When the Breeders’ Cup returns to Del Mar, the whole town shifts. The pace quickens, the crowds arrive, and the Plaza becomes the unofficial gathering place for long lunches, ocean-view cocktails, and easy post-race evenings. Here is how to spend the week like a local, one stop at a time.
Begin at The Cottage, where the day starts with coffee and the sound of early chatter. The café is introducing a Breeders’ Cup inspired menu for the week, pairing familiar favorites with seasonal plates. On the weekend, guests who show a valid ticket will receive exclusive dining specials — a quiet tip for those in the know.
By afternoon, the energy settles into Tamarindo Del Mar, where the Breeders’ Cup Margarita is already a favorite. It is bright, balanced, and made for the sun-soaked patio. Their October Margarita is also on the menu, with a portion of proceeds supporting Breast Cancer Awareness, so every toast gives back.
As the sun drops and the Plaza begins to glow purple, Monarch Ocean Pub becomes the center of attention. On October 30, it will host the official Breeders’ Cup VIP Welcome Party, a night that brings together locals, visitors, and the racing community over surf and turf bites, signature cocktails, and panoramic ocean views.
Dinner can take many directions. Both Il Fornaio and Pacifica Del Mar are serving special race-week menus and cocktails that lean into the spirit of the event all week long. Il Fornaio offers Italian warmth and a touch of celebration, while Pacifica’s seafood and views create the kind of atmosphere that feels effortlessly timeless.
Between it all, wander through the Plaza’s walkways and let the energy of the week carry you. Conversations spill out from patios, glasses catch the light, and the ocean feels close enough to taste.
Breeders’ Cup Week at the Plaza is not just about the races. It is about the moments in between — the meals, the company, and the way Del Mar feels when the spotlight finds it again.
