Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

La Jolla Seals: The first seal pup of 2017 has been born!

nature, things to do in san diegoLocal WallyComment
Baby seals on the beach in San Diego / La Jolla.

The Seal Conservancy is happy to report that the first pup of the season was born at Casa Beach on February 4, 2017!  But, wait - there's more! Mara and Jenny, two more pups, were born on February 5! Soon, these pups will be popping up all over the beach. If you missed the first few births, there is still plenty of time to witness the beauty of a live birth or watch pups and moms nursing, swimming, or being playful. Under the safe and peaceful conditions of a closed beach, we can reasonably expect there to be 40 - 50 successful seal pup births at the rookery this year, with the majority of births between February and late March.

Harbor seals are pregnant for 9 - 11 months? If pregnant seals have a safe place to rest before birth, then it is very likely that the average newborn pup will be born full term and weighing 20 - 24 pounds. It is very important that once this pup is born, the mother is undisturbed for 24 hours and is able to bond with the pup. Once the mom and pup have bonded, the newborn will nurse from its mother for one month before it is weaned and ready to swim and hunt on its own.

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The chain is up and the beach is closed for the 2017 harbor seal pupping season, but this almost did not happen because of on-going litigation. Please visit our Latest News webpage to stay informed of the news at Casa Beach.

Follow the pup births at Casa Beach by checking in our Pup News 2017 page. We try to keep track of each birth as it occurs - sometimes 3 or 4 in one day - and update our page with details and photos of the newborn pups.

Islands Restaurant: Now Serving Paradise Bikini Beach Menu (and great burgers)!

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I watch what I eat.  But I'm very weak when it comes to choosing between deliciousness and low calorie options.  I know, restaurants claim their healthy options are muy bueno, but I've been tricked before. I've ordered salads thinking they were topped with cheddar cheese only to find out its carrots.  And don't get me started on cauliflower mashed "potatoes" or noodles made out of squash.

So I must admit when I saw that Island's Restaurant, San Diego's own burger joint chain, was now offering a lower calorie menu they dubbed Paradise Bikini Beach, I was highly skeptical.  I mean, in my world paradise is not low cal, it's deep fried. But there I was, staring at the healthy menu and trying, really trying, to make a good decision.

Island's Paradise Bikini Beach Tacos

The options are slim (no pun intended).  A veggie taco, a Greek salad, a Turkey Burger, and chicken tacos.  I eliminated the veggie taco immediately as it seemed exactly what I did not want in a taco.  Turkey Burger sounded good but I think it's wrong to get a burger with a salad instead of fries so that was out.  I like salads but not as an entree so that was out.  That left the chicken tacos.  Hmmm, what to do, what to do?

Malibu Burger at Island's Restaurant

And then I looked over at the standard menu.  Big fat juicy burgers with bacon, cheese, sauce, and fries!  Fries!!!  Buffalo wings, onion rings, fried fish tacos!  I mean, there in front of me was temptation.  Do I order the healthier dinner or do I go with something I know I will love?  I had to make a decision and it had to be a good one.  My wife ordered first - she went chicken tacos.  Good call.  Now my turn.  I. Am. Weak. 

I did what I had to do.  I ordered the Malibu burger - a juicy burger cooked medium (still pink) with Applewood Bacon, American Cheese, Onion, Lettuce, Tomato.  And I ordered it smothered with Thousand Island dressing.  Fries?  Of course, do you think I'm crazy not to get an order of delicious hand cut fries??? 

I was feeling a tad guilty when my burger arrived, a giant plate of wholesome deliciousness. But my wife seemed happy as well.  What?  She liked her low cal option?  Gimme that!  I took a bite and you know, it was a pretty darn tasty bite! In fact, if you did not tell me this was a low cal option I would never know.  The chicken was nicely seasoned, the salsa fresca was as good as you'll find in any San Diego taco shop (meaning quite good), there was even cheddar cheese on the tacos.  And the tacos were full sized, not the trendy "street tacos".  They came with a side of beans, not bad, not bad at all.  In fact, while I still think that Veggie Tacos are a crime I give Islands a lot of credit for making a low calorie taco dinner that tastes as good as the real deal.

So we were both happy, my wife with her tacos and me with my burger.  Of course, my wife ate a few of my fries and I let her. I did feel a little guilty, after all.

