV's are not permitted.

If you’re looking for a cheaper option, you may need to park further away. Horsepark Parking, which is about two and a half miles to the east of the Del Mar Fairgrounds, is a popular choice for $10 and all-day shuttle services.

You may also prefer to leave the car at a hotel and use San Diego’s public transportation options to get to the fairgrounds. You can travel by trolley, coaster, public bus, or ride share for an easy and convenient way to get around the city.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Admission buys you access to an entire day at the fair, which means you’ll be spending a lot of time in the sun. Gear up with sunscreen and shady hats, and make sure to stay hydrated.

Buy Local

There are a lot of local vendors whose products are only available to you while you’re in town, so use the opportunity to support local San Diego businesses. Don’t be afraid to try unusual foods and wares, as you might just find something you love!

Take Advantage of Kids Days

If you’re bringing the whole family to the fair, you can save some money by going on Friday, when kids 12 and under get in for free. However, the fair is usually more crowded on the weekends, so keep this in mind when planning your trip.