2024 San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

Delicious Food at the San Diego County Fair

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.

In previous years, the fair has also featured special exhibits like the Garden Walk, a showcase of local flora and landscaping, and the Hall of Heroes, a superhero-themed display.

Fair Toys 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.

My kid’s love Chicken Charlie’s! His 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!

Hand Carved Wood Vendor at the San Diego County Fair

Exhibitions and Competitions

The fair hosts a number of displays for artists of different mediums, from traditional fine art, woodworking, and photography to landscaping, floral arrangements, handcrafted goods, and gemwork. Highlights include Paul Ecke Jr. Garden and Flower Shows, and the Design in Wood exhibition presented by the San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association.

Come marvel at these curated collections and watch award ceremonies to see whose work is crowned this year’s winner. You can even watch beer and wine competitions for commercially-licensed breweries and wineries.

Vendors at the San Diego County Fair

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.

Pony Ride at the San Diego County Fair

The San Diego County Fair is a family-friendly event with plenty of ways for kids to enjoy their visit!

Though the list of activities for 2024’s fair has not yet been released, in the past, young ones have enjoyed the pony rides and the educational Agri-Land, a miniature farm where kids could plant and take home seeds for fruits and vegetables.

The fair also features kid-friendly shows from local performers.

Father and Son with Mascot at the San Diego County Fair

Family-Friendly Performers

Kids will be enraptured by the entertaining acts at the fair. From dazzling magicians to energetic jugglers and comedians, the Paddock area offers plenty of performances for children to enjoy.

Fair Toys 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.

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

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 (SAN). 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.

I’ve visited the fair for many years. Below are a few things I think you should consider before you arrive.

My Favorite Hotel Near the Fair Grounds

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay nearby, consider booking a room at the L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa, which includes many amenities such as pool and beach access, fitness equipment, and a business center.

You can also check out our list of the best family-friendly hotels if you’re planning on enjoying the fairgrounds with your kids.

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.

Chuckwagon Food Stand at the San Diego County Fair

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!

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

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.