San Diego's BEST Ocean View Restaurants Review: Eddie V's Prime Seafood in La Jolla

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EDDIE V'S PRIME SEAFOOD

(858) 459-5500    1270 PROSPECT STREET, LA JOLLA, 92037 (MAP)

ROMANTIC, ELEGANT, FULL OCEAN VIEW, JAZZ AT NIGHT, ACTIVE COCKTAIL BAR, CLASSY SAN DIEGO DINING, GREAT LUNCH SPOT

Eddie V's in La Jolla - San Diego's BEST Ocean View Dining

Eddie V's in La Jolla - San Diego's BEST Ocean View Dining

I get asked a lot where to go for San Diego's BEST ocean view restaurant dining. In the past I had my usual suspects - George's at the Cove's Ocean Terrace, Marine Room, Jake's Del Mar - but now I have to add Eddie V's in La Jolla, the perfect combination of stunning views, elegant dining and exquisite food.  Think I'm overstating this?  I'm not!

Let's start with the location in La Jolla.  The view is full on ocean, located right above the La Jolla Cave Store (aka Sunny Jim Cave). Waves splashing, seals barking, we're talking full on unobstructed view, one of the best in all of San Diego.  How good is the view?  How about this?

How's this for a view?  Eddie V's in La Jolla.

How's this for a view?  Eddie V's in La Jolla.

When you're done staring at the view you'll be equally impressed with the menu. I love Eddie V's for lunch because unlike so many ocean view restaurants the prices are downright reasonable. Get a burger - I mean a really great Wagyu burger with bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and fries- for $14! And this isn't a "back at the bar" special, this is white tablecloth, ocean view dining.  Or try the Maine Lobster Tacos, two full size, fully loaded tacos, for $19.  Yes, full size, not silly "street tacos".  That's a great deal anywhere in San Diego, even without a view.  Let me put it this way - whether you're a San Diego local or an out of town visitor, you have to come here for lunch.

So lunch it is.  I started my meal with some oysters. I love that they have plenty of oyster options. If you don't know what you want then have the waiter bring out a selection.  The oysters were fresh, clean tasting, a perfect start with a glass of sparkling wine.

And I love appetizers!  And Crab Cakes!  And Asian inspired food!  So when I saw Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and Kung Pao Calamari, well, you know I had to get them both. Let's start with the crab cake.

Crab Cake at Eddie V's La Jolla

Is that not perfect?  The Jumbo Lump Crab Cake at Eddie V's is perhaps my most favorite, a large serving with virtually no fillers. Crispy exterior, moist fresh crab, a spicy Remoulade sauce, if you love seafood you need to get this. Simply the best. Ever.

Next up was the Point Judith Calamari, served Kung Pao style with crispy rice noodles and cashews.

Nice, crispy calamari on top of a bed of even crispier and crunchier noodles, big enough to share with a group of four. I liked it, though if I had to choose I'd stick with the crab cake.  Still, I give Eddie V's an A for effort and my wife loved, loved, loved it.  But by now I was thinking of my entree.

That's right baby, I went for the Steak Frites! The steak was a 10 oz PRIME ribeye (this was lunch, after all) served up with a variety of truffle scented mushrooms and a side of crispy Parmesan-Chive French Fries. Oh, there was a salad as well but who cares about that when you have a giant steak and fries in front of you?  And yes, Eddie V's lives up to the PRIME in its name, the steak was perfectly cooked, tender, very delicious.  Dinner portions are even larger - 22 oz bone-in ribeye, anyone? 

Eddie V La Jolla seafood fish delish

My wife was a bit more responsible with her order, getting the Parmesan Lemon Sole with lemon garlic butter. Very light, crispy exterior, and very fresh.  Good one!  I've heard from others that the Hong Kong style sea bass is outstanding - next time.

Eddie V's La Jolla fried rice

Now for some reason we ordered a side of Crab Fried Rice with mushrooms and scallions.  I mean, I don't know what we were thinking as we already had enough food on the table to feed an Army. But wow, was this good. A bit decadent, a bit rich, a huge portion, really nice addition but oh so stuffed by now.

At night the menu changes up a bit, prices edge up into the $30's but it's right in line with San Diego's dining scene. Live jazz every night in the ocean view bar, Eddie V's in La Jolla doesn't miss a beat and nails it on view, ambiance, service, and food quality. It surely has to be one of San Diego's best Ocean View restaurants and one of our best places to eat overall!  Go there, spend some time at the bar or savoring the view, Eddie V's is one of the quintessential San Diego restaurant experiences.

