Travel Guide: Off to the Races

Del Mar beachfront and racetrack. Photo Credit: Art Wager, iStock / Getty Images plus

With a chill whipping down the eastern seaboard and the sun falling faster into the southern sky earlier and earlier each day, November has one last treat for the horse racing fans who sigh at the end of the season and still crave the sun on their faces long into the afternoon. In 2024, The Breeder’s Cup will be held in Del Mar, California, on November 1st and 2nd. Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will play host, offering two days of action-packed races on varying surfaces, all run by the best horses the world has to offer.

The Breeders' Cup occurs annually and brings together the world's finest Thoroughbreds, jockeys, and trainers to compete. It serves as the culmination of the international horse racing season, with 14 races covering various distances, surfaces, and categories, culminating with the Breeders' Cup Classic. The race rotates locations across the U.S., such as Churchill Downs, Santa Anita Park, and Keeneland. The Breeders' Cup offers a total purse exceeding $30 million, making it one of the richest and most competitive events in horse racing.

Del Mar Racetrack at Sunset, San Diego. Photo credit: Mindy_Nicole_Photography, iStock / Getty Images Plus

Tickets start as low as $67 for general admission, but the best experience is to be had in one of the several restaurants situated on different floors of the facility at crucial points in the race. These experiences range between $1200 and $2500 and come full of services and amenities that will make the moment unforgettable. Most notably, premium dining packages are curated by Michelin-star chef Curtis Stone.

Once you’ve spent the money on the experience, you’ll probably be itching to make some back the same day. The 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic betting favorites include City of Troy (+225), praised by trainer Aiden O'Brien as his best horse ever, though concerns over his surface adaptability remain. Fierceness (+450), the recent Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner, rebounded from a summer lull with significant victories in the Jim Dandy and Travers Stakes. Forever Young (+500), narrowly beaten in the Kentucky Derby, won the Japan Dirt Classic and is a strong contender. Rising star Subsanador, winner of the California Crown, is now listed at +1,600. In the Breeders' Cup Distaff, Thorpedo Anna is the clear favorite (-125), while Rebel's Romance leads the Breeders' Cup Turf odds at +400. Key bets include City of Troy and Forever Young for the Classic and Rebel’s Romance for the Turf. (Covers.com)

Jockey Victor Espinoza celebrates after riding American Pharoah # 4 to victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland Racecourse on October 31, 2015 in Lexington, Kentucky. Photo Credit: Rob Carr, Getty Images

Once you’ve won big, it’s time to dine and rest for the evening. Del Mar, along with the surrounding area, has no shortage of 5-star accommodations and Michelin-star dining experiences to keep you entertained during your stay.

Double-dipping Michelin

If you dined during the race, congratulations—you are in rarified air on this vacation. The area around the racetrack has three different restaurants, all within 15 minutes, all with Michelin stars. Dine at one of these, and you’ll have had back-to-back Michelin-chef-inspired meals.

Addison, Southern California’s first and only three-star Michelin restaurant, offers a refined culinary experience in the heart of San Diego. Under the direction of Chef William Bradley, the ten-course tasting menu showcases the finest regional ingredients with an innovative, seasonal approach. Signature dishes like A5 wagyu from the local ranch, wild king salmon, and artichoke au gratin highlight the balance of textures and flavors that define Bradley’s Californian style, while visually stunning creations like the horseradish pot de crème with caviar and uni add a contemporary flair. With an extensive wine collection, guests are encouraged to indulge in wine pairings that elevate the dining experience. Set within the scenic Fairmont Grand Del Mar, diners can enjoy views of the golf course while Chef Bradley himself often greets guests, adding a personal touch to the already extraordinary evening.

Ambrogio by Acquerello is in La Jolla Village. The restaurant offers a refined 8-course tasting menu that reimagines Italian cuisine with a global twist. This collaboration between San Diego’s Ambrogio15 and Michelin-starred Ristorante Acquerello in Italy is led by Chefs Silvio Salmoiraghi and Choi Cheolhyeok. Together, they are forging a new path with “The New Italian Cuisine," which merges classic Milanese flavors with influences from France, Japan, Korea, and California. With a focus on à la minute cooking, each dish highlights pristine ingredients, avoiding modern shortcuts like sous-vide. Signature dishes include the delicate Piccione Tandoori all’Italiana, a squab paired with radish and civet sauce, and the Cinque Cioccolati, a complex dessert blending raspberry, black garlic, and chili. Whether you choose the omnivorous Dancing with the Stars menu or the vegetarian A Walk in the Garden, Ambrogio promises a memorable fusion of flavors.