EDDIE V'S LA JOLLA:  Best Ocean View Dining in San Diego, Classy and Elegant, Best lunch value in La Jolla, best place to impress a date, romantic dining, Best Views.

HARRAH’S RESORT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA UNVEILS NEW BREWERY, SR76

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The Concept Marks Southern California’s First Tribal-Owned Brewery

Harrah's Resort Brewery, SR76

Harrah’s Resort Southern California has announced the opening of SR76, a new 5,000-square-foot brewery situated adjacent to the resort and casino. The first tribal-owned brewing concept in Southern California’s burgeoning beer scene, SR76 is inspired by the ten-thousand-year ancestry of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians and named after State Route 76, the original footpath along the San Luis River that led the tribe to the coast each season. The same road will now guide beer-lovers east from the Pacific to the brewery.

All of the beer offered at SR76 is produced onsite by Brewmaster Brian Scott and is exclusive to the brewery. The brewhouse was custom-built by Marks Design & Metalworks to maximize efficiency of the brewing process, and is comprised of American-made stainless steel sourced from Vancouver, Washington. A long-time resident of Escondido, Scott has held roles at Firehouse Brewing, Mission Brewery and Karl Strauss, and formerly served as vice president and then president of the San Diego Brewer’s Guild. Together, Scott and the Rincon Economic Development Corporation (REDCO), imagined a vision for SR76, one that would reflect the rich history of the tribe’s culture with beer that highlights the agriculture of the 5,000-acre reservation.

“The pathway that gave SR76 its name provides inspiration for the beer itself,” said Scott. “We thought to ourselves, ‘what can we take, from along that path, that would make for an interesting approach to beer?’”

Over the course of a year, Scott will produce up to 20 diverse brews that will be rotated seasonally, with at least four styles offered per season. Scott describes his beers as approachable, well-built and balanced, with intriguing undertones of flavor. To round out the first menu, he created four beers:

  • Temet (“Sun”): a light and approachable Kolsch-style ale with citrus and spice notes, the SR76 flagship brew
  • Supul (“One”): a delicate Apricot Saison that is refreshingly tart and earthy, with slight notes of apricot
  • Hellhole Pale Ale: an American style pale ale, named for Valley Center’s Hellhole Canyon, with citrus notes in the aroma and a clean hop finish
  • Paradise Creek Wheat: a full-bodied German Style Weissbier with strong notes of banana and clove that support its rich and fluffy carbonation

Beyond the tasting room, many restaurants within the resort will also serve beers created specifically to pair well with various cuisines.  

"Our partnership with SR76 is an extension of our commitment to the local community and a tribute to the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indian history," said Darrell Pilant, general manager of Harrah's Resort Southern California. "As a cultural hub that celebrates authenticity, Harrah's Resort Southern California is proud to offer guests a unique, world-class beer tasting experience in an upscale taproom setting."

Built by W.E. O’Neil Construction, SR76 is spacious and welcoming, with a modern design and open floor plan that allows for an easy view of the brewhouse. The tasting room was designed by San Diego-based Interior Design and Architecture firm, Community. A Design Collective, to offer a relaxing reprieve from the excitement of the resort and casino. Inspired by nature and the native culture of the tribe, the team used natural textures, like wood, to represent the earth, and paint colors like orange and blue to represent elements like fire and water – both the San Luis River and Pacific Ocean. Outfitted with comfortable contemporary furnishings, such as inviting leather couches in a spacious lounge area, the aesthetic of the space is modern with a tranquil vibe.

SR76 will be open for tastings and tours Wednesday and Thursday from 2pm-8pm; Fridays from 2pm-10pm; Saturday from 12pm-10pm; and Sunday from 12pm-5pm. Flights are $7 and single pints are $6.

San Diego 2016 Christmas Holiday Events

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Hanging for the Holidays in San Diego 2016

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Best Things to Do from Ice Skating at the Hotel Del Coronado to Special Events at the San Diego Zoo

It may not be a white Christmas, but there is plenty to do in gorgeous San Diego to get you in the holiday spirit! Whether you’re visiting for just a bit or a long-time local, you’ll want to check out these holiday activities:

Neighborhood Holiday Lights

Garrison Street Christmas Lights (Point Loma) – this amazing neighborhood covers their homes in shining lights, nativity scenes, Santas, sleighs and so much more. You can drive through, but you’ll probably want to park and stroll down the street to truly enjoy the details. They are ready the day after Thanksgiving until December 31st. Plug this address into your GPS and you’ll find yourself right there! 3663 Garrison Street, San Diego, CA 92106. There are many wonderful neighborhoods all over San Diego that have similar over-the-top decorations. To find a neighborhood closer to you, use this handy map of Christmas Lights.

San Diego Boat Parade

For a unique coastal twist to the holidays, plan to see the 45th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Find a Bayfront spot and watch the procession of approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats as they dazzle and entertain on December 11th and 18th, starting at 5:00pm.

Ice Skating

Outdoor ice skating is a special treat during the holiday season and here are two wonderful choices for this activity.

The iconic Hotel del Coronado offers “Skating by the Sea,” a seasonal oceanfront ice skating rink open from November 24th to January 2nd. Visitors will surly feel the holiday spirit strolling through their winter wonderland of beautiful decorations, DELights display, and the spectacular two-story lobby Christmas tree.

“Fantasy on Ice” at historic Liberty Station begins November 17th with live performances and remains open until January 8th. There are a variety of different public skating times so check here for more information. One hundred percent of profits from this rink benefit Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s Hospital.

Major Attraction Holiday Event:  San Diego Zoo, LegoLand, Seaworld

Visit the World-Famous San Diego Zoo from November 24th to January 3rd to experience “Jungle Bells.” Enjoy an array of holiday lights and animal-shaped light sculptures, ride the twinkle trolley, see the acrobatic trampoline elves, visit with Santa and much more.

Celebrate the Holidays at LEGOLAND with a life-size Lego Santa, reindeer and sleigh among twinkling lights, nightly snowfall and special holiday treats.

Visit Sea World’s Christmas Celebration to feel a wave of holiday cheer. The 320-ft. tall Sky Tower shines with twinkling lights and all the park’s various shows have Christmas themes. You can have breakfast with Shamu and Santa, visit Santa’s Cottage, see the 40-ft. happiest dancing Christmas tree, and much more.

San Diego is the perfect place to experience so many outdoor holiday activities to put you in the festive spirit. Plan ahead to make sure to enjoy all your favorites! Happy holidays!



Guest Post Provided by Molly McCrackin

Molly McCrackin grew up in San Diego and has been managing short term vacation rentals in the beach area since 2008. She is the owner and manager of Molly's Rentals - a short term vacation rental company that specializes vacation homes in Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and downtown San Diego.

Where to Eat in San Diego Gaslamp? Osetra Fishouse for the Freshest Seafood in Town!

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Looking for San Diego's Finest Seafood (and a fun seafood restaurant at that)?  Osetra Fishouse in Gaslamp is it!


Address: 904 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: (619) 239-1800

Menu: osetrafishhouse.com


Osetra Fishhouse in the historic Gaslamp District offers fresh seafood caught daily as part of a varied menu that also offers handmade pastas, unique cuts of meat (think Wagyu beef), and a raw bar, featuring the restaurant's namesake caviar, fresh Blue Point oysters, mussels and clams, and live Maine lobster. They are proud to offer several signature gluten-free items on the menu, as well as vegetarian dishes and a dessert menu featuring handmade desserts like flourless chocolate cake and New York-style cheesecake, along with grappas, ports, and other dessert wines to accompany them.

Osetra also boasts a full-service bar managed by master mixologist Marcelo, who can craft you an incredible personalized drink at just the mention of your favorite flavor. Or, choose from the extensive list of signature mules and cocktails, local craft beer, top-shelf spirits (including the exclusive Louis XIII cognac), and over 3,000 bottles of wine. Many of these bottles are stored in the restaurant's wine cellar, which was the underground vault for the First National Bank that used to occupy Osetra's building in the early 1900s, but several hundred are stored in the restaurant's 3-story wine tower - the only one in California. Better yet, flying wine angels will scale the tower, retrieve the perfect bottle for you, and have it delivered straight to your table.