Addison and Ambrogio by Acquerello will require you to get in the car for at least 15-20 minutes. But if you’re looking for something closer to the track, there is always MARKET Restaurant + Bar. Chef Carl Schroeder masterfully showcases locally sourced ingredients with innovative, globally inspired flair. For over a decade, Chef Schroeder has celebrated the bounty of Southern California through creative and sophisticated dishes. While sushi is a popular choice, you don’t want to overlook the chef’s diverse menu that spans from Europe to Asia.

Full stomach, happy heart, dreams of the following day's races and what twists they will bring. It’s time to rest and recharge. Whether you are looking for an opportunity to play a round of golf after you wake up, a spa treatment in the hills, or coffee with unobstructed views of the Pacific. Three resorts in the area near Del Mar can scratch your itch, all within 30 minutes.

5 & 4 Star Stays Near Del Mar

Did you bring your golf clubs on this trip? We hope so, but they are available for rent at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla offers a luxurious retreat that blends California Craftsman architecture with modern amenities and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Torrey Pines Golf Course. This 5-star resort embodies the charm of a historic American lodge while providing contemporary comforts, including spacious guest rooms and suites, an award-winning spa, and upscale dining at the acclaimed A.R. Valentien restaurant. The Lodge is ideally situated for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking trails in the nearby Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and direct access to the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course.

Torrey Pines State Park. Photo Credit: Kelly Chen, Istock / Getty images plus

If the smell of salt water coming off the ocean isn’t for you in the morning, take yourself into the hills to Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. Located in the serene hills of Rancho Santa Fe, it offers a luxurious escape just north of San Diego. This five-star property features private, spacious casitas, each with a secluded patio, hot tub, and steam shower, creating a haven of relaxation and comfort. The resort’s spa is a standout, set among olive groves and offering a range of treatments, from massages and facials to hydrotherapy and body sculpting. Guests can unwind by the adults-only spa pool or explore the beautifully manicured gardens that surround the property. Dining at the Pony Room is an indulgent experience, with signature cocktails like the La Piñata and dishes such as the focaccia with ricotta and garlic honey. Whether soaking in your private hot tub under the stars or enjoying a serene day at the spa, Rancho Valencia promises a tranquil, luxurious retreat with every amenity thoughtfully designed for relaxation.

The closest accommodations to the track will be at L’Auberge Del Mar. The recently renovated Four-Diamond resort in the heart of Del Mar Village offers a luxurious coastal retreat steps from the beach. With its charming design, featuring white shuttered windows, neutral tones, and private balconies with ocean views, the hotel exudes the feeling of staying at a friend’s elegant beach house. Guests can unwind at Spa L’Auberge, a serene cottage offering treatments like the soothing Seascape massage, followed by relaxation in its outdoor lounge or eucalyptus steam rooms. The on-site restaurant, Adelaide, delights with its eclectic mix of Southern California, Mexican, and Asian-inspired dishes, all served with stunning oceanfront views. Whether you’re enjoying complimentary beach valet service, borrowing a beach cruiser, or simply relaxing by the pool, L’Auberge Del Mar offers a perfect blend of relaxation and coastal charm.

Off to the Races

The 2024 Breeders' Cup promises an unparalleled experience for horse racing enthusiasts and luxury travelers alike. With two thrilling days of world-class racing showcasing the finest Thoroughbreds, jockeys, and trainers, the event is a celebration of the sport's rich tradition and excitement. Whether you're watching the races at Del Mar or enjoying the coastal ambiance of San Diego, the Breeders' Cup offers something extraordinary for everyone.

Air Charter Guide provides comprehensive and up-to-date flight booking information for those traveling to this admired event, ensuring your journey to Del Mar is as seamless and luxurious as the experience waiting for you.