Osetra offers several private dining areas for catered events, from business meetings to wedding rehearsal dinners to birthday parties. Choose the Atlantic Room or Pacific Room for intimate gatherings, or reserve the cocktail lounge or even the entire beautiful venue to impress your party.

Great Live Music at Little Italy Venue (+ Ultimate Spot for a VIP Experience)

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Music Box is a fantastic place to watch live music in San Diego; it was established in 2015, so (lucky for the insiders) it’s still a hidden gem. You’ll find it in the Little Italy neighborhood, near the downtown Gaslamp District. The vibe? Chic. Classy. Yet down-to-Earth. It’s a spacious venue that offers a variety of types of music too. You’ll find everything from rock and EDM to bluegrass, reggae and hip hop. So you can go one night for crazy rock and roll. Attend another for smooth jazz. Also, and very importantly, there’s delicious appetizers and hand-crafted cocktails that are high-quality - not your average concert beverages!

There is another awesome service here too: Music Box can be rented for almost any type of private event in San Diego. Corporate events, holiday parties, birthday celebrations, product launches, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners - even ComicCon parties and events. Because this 3-level site has a variety of customizable options for booking an event, such as reserving a VIP box, an outdoor patio or even the entire 3rd level, the Music Box team can work with each person or business to create the right vibe and type of event that everyone will enjoy. Whether you want to host a birthday party for friends and family or are a company seeking party space (it can host 700 patrons comfortably), Music Box is happy to work with your needs.

Our top recommendation: Have a VIP experience for a birthday or bachelor/bachelorette party. Here’s how it works: Choose to combine a celebration, like a birthday, with a show already playing. (Simply check out the list of upcoming shows at Music Box to find the concert you want to attend!) That way - when you book your private area, you and your guests get the perk of having your own space.

It’s the ultimate VIP experience in San Diego

About Music Box

Music Box offers the highest of quality in live music and private event space, providing state-of-the-art sound, food, drinks, and experience. Music Box promotes sociability and functionality with a 700 capacity venue that spans 3 levels comfortably.  This includes unique lounge areas, VIP and opera box seating as well as an outdoor patio. Music Box is also home to an upscale dining experience which features locally-sourced, gourmet food and drink. Check out upcoming shows or book a private or sponsored event now at www.musicboxsd.com.

Golden Coast Mead Opens in Oceanside: Help the Bee's, Drink More Mead!

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Golden Coast Mead (based in Oceanside) was born in 2010 out of the passion of Southern California native, Frank Golbeck. Frank was first exposed to the magic of mead as a young kid on his grandfather’s apple orchard. He watched a room full of adults transform into a laughing, gregarious bunch, and he knew there was something special about this potion made from honey. Luckily, he made a career of it, and now shares his knowledge and passion for mead with the world.

Mead is the oldest form of alcohol, simply brewed by fermenting honey. Mead is sunshine and flowers in drinkable form and the only fermented beverage that doesn't need monoculture to be produced at scale. The result is a delicious, naturally gluten-free beverage with over 200,000 pollinations in every glass. With good mead, we can change the way bees are kept in America.

Mead is actually the oldest alcoholic drink on the planet, and is just now beginning to make a strong comeback. Golden Coast Mead crafts a distinctive style of mead: San Diego Style Mead. It is brewed with top quality California honey, and Palomar Mountain spring water, making it a truly local product. Because it is naturally effervescent, it is served cold and has a light, refreshing, and balanced flavor profile. There is no pasteurization, force carbonation, added sulfites, or filtration; this mead is a modern interpretation of ancient practices. The result is a delicious, gluten-free beverage with over 200,000 pollinations in every glass.

As an invested member of the community, Golden Coast Mead donates at least one percent of its gross revenue to Dr. Nieh’s Entomology Lab at UCSD, researching the health and preservation of the honeybees, as part of One Percent for the Planet, an organization and movement that encourages corporate philanthropy for the preservation and restoration of the natural environment.

For more information on Golden Coast Mead, please visit goldencoastmead.com or the company’s social media sites: Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/GoldenCoastMead), Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/goldencoastmead), and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/goldencoastmead).

The Golden Coast Mead tasting room is located at 4089 Oceanside Blvd, Ste H, Oceanside, CA 92056, and is open Wednesday-Friday 2pm-8'ish, Saturday 1pm-8'ish, and Sunday 12pm-5'ish.

SAN DIEGO BAY WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL, NOV 11-18, SAN DIEGO'S BIGGEST FOOD EVENT IS BACK! 2018 Update!

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The Moment Has Arrived – Tickets Now On Sale For Southern California’s Most Anticipated Culinary Classic, November 11 -18, 2018

San Diego, CA – The San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival® launches ticket sales for its 15th annual culinary classic held November 11 -1 8, 2018, and announces an impressive lineup of new events and celebrity chefs. Featuring over 40 citywide tasting experiences, Southern California’s largest food and wine festival will welcome 10,000 eager epicurean enthusiasts to America’s Finest City.

I go EVERY year without fail because this is absolutely the best food event in San Diego.  With over 90 booths of gourmet foods from some of San Diego's best restaurants and food companies there's something for every foodie.  And I'm not talking small bites of pasta, I'm talking about the good stuff - beautifully plated small bites and wine, beer, and spirits to wash it all down.  Add to that the normally gorgeous San Diego weather this time of year and it's an absolute winner.  Check out this impressive list of restaurants participating this year. 

san diego wine + food fest

Here's how it works - During the week there are tons of events, from Excursions to sample the best of Baja wines and cuisine to Wine Education classes and dining events.  You can see all of the events here.  On Saturday, Nov 17th, 2018, the Grand Tasting Event happens where food booths take over the Embarcadero area near Seaport Village.  The VIP tickets get you in an hour early for four full hours of eating, drinking, dancing, and San Diego style people watching.  Standard admission opens an hour later but if you can swing it the early tickets are the way to go as the crowds are much thinner the first hour.

This year there's a special priced four pack for $485 - that's a good deal!  And remember, the event is all you can eat, all you can drink, all the gourmet food you can handle!  Look, you have to trust me on this one - GO!  I've gone to a lot of food and wine festivals and nothing compares to the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival!

Photos to Tempt You!

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Del Mar Prepares For Fall Season of Thoroughbred Racing November 11 – December 4

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‘Bing Crosby Season’ returns to the seaside oval for 15 days of sport along with free concerts and events November 11 – December 4

DEL MAR, Calif. – The iconic racetrack is gearing up for its fall meet, the ‘Bing Crosby Season’, set to kick-off Friday, November 11. The fall season, now heading into its third year, is all about bringing back the old-school cool, journeying back to the era and style of the track’s founder who started it all, Hollywood legend Bing Crosby.

Over the course of the four-week meet, Del Mar will come alive once more with signature seasonal events and a pair of free concerts, first with Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals on Saturday, November 12 and then another popular Reggae Fest featuring Iration on Saturday, November 19.

Opening Day of Bing Crosby Season is also Veterans Day and is a day to celebrate and also one to remember. In collaboration with the American Legion, the afternoon’s Veterans Day Salute will feature patriotic activities including the unfurling of one of the largest U.S. flags in the country – the famous Holiday Bowl flag; parachute jumpers; a Stars and Stripes fashion contest; a ride-in by several veteran motorcycle clubs, and award winning Cali Comfort Bar-B-Q. There will also be a special post-race concert by rising country star Coffey Anderson, along with other military bands and musical guests.

Then on Saturday, November 19 the track welcomes college students to its annual College Day where all students get in free with valid college I.D. and can enjoy live music by DJs, activities, football and more on the third floor of the Clubhouse. On tap the following Saturday, November 26 is Del Mar’s Craft Fall Beer and Cider Festival offering more than 100 local seasonal brews and ciders to taste. Also on that Saturday, Del Mar will host a Fall Food Truck Festival with more than 30 food trucks from San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange County bringing their best mobile delights.

Additionally, Del Mar will be open on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24 with a special racing card and an early 11 a.m. post time. Catching a few races while the turkey cooks is the perfect way to create a new holiday tradition with friends and family. Or, leave the cooking up to Del Mar and reserve a Thanksgiving package that comes with admission, Turf Club table, and a mouth-watering brunch menu or turkey dinner with all the trimmings to chose from. Also on Thanksgiving morning, bring the entire family out to stretch their legs around the track before the big meal during Del Mar’s One Mile Family Fun Run at 8 a.m. Runners will complete a one-mile loop on the dirt track and may even find themselves running alongside a jockey or two. A host of family-friendly activities will be available after the race, along with a puppy run and puppy adoption event put on by the Helen Woodward Animal Center.

Saturday, December 3 is Fleece Blanket Giveaway Day. Guests that afternoon will receive a soft, fleece blanket to cozy up with.

Every Saturday throughout the fall season early morning risers can take in amazing track views and enjoy a fresh breakfast during the morning workouts at Daybreak at Del Mar, from 8 -10 a.m.  Former jockey-turned-owner Jeff Bloom will host an interactive Q&A session during the workouts providing insight and fun facts about everything horseracing.

Then every Sunday brunch lovers have something to celebrate with Taste of the Turf Club. Guests’ can purchase a brunch package that includes bottomless mimosas, a rotating menu by popular San Diego chef Brian Malarkey and a Turf Club table for the race day.

Racing during the ‘Bing Crosby Season’ will take place Thursday through Sunday. Post time will be 12:30 p.m. The one exception will be Thanksgiving Day, with first post shifted to 11 a.m. Admission at ALL gates will be $6 ($3 for Diamond Club members). All concerts are 18 and up.

For more information, call 858-755-1141 or visit www.delmarracing.com. You can follow Del Mar on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat @DelMarRacing or like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/DelMarRaces.


Bing Crosby Season is Back at Del Mar
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club kicks off its fall season on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11


DEL MAR, Calif. — The iconic racetrack is gearing up for its fall meet, the ‘Bing Crosby
Season,’ now heading into its third year. It’s all about bringing back the old-school cool,
journeying back to the era and style of the track’s founder who started it all, Hollywood
legend Bing Crosby. The 15-day session will bring world-class racing the seaside track
is historically known for, along with signature seasonal events including a pair of free
concerts, festivals, Thanksgiving day events and eclectic outdoor dining options.

• Opening Day & Veterans Salute – Friday, November 11, Opening Day of Bing
Crosby Season is also Veterans Day, and guests are invited to celebrate the
holiday by joining the seaside track as they team up with a nearby American
Legion Post, Encinitas’ American Legion San Dieguito Post 416, for a
special Veterans Day Salute and fundraising event that will have stars and
stripes written all over it to hail those who have served in U.S. military branches.
The day’s patriotic activities will include the unfurling of one of the largest U.S.
flags in the country – the famous Holiday Bowl flag; parachute jumpers; a ride-in
by several veteran motorcycle clubs, and an award winning Cali Comfort Bar-BQ.
There will also be a special post-race concert by rising country star Coffey
Anderson, along with other military bands and musical guests.


A Stars & Stripes Fashion Contest with more than $3,000 in prizes, including a
fabulous stay at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, will take place as part of the
Opening Day festivities. Everyone is invited to dress up in their most festive and
fashionable attire by donning red, white and blue or going for best pin-up or
celebrity look. The fashion contest will take place between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
in the Plaza de Mexico.


• Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals – Saturday, November 12, Ben Harper &
The Innocent Criminals will kick off Del Mar’s fall concert series by taking the
stage after the last race, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Sit back, relax and enjoy the
eclectic mix of blues, folk, soul, reggae and rock music. Longtime fans are
ecstatic to see live hits from their newest album, Call It What It Is, which was
released earlier this year after an eight-year gap from their previous record. Mimi
Zulu will open.


• Taste of the Turf Club – Sunday, November 13, and every Sunday throughout
the fall season, one of San Diego's most celebrated chefs, Brian Malarkey will
bring his talents trackside for Taste of the Turf Club, which includes a rotating
three-course menu, Turf Club table and bottomless Chandon mimosas.
Reservations and dress code required.


• Free & Fun Sundays – Sunday, November 13, and every Sunday at Del Mar, is
Free and Fun. Receive FREE Stretch Run admission, FREE program and FREE
seat along with HALF PRICE Beer (domestic drafts), Bloody Marys, mimosas
and Champagne splits. Reserve a table with your own personal TV at First Turn
restaurant to watch your favorite Sunday Pro Football games or check them out
at 17 Hands Pub or the Paddock Tavern.


The Bing Crosby Season runs November 11 – December 4, racing Thursday – Sunday
with post time for the first race at 12:30 p.m. On Thanksgiving Day the first post is
shifted to 11 a.m. For more information, call 858-755-1141 or visit
www.delmarracing.com. You can follow the Del Mar on Twitter and Instagram
@DelMarRacing or become a fan on Facebook/DelMarRaces.